Nokia and Nadace rozvoje obcanské spolecnosti (NROS, the Civil Society Development Foundation) today launched the second year of Make a Connection - Pripoj se in the Czech Republic. Continuation of the program will provide young people with more opportunities to get involved in their communities and implement their own volunteer projects.
Speaking at a press conference to mark the event, Hana Silhanová, General Manager of NROS said: "We've had an excellent response in the first year of the Make a Connection program - which is why we expect broad interest from young people this year as well. The program's success is very much due to the non-profit organizations we partner with in the regions, which have cooperated with us closely from the beginning." Last year more than 50 projects were implemented in five regions involving more than 400 young people.
For this second year of the Make a Connection program, young people from ages 16 to 24 have until March 31, 2003 to submit their project proposals. From these projects, an evaluation commission will select the best ones to receive a grant of up to CZK 50,000. In addition to funding for implementing projects, young people will also receive several days of training aimed at teaching them best practices in project management and improving their skills and abilities. The winning projects will be announced at the beginning of June 2003. It is estimated that within three years, these projects should impact or benefit approximately 24,000 people.
Jukka Pietarinen, Managing Director of Nokia Czech Republic, said: "We've been delighted by the response and results of the projects implemented in the first year of the program. The enthusiasm we have seen so far confirms that if given an opportunity, young people are ready to leverage it to change their world for the better."
About Make a Connection - Pripoj se in the Czech Republic
Launched in the Czech Republic in April 2002, Make a Connection - Pripoj se is a joint initiative of Nadace rozvoje obcanské spolecnosti (NROS) and Nokia. A total of 126 groups of young people registered in the three-year long program. From a very diverse range of their proposals, the evaluation commission selected the best 53 projects that were awarded grants worth over CZK 1,500,000. Zuzana Norisová, the actress and singer, continues to be the program's patron in its second year.
Make a Connection is a global, multi-year partnership between the International Youth Foundation (IYF) and Nokia to promote positive youth development by giving young people an opportunity to "make a connection" to their families, peers, and their communities in general. The program improves young people's educational opportunities, teaches them life skills and helps them to be involved in the life of their communities. Country programs are currently running in Brazil, Canada, China, the Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, the Republic of Korea, Mexico, the Philippines, Poland, South Africa and the United Kingdom. More information on Make a Connection can be found at www.pripojse.cz (www.makeaconnection.cz) or www.makeaconnection.org.
The Civil Society Development Foundation (NROS) aims to strengthen the non-profit sector through philanthropy and voluntary work in the Czech Republic as well as through projects that contribute to the development of civil society and European integration. The foundation supports non-profit organizations working with threatened and disadvantaged groups, defending human rights, democratic values, tolerance and the respect of minority rights within society, or otherwise raising awareness of these issues among citizens. One of the key target groups of the foundation is children and young people. With experience from a variety of projects for children and young people, NROS has the necessary know-how and expertise to successfully implement Make a Connection in the Czech Republic in co-operation with the International Youth Foundation and Nokia. www.nros.cz
About International Youth Foundation
The International Youth Foundation (IYF) is one of the world's largest public foundations focused on children and youth. IYF is dedicated to supporting programs that improve the conditions and prospects for young people where they live, learn, work and play. Since its founding in 1990, IYF has worked with hundreds of companies, foundations, and nongovernmental organizations to scale up existing programs and build long-term strategic partnerships. Currently operating in nearly 50 countries and territories, IYF and its partners have helped more than 26 million young people gain the skills, training and opportunities critical to their success. www.iyfnet.org
About Nokia
Nokia is committed to having a positive impact on society that extends beyond the advanced technology, products and services the company creates. Through its partnership with IYF and other regional philanthropic and social responsibility programs, the company prepares young people to embrace opportunities and possibilities created by the global economy and new technological advancements. The company has been an active regional contributor to youth and education causes for years, with Nokia employees volunteering in a range of projects throughout the world. More information on Nokia can be found at www.nokia.com
Further information:
NROS, Lenka Naceradská, +420 2 333 561 73, lenka.naceradska@nros.cz
Nokia, Larisa Francírková, +420 602 120 339, larisa.francirkova@nokia.com
Mmd, Hana Kucerová, +420 2 24251555, kucerova@mmd.cz