The Oaktree Foundation have a vision of a world free from poverty. Their programs, projects and actions are driven by this shared belief — that poverty is unjust and can be ended in our lifetime.

Sione Fonua (12/JN) has embraced this vision for the world and has recently participated in the Roadtrip to End Poverty, hitting the road with over 1,000 other young people to ensure our government does its fair share to end extreme poverty. Here is his report and reflection on the experience:

The road trip was launched on Saturday March 9 and ended on Friday the 15th. I was lucky to have been put forward for this by the Head of Service Learning, to broaden my perspective on what “Service Learning” means. I travelled around various suburbs in Sydney and eventually the South Coast as far down as Eden, staying in various types of accommodation and even scout halls. Whilst on the Roatrip, I was slowly but surely receiving information on extreme poverty, relative poverty and the effects of climate change. I gained insights into the views of our Government by approaching MPs in various towns and asking for their support for our petition. I was then able to go to Canberra with other youth ambassadors, numbering over 1,000 from all over Australia, to lobby the Government to solidify their commitment to increase Australia’s Foreign Aid commitment . I was able to meet and discuss the issue with Senators Bob Carr, Christine Milne and finally Lee Rhiannon (who had made a mention of our interview in the Senate). Overall it was a great experience and one I will refer to in future endeavours.

Mr Mick Madden
Head of Service Learning