NSW & ACT universities kick off 2009 with a vision

Vision Generation members were out in action around New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory earlier this month with stalls being setup at the universities of Sydney, New South Wales, Canberra and the Australian National University.

At the University of Sydney, an overwhelming 900 passionate students were recruited over just three days (and no, they didn't sign up just for the free sample of Fairtrade chocolate!). VGenners also spreaded the ethical message over the university radio station. They gained stage time on the Front Lawns, where the Cadbury gorilla led the destruction of slave chocolate pinjatas while local dance performance company, Breakthru Arts, interpreted child slavery in West Africa . Since O-Week, Sydney Uni has mobilised its new members at a social event at the Fairtrade Coffee Company, an advocacy stall and a Fairtrade chocolate fondue party!

Above inset: Sydney Uni executives Nicole and Jacqui
Credit: Kylie Grover. Click here to view the photo gallery

UNSW's week-long festivities gathered strength from the very first day, with all of the sign-up sheets running out. With a new support team, the volunteers excitedly promoted its group under the new brand of Vision Generation (the group was previously know as the World Vision club on campus). By giving out chocolate postcards, stickers and tatts, students were abuzz with excitement through the engagement of relevant youth issues. Such passion resulted in an awesome turnout to their welcome night, where students collaborated on the group's vision for the year. Check out their Facebook group...

Below inset: ANU Leaders Imogen & Craig, with ACT Vision Group Coordinator Steph (centre)

Credit: Gene Photography 2009. Click here to view the photo gallery

Following the successful and inaugural VGen presence at the Australian National University's orientation, the VGenners were so keen to get students involved that they held their first major event last weekend. 'Rescue Run' was held in conjuction with the Malaysian Students Council of Australia to bring international and local students together and to foster a relationship on campus for future humanitarian events. Over 100 students turned up on Saturday to run/walk 4.5km along Lake Burley Griffin, raising $1000 for World Vision's Child Rescue program. VGenner and Secretary of the Malaysian Students' Council, Eu Gene Hong said "It brought people from all walks of life from different religions and nationalities for a single cause- to rescue children from slavery."

Check out the upcoming events at these unis: http://vgen.org/nswevents

William @ VGen NSW/ACT