UNE, Armidale linked in Walk Against Want effort

April 12, 2007

Amarjit Kaur, Professor of Economic History at the University of New England, is one of the driving forces behind the Oxfam Walk Against Want in Armidale. Professor Kaur (pictured here) is urging everyone who can to take part.

"Take the chance to contribute to the work Oxfam is conducting in 30 countries around the world, including Australia, and get some exercise to boot," she said. "UNE students are encouraged to participate and earn points towards the University's New England Award, which recognises students' community involvement."

Professor Kaur's academic expertise centres on the economic development of South-east Asia and the role of factors such as non-governmental organisations (e.g. Oxfam) in the development of a country, region or community. So, when she pulls on her joggers and walks the 5 km along the bike path in Armidale on Sunday morning [15 April] at 10:30 am, she'll do so with the knowledge of what Walk Against Want can achieve and how sorely any achievements are needed in impoverished communities. "Oxfam enhances quality of life where it's desperately needed," she said, mentioning the provision of basics necessities such as clean drinking water and communal vegetable gardens.

"The work of Oxfam Australia helps communities to help themselves through local initiatives," she said. "Typically, a local community prioritises its own needs and approaches Oxfam for assistance."

"We'll be starting from the Community Garden at 219 Dumaresq Street," she explained. "It's a light walk along the bike path to the University of New England and back, or you could run, cycle or skate. You can even take your dog – on a leash, of course."

The humanitarian awareness and fund raising effort began 41 years ago, with Armidale taking up Walk Against Want just two years later.

"Just turn up and make a contribution," urged Professor Kaur.

Posted by Jim Scanlan at April 12, 2007 03:32 PM