Oxfam works with others to overcome poverty and suffering

In a world rich in resources, poverty isn't a fact of life but an injustice which must be overcome.

We believe that everyone is entitled to a life of dignity and opportunity; and we work with poor communities, local partner organisations, volunteers, and supporters to make this a reality.

Oxfam's goal is a world where every person is :-

	Poor people usually have a clear idea of what could help them to overcome their problems, but they lack the resources needed to put their ideas into practice. That's where Oxfam comes in, providing the necessary funding, training and support to get people started
	It's hard to change your life for the better when you don't know how to read or write. Yet today, millions of children are being denied their best chance to escape poverty; Unable to go to school because it's miles away or simply because their parents can't afford to pay the school fees.
	In poor countries, many people don't have proper medical care. Even if they can afford treatment, sick people often have to walk for hours or even days to see a doctor or nurse. Oxfam helps people to improve existing health services and to reduce sickness from waterborne diseases by providing safe, clean water supplies.
	Most poor people have no say in the decisions that affect their lives, and no power to change things. Oxfam helps people to speak out together so that their views and their needs are heard.
	Often, the most vulnerable people are those who are oppressed within their own society. This might be because of disability or ethnic or cultural identity. With support from Oxfam, people can begin to take control of their own lives and to challenge the negative views which keep them living in poverty.
	Oxfam has a worldwide reputation for emmergency relief work, providing shelter, clean water and sanitation services to people whose lives have been turned upside down by war or natural disaster. Our Logistics Warehouse in Oxfordshire can dispatch 30 tonnes of life saving equipment to any GB airport within 13 hours

Oxfam's Beliefs

• The lives of all human beings are of equal value.
• In a world rich in resources, poverty is an injustice which must be overcome.
• Poverty makes people more vulnerable to conflict and natural calamity; much of this suffering can be prevented, and must be relieved.
• People's vulnerability to poverty and suffering is increased by unequal power relations based on, for example, gender, race, class, caste and disability; women, who make up a majority of the world's poor, are especially disadvantaged.
• Working together we can build a just and safer world, in which people take control over their own lives and enjoy their basic rights.
• To overcome poverty and suffering involves changing unjust policies and practices, nationally and internationally, as well as working closely with people in poverty.

Oxfam's Identity

• Oxfam works internationally as part of a world-wide movement to build a just and safer world.
• Oxfam is an independent British organisation, registered as a charity, affiliated to Oxfam International, with partners, volunteers, supporters, and staff of many nationalities.
• Oxfam is accountable both to those who support it and to those whom it seeks to benefit by its efforts.

Oxfam's Culture

Reflects a passionate commitment to overcoming the injustice of poverty and suffering. We seek to be: -

• Making a difference
• Innovative
• Collaborative
• Accountable
• Cost-effective