A word from the head office...

I recently read a quote by Anne Frank that really inspired me. She said "how wonderful is it that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world?" All of you are receiving this newsletter because you are a valued supporter of World Youth International and the work we have been doing to help 'improve the world'. I want to thank you for your support in 2008, and ask for your continued support in 2009 to help WYI grow and make a greater impact globally.

Over the festive period, we have had over 50 volunteers working on projects throughout Kenya, Uganda, Nepal and Cambodia. They have been a part of some very successful development projects in severely disadvantaged communities and we thank them for their dedication and hard work. We are confident that 2009 will see more and more volunteers travelling with World Youth International, and making their contribution to improve the world.

Jess Roberts
Overseas Programs Manager

Ralph Hoey has been Chairman of our World Youth International Board for 10 years. At our December 2008 board meeting , he stepped down from this position. He will continue as a board member for World Youth International and in the role of Financial Director. At the same meeting, Gerald Groom, a current board member, was unanimously elected to the role as Chairman of WYI for a period of twelve months.

Ralph has done a truly outstanding job in his role as Chairman. He has characteristically dedicated his life and his time into the ongoing health and growth of our organization. He has successfully 'driven' World Youth International through many challenging and turbulent times, and his generosity and willingness to 'do whatever it takes' to make a difference to the children of the world is unmatched. There are no words to sufficiently acknowledge and thank Ralph for his contribution to WYI and to our children - and for his vision, courage and strength.

Ralph Hoey - We applaud you - TAKE A BOW!!

Click here to read more about Gerald Groom and his vision for WYI.

World Youth International is looking for two dedicated volunteers to lead our Overseas Action Programs to Peru and Kenya in June 2009! Each program will run for 10 weeks, and the team leader will be responsible for a team of volunteers and the success of the projects. All expenses are covered by WYI. This is an amazing opportunity! If you are interested, please download the documents below and apply by February 6th 2009. For any enquiries, please email the Overseas Programs Manager Jess Roberts.

It's that time of the year again... Jazz in the Park 2009... and you're invited! Come along on the 6th February and join us in celebrating our 10th Jazz in the Park event, while supporting the children of Nepal. You can also test your bidding skills at the Silent Auction which will include a myriad of products from our major sponsor, THE GOOD GUYS! There is a 10% discount for ticket orders of 10 or more... but get in early as tickets are strictly limited!!

Click here to find out more information or to order tickets online.

The life of an African Ninja

In November 2008 the Student Representative Council of the Adelaide based Mitcham Primary School voted to include an extra special fundraising activity for the end of the year. Through the 2008/09 World Youth International Gift Catalogue, the SRC became aware that whilst the Kenyan Government promotes free education for all, students without funds for a school uniform can not attend. So in a creative switch, the students made a gold coin donation to wear casual clothes instead of school uniforms, to then enable disadvantaged Kenyan children access to school uniforms. Click here to read more.

Millions of children throughout the world need help to survive. For these children, even fundamental human rights such as access to food, clean water, medical care, and education is a daily struggle. The greatest gift we can give them is not money, but the opportunity to empower themselves. YOU can empower these children TODAY through World Youth International's sponsorship program.

There are still 2 children waiting for sponsorship at the WYI Owiti Children's Home in Kenya, 9 year old James and 6 year old Rolex (pictured). Click here to see how you can give these children the greatest gift of all.

World Youth International's 20 year anniversary celebration book, You Are Amazing has been constantly inspiring and touching readers since it was released in 2008. This is what Ian and Pat Reeler from Sydney had to say about the book:

"I was profoundly moved by the richly fulfilling and tragically short story of the life of Robert Hoey and of the rich heritage he left behind, and also by the many other inspiring stories of achievement for World Youth in so many parts of the world. I am also impressed by the professionalism of the production and congratulate your team for putting it all together so well."

If you do not have your copy yet, please click here to have one posted to you!

WYI is always looking for new talent to assist us on our journey. Have you ever considered being a part of the team that will lead WYI into the future? Maybe a board member of WYI? Imagine being a part of the team that is making a massive difference to the lives of many on our planet... especially the kids.

Apart from ongoing volunteers across a range of skills, WYI is looking for board members that can assist us at the strategy level to achieve the many projects we have on our plates. Currently the board member skills we are in need of are Fundraising and Legal. If you fit either of these categories then please contact Rob Kalka (CEO) or Gerald Groom (Chairman).

The positions we are seeking to fill are volunteer roles and as such do not attract salaries or compensation of any sort. Make a difference to the Kids of the World... volunteer your services or time NOW!

World Youth International would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your fantastic response to our 08/09 Gift Catalogue. In just the last 3 months, your generosity has helped raise over $30,000 for disadvantaged Kenyan and Nepalese families. This sum means we are already very close to overtaking the annual total raised from our debut catalogue in 07/08, resulting in assistance to so many more people!

There has been a wonderful response to all gift items including some of our repeat items such as the mosquito nets and orders for more than 80 sheep to provide both milk and a source of income for needy families in Kenya...plus we'll be building another 6 houses! Click here to read more...

Our major national fundraiser Pedal Against Poverty - Pedal for Possibility is on again in April. Will you join in this year? All it takes is for you to decide to ride your bike and ask your friends/family/colleagues to donate some money to sponsor your efforts. You could organize a ride with your work social club, with your uni group or simply with your family or best friend. Decide on a date to ride (sometime in April) register yourself at www.pedalagainstpoverty.org.au and start asking people to sponsor you. It's that easy! Not only will you help raise much needed funds to support the kids you'll also be promoting sustainable transport options, health and wellbeing.

We are also looking for a Pedal Coordinator in each state to help manage and promote the event. If you are interested in this role, or want more information please email Kim Davis.