Flowing from ongoing cooperation between the International Youth Foundation and Nokia, the initiative marks the 16th country in which the global Make a Connection program has been established.
"Street to Street" will directly and indirectly benefit 50,000 people including kids, youngsters and parents. All can participate in different kinds of activities such as training courses, workshops, and informative talks, with a view to the development of their life skills", explained Alejandro Vassilaqui, CEO of Cedro.
The Make a Connection Street to Street program will engage young people who live in "high risk" areas, offering an opportunity for them to become leaders in their community. The main objective of the program is to turn young people into promoters of change who can positively influence the development of other young people.
The program activities will strengthen life skills, with other concrete aims including an increase in the number of volunteer activities, the creation of new facilities for educational, cultural and recreational use, and the award of scholarships to outstanding young leaders. The program will also seek to improve the image of youth in their own communities, engage parents, and establish links with local authorities.
"We are very honored to work with CEDRO and the International Youth Foundation to support the development of Peruvian youth," said Kimmo Lipponen, Director Corporate Marketing of Nokia. "If young people can strengthen their life skills and participate actively in the development of their community, it will not only make a meaningful difference to their lives as individuals; it will change the lives of their friends, family, and neighbors as well. For us as a company, the program is a natural extension of our values and our mission."
About Make a Connection
Make a Connection is a global initiative of the International Youth Foundation 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 make a positive contribution to their societies. Country programs are currently running in Brazil, Canada, China, the Czech Republic, Finland, Germany, Hungary, Mexico, the Philippines, Peru, Poland, South Africa, South Korea, Thailand, Turkey, and the United Kingdom. More information on Make a Connection can be found at www.makeaconnection.org.
Make a Connection is a global initiative of the International Youth Foundation 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 make a positive contribution to their societies. Country programs are currently running in Brazil, Canada, China, the Czech Republic, Finland, Germany, Hungary, Mexico, the Philippines, Peru, Poland, South Africa, South Korea, Thailand, Turkey, and the United Kingdom. More information on Make a Connection can be found at www.makeaconnection.org.
Cedro is a non-profit foundation established in 1987 to promote education and information about drug use, causes and consequences. It aims to prevent drug abuse through education, hands-on activities and widespread community involvement for young people. More information about Cedro can be found at www.cedro.org.pe.
About the International Youth Foundation
The International Youth Foundation (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 non-governmental organizations to scale up existing programs and build long-term strategic partnerships. Currently operating in nearly 60 countries and territories, IYF and its partners have helped more than 30 million young people gain the skills, training and opportunities critical to their success. More information on IYF can be found at http://www.iyfnet.org/.
The International Youth Foundation (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 non-governmental organizations to scale up existing programs and build long-term strategic partnerships. Currently operating in nearly 60 countries and territories, IYF and its partners have helped more than 30 million young people gain the skills, training and opportunities critical to their success. More information on IYF can be found at http://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 cooperation 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 http://www.nokia.com/.
Nokia is committed to having a positive impact on society that extends beyond the advanced technology, products and services the company creates. Through its cooperation 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 http://www.nokia.com/.
For further information:
Cedro
Julio Moscoso
Phone: +51-1-44 66 682
Email: j.moscoso@cedro.org.pe
Nokia
Yolande Pineda
Phone: +1-214-263 8483
Email: yolande.pineda@nokia.com