Press releases (english)

Prague, 24 April 2008 – Now in its seventh year, the successful “Make a Connection - Připoj se” program invites young people to apply for support to carry out community projects. The Foundation for the Development of a Civil Society (NROS) implements this program in partnership with Nokia and the International Youth Foundation (IYF). The program’s aim: to support civic projects developed by young people while equipping youth with experience and further education.

To date, Make a Connection - Připoj se has supported more than 400 youth volunteer projects, engaging over 3,300 young volunteers. In total, these projects have positively affected the lives of almost 180,000 people. Based on these impressive results, Nokia decided to continue its investment and partnership with NROS in support young Czech volunteers for another three years.

There are many reasons for celebration today: The “Make a Connection – Připoj se” program will expand its offerings nationally within the Czech Republic and increase the age range for young people who can participate. While only volunteers ages 16 to 24 could take part last year, this year the limit has been increased from 16 to 26 years of age.

“The underlying philosophy of the programme remains the same,” said Hana Šilhánová, Director of the Foundation for the Development of a Civil Society (NROS). “We want to support young people’s good ideas aimed at their community and help them develop valuable life skills.”

A sum of CZK 3 million will be available for young people’s projects in 2008. In order to receive up to CZK 50,000 for their project, volunteers must focus on improving their neighbourhood or community, but they can devote their energies to any number of issues from protecting the environment, to promoting the rights of the disabled, to organizing cultural events. Apart from funds for the realisation of their project, selected youth groups will benefit from several days of training, during which they will learn how to manage their project, communicate within the team, and much more.

“This year’s training will be even more interactive and experience-based, focusing on things that aren’t normally taught in schools.” adds Hana Šilhánová. “What’s more, young people will pass on their experience and knowledge, teaching their peers and colleagues in the team, which is fantastic. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank all our media partners and others for their support. We truly appreciate their help and look forward to further collaboration.”

“We’re glad that we can help locally through supporting young people whose energy and enthusiasm for important social causes is admirable.” said Ján Kolimár, Director of Nokia Czech and Slovakian Republic, commenting on the programme. They know what is needed in their community and have valuable ideas for how to achieve this. We’re on their side and will continue to support them in the coming years.”

The main promotional campaign will run from May through June this year. Young people interested in participating in the program must register their project no later than 30 June 2008. Projects will then be evaluated. Those projects selected to receive financial support will implement their activities from September 2008 to March 2009. All information on participation in the program, including registration forms for projects (grant applications) are available at www.pripojse.cz.

About the “Make a Connection – Připoj se” Programme
“Make a Connection – Připoj se” is part of a global initiative by Nokia and the International Youth Foundation (IYF). Its aim is to support the positive development of young people by offering them the opportunity to establish closer ties with their families, peers and the community in general. The programme expands educational opportunities for young people, helps them gain life skills and take part in the life of their community. In April 2002 the “Make a Connection – Připoj se” programme was launched in the Czech Republic as a joint initiative of the Foundation for the Development of a Civil Society (NROS) and Nokia. In 2008 the programme goes nationwide. The Foundation for the Development of a Civil Society (NROS) is responsible for the overall management and coordination of the programme. More information about the “Make a Connection – Připoj se” programme is available is www.pripojse.cz.

Foundation for the Development of a Civil Society (NROS)
The Foundation for the Development of a Civil Society (NROS) strives to strengthen the non-profit sector in the Czech Republic through philanthropy and voluntary work, as well as projects contributing to the development of a civil society and European integration. The Foundation supports non-profit organisations that work with groups at risk and disadvantaged groups, protect human rights, democratic values, tolerance and the rights of minorities or increase awareness of these issues among the public in other ways. One of the foundation’s target groups is children and adolescents. More information about NROS is available at www.nros.cz.

Nokia
Nokia has a positive affect on society outside the sphere of advanced technologies, products and services provided by the company. Through collaboration with non-profit and government organisations, the company prepares young people to take advantage of the opportunities created within the global economy and by new technological discoveries. The company has been an active regional contributor in the area of youth and education for many years and its employees contribute as volunteers in many programmes around the world. Since 2000, Nokia has invested USD 34 million in youth development programmes, whose result has directly benefited close to 400,000 young people in 26 countries. You can learn more about Nokia at www.nokia.cz.

International Youth Foundation
The International Youth Foundation (IYF) invests in the extraordinary potential of young people. Founded in 1990, IYF builds and maintains a worldwide community of businesses, governments, and civil-society organizations committed to empowering youth to be healthy, productive, and engaged citizens. IYF programs are catalysts of change that help young people obtain a quality education, gain employability skills, make healthy choices, and improve their communities. To learn more visit www.iyfnet.org.

Media inquiries:

NROS:
Anna Kačabová
tel.: +420 227 217 254
mobile: +420 605 161 138
e-mail: anna.kacabova@nros.cz

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