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Macquarie University and AVI announce unique global volunteer program
06 May 2008
Macquarie University students and staff will have the
opportunity to participate in a unique global volunteer program,
following the recent announcement of an innovative partnership
between the University and AVI.
The Global Futures Program, which
will commence in 2010 in conjunction with University's new
curriculum, is the first of its kind in the Australia tertiary
sector - Macquarie is the first university to partner with an NGO
on this type of program.
The program is a manifestation of
Macquarie's commitment to social inclusion and equity, themes which
the University is endeavouring to incorporate throughout all its
activities.
Its aim is to develop partnerships,
both local and international, which make valuable contributions to
communities, and which are mutually beneficial. Programs will be
developed in conjunction with local community groups, regional and
remote councils, Indigenous groups, and nations throughout the
South Pacific and South East Asia.
"Volunteering provides outstanding
life, study and career development opportunities for the volunteer
and their counterparts," says Macquarie University Vice-Chancellor
Professor Steven Schwartz. "People-to-people links are at the heart
of community and equity. Through a network of facilitated
partnerships, these links can make a real and lasting difference to
our world.
"Through participation in the
program, Macquarie students will be able to develop their
capabilities to the highest potential so that they grow
intellectually, are well-equipped for work, can contribute
effectively to society and achieve personal fulfilment."
For each volunteer placement students
will receive academic credit.
The partnership will also afford
Macquarie staff, both academic and professional, access to
volunteer projects, providing an excellent opportunity for career
and leadership development. Opportunities for mutual learning,
mentoring, peer support, e-volunteering and two-way exchanges -
including guest lectureships at partner universities - will ensure
mutual benefit for all participants.
AVI is a natural match with
Macquarie, says Schwartz, as both organisations are committed to
initiatives that contribute to the shaping of an inclusive society
based on sustainable global relationships and cooperation.
"AVI has a 50-year track record of
success in recruiting, placing and managing more than 6000
international volunteering assignments with local partners, across
68 countries," says Schwartz. "Tapping into their expertise,
infrastructure and relationships will allow Macquarie to create
exceptional linkages which lead to lasting associations of learning
and mutual benefit."
It is this commitment to reciprocity
and a vision to achieve positive and lasting change which AVI says
makes Macquarie the ideal partner in such a collaboration.
"That Macquarie has, as one of its
key objectives, the goal of developing socially inclusive
relationships of equal benefit with communities both locally and
internationally, is one of the key motivations for us wanting to
partner with them," says AVI CEO Dimity Fifer. "This philosophy is
a hallmark of AVI's work and we look forward to working with them
in this venture."
Any enquiries from the media should
be directed to:
Fiona Crawford phone: (02) 9850 9658
email address: fiona.crawford@mq.edu.au
Media release from Macquarie University
website.