NEWSROOM
Macquarie University and AVI announce unique global community service program
6 May 2008
Macquarie University students and staff will have the opportunity to participate in a unique global community service program, following the recent announcement of an innovative partnership between the University and Australian Volunteers International (AVI).
The Global Futures Program, which will commence in 2010 in conjunction with the University's new curriculum, is the first of its kind in the Australian 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.
"Community service provides outstanding life, study and career development opportunities for participants 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 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
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