2009-2010 - Making Of a New Strategy

It is my privilege to present to you the annual report and audited accounts for Oxfam Trust for the financial year 2009-10.

As we continued our journey building Oxfam India as a dynamic Indian identity, we spent the last year trying to reflect on what we have done in the past and how we can do things differently in the future, while simultaneously delivering programme on the ground. One thing that emerged from this introspection is the need to have a new strategy to match our aspiration to be an institution that is gearing itself up to address the challenges of today’s and future India.

The new strategy entitled “Demanding Rights, Creating Opportunities’’ focuses on the seven states rich in resources with high incidence of poverty and marginalisation – Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Orissa, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand – and on four groups holding potential to transform India – Dalits, Muslims, Tribal Communities and Women. Besides sharing our strategy with diverse stakeholders, we also held a series of consultations with partners, staff and experts to identify critical issues faced by these groups in the above mentioned States.

Last year witnessed expansion of our support base to reach out to 70,000 people who are now supporting our cause and feel the need to be part of a “thinking’’, “feeling’’ and “actively engaged’’ citizens. We have also been able to raise about Rs. 7.20 crore from individual donors for local programmes, a by no means insignificant achievement considering the fact that the fund-raising efforts are still pretty much new in India and the concept of giving to a rights-based organisation is yet to become first choice of the donors.

Along with establishing new programmes and expanding our support base, we have also been setting up robust internal mechanisms laying the foundations of a strong Oxfam India. This is the last year that we function as a trust. From April 1, 2010, Oxfam India would be a section 25 registered company with an expanded Board and a young and vibrant team that reflects our ambition to make a difference in the lives of poor and marginalized people.

The audited accounts of Oxfam Trust are presented for your information and review. The total income from various sources including money generated from India was Rs. 66.93 crore. A substantial amount, as stated earlier, was generated from within the country, highlighting the success of our efforts to engage the citizens in the country’s development agenda.

As we march ahead in our journey, I would like to thank my colleagues in the Board for being strong pillars of strength in formulating a vibrant new strategy for Oxfam India, and I extend my congratulations to the management and the staff who passionately engaged in developing this new strategy. I also thank all our donors for playing a vital role by supporting us in our vision of building India where the right to life with dignity for all becomes a reality. I am sure that you will continue to support us as we continue to build on this vision.

Finally, my sincere appreciation to Oxfam International and fellow Oxfam affiliates for their continued support and conviction in the new Indian identity, Oxfam India.

Minar Pimple,

Chairperson, Oxfam Trust