The Polish Children and Youth Foundation and Nokia Launch 'Make a Connection - Przylacz sie!' Program

Today, the Polish Children and Youth Foundation and Nokia launched 'Make a Connection - Przylacz sie!', a national youth development program starting in three Polish provinces. The program is part of the global Make a Connection program, an initiative of the International Youth Foundation and Nokia.

'Make a Connection - Przylacz sie!' targets young people aged between 16 and 22 years who may find themselves facing unemployment. As volunteers in the program, they will receive training in the areas of project management, budget planning, financial settlements, team work skills and public relations. These young people can then start their own volunteer projects in teams. Youth volunteer groups will receive up to PLN 6,000 (EUR 1,600) to help implement their projects, which are intended to benefit their communities.

Through their participation in the program, the young volunteers can expand their social and leadership skills as they prepare to become active citizens in their communities. 'Make a Connection - Przylacz sie!' will run for an initial three years, with an anticipated 2,000 young people taking part.

Famous Polish actress, Edyta Jungowska, who is the ambassador for the program says, "My profession depends on successful communication. One of the main aims of 'Make a Connection - Przylacz sie!' is to develop communication skills. PCYF and Nokia are helping young people to open themselves to the world and other people and to be aware of the needs of others. I think that in today's society, where we are often reserved, programs such as 'Make a Connection - Przylacz sie!' are very important."

Wanda Chotomska, President of the Polish Children and Youth Foundation, explains: "We have selected the Kujawsko-Pomorskie, Malopolskie and Slaskie regions because they have large youth populations and high unemployment. We hope that thanks to the Make a Connection - Przylacz sie!" program we will make a contribution to the people of these regions and will create more opportunities for youth."

"There are many talented people in Poland who do not always have an opportunity to realize their potential. Nokia wants to promote personal development through supporting a series of projects which involve volunteer programs in the local communities via social work and helping others," says Mariusz Kosinski, of Nokia Poland.

About Make a Connection
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 communities, to their families and peers, and to themselves. The program improves young people's educational opportunities, teaches them life skills and helps them to make a positive contribution to their societies. Country programs are currently running in Brazil, China, Germany, Mexico, Poland, South Africa, and the United Kingdom. More information on Make a Connection can be found at www.makeaconnection.org

About PCYF
The Polish Children and Youth Foundation is a non-profit organization that was founded in May 1992 with the support of the International Youth Foundation. Funds of the foundation come from donations and grants from institutions and private persons. The aim of PCYF's operations is the comprehensive development of children and youth from 5 to 20 years old. The foundation helps to shape a generation of responsible and creative people who shape their own lives and local communities, and thus the future of the country, in an active way. During 9 years of PCYF's operations it has helped 500 organizations working for children and youth. The foundation reaches the most remote parts of the country with its aid. Since September 1992 until the end of 2000 it made 1,130 donations totaling 11,851,000 PLN, helping over 3 million children and youth. More information on PCYF can be found at www.pcyf.org.pl/kimjestesmy.html

About Nokia
Nokia is the world leader in mobile communications. Backed by its experience, innovation, user-friendliness and secure solutions, the company has become the leading supplier of mobile phones and a leading supplier of mobile, fixed and IP networks. By adding mobility to the Internet Nokia creates new opportunities for companies and further enriches the daily lives of people. Nokia is a broadly held company with listings on six major exchanges.

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 many years, with Nokia employees making their own contributions as volunteers in a range of programs throughout the world. More information on Nokia can be found at www.nokia.com


Further information:

Polish Children and Youth Foundation
Maria Holzer, Arkadiusz Brzezinski
tel. (+48 22) 826 44 73, 826 44 74
fax (+48 22) 826 43 23
e-mail: mariahol@pcyf.org.pl

Nokia Poland
Anna Weyer
tel. (22) 821 81 23
fax (22) 821 83 98

www.nokia.com.pl

www.nokia.com

Monika Perek, Mmd Public Relations
tel. (22) 875 07 92
fax. (22) 825 27 68
e-mail: mperek@mmd.com.pl