Young Australian volunteers for Asia, the Pacific and Africa
Media release
30 June 2010
Tonight in Canberra, Ghanaian Foreign Minister, Alhaji Muhammad Mumuni, and I farewelled 160 young Australians about to live and work in 17 developing countries across Asia, the Pacific and Africa as Australian Youth Ambassadors for Development.
They will join more than 3,000 Australians aged between 18 and 30 who have volunteered as Australian Youth Ambassadors for Development since 1999.
In 2010, for the first time, the Youth Ambassador program was extended to Africa, where Australia has considerably enhanced its foreign policy engagement and development assistance presence.
Ghana is the first country to benefit from the expanded Youth Ambassador program.
The first four Youth Ambassadors to Africa went to Ghana in April and May. They will be joined in July by a further four Youth Ambassadors.
Over coming months, three Youth Ambassadors will also embark on placements to Kenya for the first time.
Australia is extending its aid program in Africa to support countries in their efforts to achieve the Millennium Development Goals, particularly in the priority areas of water and sanitation, maternal and child health and food security.
Youth Ambassadors live and work in local communities in developing countries, sharing their skills and learning about their host countries and cultures.
The group will work in jobs as diverse as farming, improving water supply, sustainable forestry and occupational therapy.
Media inquiries
- Minister's Office: (02) 6277 7500
- Departmental Media Liaison: (02) 6261 1555