The world is so rich in people who can and will. But extreme inequality keeps too many of them trapped without a chance to create a better future. Oxfam IBIS does something about this, as they
All people have the right to a life free of poverty and injustice, and for more than 50 years Oxfam IBIS has helped bring people hope and stand with them in the fight for a better world.
They see it as an important part of their task to bring together the many Danes who want to make a positive difference. And especially, they feel a responsibility to make good teaching material that gives their children the best opportunities to know and understand the world they are a part of.
From WUS to IBIS to Oxfam IBIS
For 25 years, they were part of WUS, a global network of student organizations. Then they went solo until in 2016 we became the Danish part of Oxfam. Oxfam IBIS originates from a worldwide student organization WUS, founded in the early 1920s.
Initially, WUS worked on social activities for students in Europe.
In the 1960s, activities were expanded to support development projects, first and foremost, WUS provided scholarships to students from developing countries. On November 3, 1966, WUS in Denmark was founded by students and lecturers at Copenhagen, as a side activity under the Danish Student Council.
As the politically conscious student movement grew in earnest, the desire arose for the WUS to engage more strongly in international political work. Initially it was in the form of support for the liberation movements in southern Africa and their struggle against the apartheid regime and the Portuguese colonial power. Support for southern Africa was funded by WUS and Operation Daycare.
The Danish state also supported WUS 'work. Initially, support went to Angola. Here, the focus was on education and transport of relief aid to refugee camps. Since then, WUS expanded its activities to South Africa, Namibia and Mozambique.
