Nokia together with Kids & Future today officially launched Make a Connection in the Republic of Korea, as part of the global Make a Connection initiative of the International Youth Foundation and Nokia.
The program will assist children and youth aged 7 to 15 from families that have been disproportionately affected by adverse economic conditions. Funding and supervision will be provided to selected Gong-bu bangs, or small community welfare and education centers, to support model programs that build the life skills of these young people. There are approximately 250 Gong-bu bangs throughout the Republic of Korea, typically serving about 30 students and targeting children from low-income families who may be orphaned, from single-parent families, or have two working parents.
"Young people face tremendous challenges from every day life," said Prof. Bong-ho Son, Chairman of Kids & Future. "With the launch of this unique corporate citizenship program with Nokia and IYF in the Republic of Korea, we can equip young people with greater self-confidence and with the skills to deal with these issues head-on."
An estimated 750 young people will benefit directly from the project each year, improving their emotional stability, self-confidence, and interpersonal and communications skills. A further 2,000 family members and peers are expected to be indirectly affected by the Make a Connection program. Kids & Future will identify best practices and disseminate them through conferences and manuals so that instructors in all Gong-bu bangs can apply the tested models, extending the reach of the program to thousands of children.
Speaking at a press conference and combined launch event today, Martin Sandelin, a Nokia Senior Vice President, said: "The new Make a Connection support program is in line with Nokia's global efforts in youth life skills training and effectively addresses a very real and relevant local issue. Today's launch not only demonstrates Nokia's long-term commitment to the South Korean market, but also a willingness from our company and our employees to work side by side with local partners in contributing to the social well being of children in this society."
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, the Philippines, Poland, South Africa, and the United Kingdom. www.makeaconnection.org
About Kids & Future
The Kids & Future Foundation was established in March 2000 as an independent non-profit organization. The organization promotes a contribution culture in Korea as well as working to extend social welfare equality in otherwise neglected areas. Ongoing projects include the Na Noom (Sharing) Support Project, the Welfare Working-level Training Support Project for Sheim and Hwebok (Rest and Recovery), the Youth Culture Event Support Project and the Information Support Project. www.kidsfuture.net
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 organisations to scale up existing programs and build long-term strategic partnerships. Currently operating in more than 60 countries, IYF and its partners have helped more than 23 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 many years, with Nokia employees making their own contributions as volunteers in a range of programs throughout the world. www.nokia.com
Contact information
Nokia Korea
Jiwon Kim
Tel: 822-2186-5085
Jiwon.kim@nokia.com
Kids & Future
Dae-wook Bang
Tel: 822-3452-8998
Wooba01@hanmail.net
Ogilvy PR Korea
Judy Jung
Tel: 822-3468-2943
Judy.jung@ogilvy.com
Jeri Lee
Tel: 822-3468-2942
Jeri.lee@ogilvy.com