Press releases (english)

 “MAKE A CONNECTION – PŘIPOJ SE” - now in its sixth year - invites youth to apply for support for volunteer projects 

Prague, 25 January 2007 - With the aim of supporting voluntary activities led by young people in the Czech Republic, the Civil Society Development Foundation (NROS) and Nokia announce the sixth year of Make a Connection – Připoj se. Through the program young volunteers receive financial support to develop and implement projects that benefit their communities. As has been the case in previous years, almost two million CZK will be distributed for these projects.

Volunteer projects proposed by young people must seek to help or improve the surroundings and the community in which the young people live. Through the program, young people learn to contribute as active citizens, while developing valuable communication, decision-making, goal-setting, teamwork, and other “life” skills that will contribute to their success at school, in work, and in their lives in general. Over the past five years, more than 2,700 young people have benefited from the program, launching over 350 volunteer projects that have positively influenced the lives of more than 110,000 people.

“Young people have many excellent ideas of how to help the community in which they live, and how to help various disadvantaged groups of people. Their enthusiasm is an inspiration for us, and we are happy to be able to support them for the sixth year,” says Jan Kolimar, the Director of Nokia, Czech and Slovak Republics.

Young people, ages 16 to 24, can submit project proposals to the program until March 31, 2007. Evaluation commissions will then select the best projects which will be eligible to receive small grants amounting up to CZK 50,000. Besides financial support, program participants also attend a training course to learn how to manage their projects and develop necessary skills in such areas as communications and fundraising.

The diversity of projects supported by the Make a Connection – Připoj se program is a testament to the fact that young people are keen to play an active role in addressing community needs. One project led by a group of young artists, for example, offered their peers in the town of Litoměřice with a productive way of spending their free time. Creativity workshops and subsequent multimedia exhibitions organised by project participants attracted some 2,500 visitors. The success of the project is reflected in the unprecedented publicity it received within the region and the multimedia DVD the youth produced.

"As a rule, the interest the young people show in the “Make a Connection – Připoj se” program usually does not end with successful realization of a project. In 2004, participants from previous years established The Alumnik –to continue their voluntary activities and assist other youth,” says Hana Šilhánová, the Manager of the Foundation for Development of Civic Society (NROS). “Currently, the participants are working to provide additional education for young volunteers, for which they raised money from public and private sources.”

About the “Make a Connection – Připoj se” program
The “Make a Connection – Připoj se” program is part of a global development initiative of Nokia and International Youth Foundation (IYF). Its goal is to provide support for the positive development of young people, by offering them opportunities to engage meaningfully with their peers, their families, and society in general. The program expands non-formal educational opportunities for young people, helps them to gain experience, and participate actively in community life. The program was launched in 2002 as a joint initiative of the Foundation for Development of Civic Society (NROS) and Nokia and currently operates in five regions of the country.. NROS overseas the overall management and coordination of the program, while at the regional level, its realization has been entrusted to five non-profit making organisations. The sixth partner is The Tereza Maxová Foundation, which is realizing the program for children's homes throughout the country. For further information, visit: www.pripojse.cz

About The Civil Society Development Foundation (NROS)
The Civil Society Development Foundation (NROS) strives to reinforce the position of the non-profit sector in the Czech Republic through philanthropy and voluntary work, and through projects that contribute to development of civic society and to European integration. The Foundation supports non-profit organizations and governmental agencies working with endangered or disadvantaged groups; protects human rights, democratic values, tolerance, and respect for the rights of minorities; and increases public awareness about these issues. One of the Foundation’s main target groups are children and young people. More information about NROS is available at www.nros.cz

About Nokia
Nokia has a positive impact on society that extends beyond the advanced technology, products and services the company creates. Through its cooperation with the International Youth Foundation and other regional philanthropic and social responsibility programs, the company prepares young people to embrace opportunities 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. Since the year 2000, Nokia has invested more than USD 26 million in youth development programs that have directly benefited more than 330,000 young people in 24 countries. More information about Nokia is available at www.nokia.com.

About the International Youth Foundation
Currently operating in 70 countries and territories, the International Youth Foundation (IYF) is dedicated to preparing young people worldwide to be healthy, productive, and engaged citizens. Established in 1990, IYF works with companies, foundations, governments, and civil society organizations to strengthen and scale up proven programs that are making a positive and lasting difference in young lives. Together with its partners around the world, IYF concentrates on four key areas: education, employability, health, and leadership and engagement. For more information, please visit www.iyfnet.org.

Questions from media:

NROS:
Anna Onucová
Tel.: +420 227 217 217
Mobile Phone: +420 605 161 138
E-mail: anna.onucova@nros.cz

Nokia:
Martin Frýdl
AC&C Public Relations, s.r.o.
Tel.: +420 220 513 680
Mobile Phone: +420 603 419 681
Fax: +420 220 518 209
E-mail: martin.frydl@accpr.cz
ICQ: 223-959-827
SKYPE: martinfrydl8275