Monash University and World Vision in new alliance

Monash University and international aid agency World Vision have forged a new alliance in research, advocacy and education. 

Monash Vice-Chancellor Professor Ed Byrne and World Vision Australia chief executive Tim Costello signed an agreement this week to create new partnership opportunities including collaboration on joint research projects, volunteering and internship opportunities for students in World Vision activities, graduate placement and curriculum development. 

Professor Byrne said both organisations had similar values and goals around advancing research, education, plus fostering public outreach and social justice. 

"I am both proud and excited to be fostering stronger links with an organisation like World Vision at a University-wide level," Professor Byrne said. 

"There are many ways in which Monash University staff and students can partner and get involved with World Vision activities for the benefit of everyone involved." 

The two institutions will work together in five key areas: sustainability and climate change, global poverty, child labour and human trafficking, development and public health. Over the next 12 months the focus will be on climate change. 

“World Vision has always sought new and innovative ways to improve the lives of the world’s poor,” said Tim Costello. 

“Poverty is a large, complex problem, so it’s only natural that we seek to work with some of Australia’s best and brightest minds. 

“It is more important than ever that Australia embraces a global outlook that encourages empathy for the poor and action to combat poverty. I think this agreement really positions Monash University as a leader of that movement.” 

Monash University Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Adam Shoemaker said the agreement was part of a University strategy to work more closely with key Australian and international non-government organisations. 

“Monash has always has a strong commitment to social justice, so for the University it is a natural progression to work together with other like-minded organisations,” Professor Shoemaker said. 

"This is part of our plan to make for a richer learning experience for our students." 

The World Vision agreement is in addition to a Monash University partnership with Oxfam Australia, which has seen the placement of Oxfam retail products at the Monash store at the Clayton campus and allowed students to undertake and apply for internships with partner organisations in South Africa. 

For further information or arrange interviews contact Tim Mitchell: +61 3 9903 4830  or  0437 457 896 .