Press releases (english)

Once again young people have the chance to do something for others! The Civil Society Development Foundation (NROS) program and Nokia will contribute almost three million crowns for this purpose.

Prague, 17 September 2008 – NROS and Nokia today announced the 75 winning projects of this year’s Make a Connection - Připoj se program, which together have been awarded grants worth a record CZK 2,506,130. The popular program was announced this spring for the seventh consecutive year and, just like in the years before, it focused on young volunteers who have prepared projects aimed at their own communities. However, this year has brought several positive changes: the upper age limit of the participants has been raised from 24 to 26 and regions throughout the Czech Republic can once again participate (compared to last year’s restriction to five regions), and so projects will also be implemented in the South Bohemian, Central Bohemian, Karlovy Vary, Pilsen, Liberec, Hradec Králové, Olomouc and Zlín regions and also in Vysočina.

“Each and every year we are surprised by the creativity, freshness and maturity of the young people who send us their projects,” said Ján Kolimár, Nokia CEO for Poland, the Czech Republic and Slovakia, in tribute to the applicants. “We are also pleased by the fact that the recent changes allowed volunteers from all the regions to participate in the program. When I browse through the winning projects I begin to believe that the world can genuinely become a better place in which to live.”

Concepts focusing on work with young people or the handicapped, on environmental protection or on support for sports activities were once again in the majority in the winning teams. Year by year there is also an increase in the share of events taking the form of exhibitions, concerts and so on, intended to help minorities living in the Czech Republic find their place in society and also to present their own cultures to the Czech public.

The winning projects were again selected over two rounds. 30 June was the closing date for applications, and during July and the start of August the 136 proposals from young volunteers were first considered by regional assessment commissions composed of representatives from local government, schools, the media, the non-profit as well as the commercial sectors and also graduates of the program itself. The projects that the individual regions recommended were then assessed by the main commission, which selected the best or the most beneficial concepts from all over the Czech Republic. Each team could win up to CZK 50,000.

“Sine 2002 the program has supported over 400 projects, the implementation of which has involved over 3,300 young volunteers and which have helped 180,000 people,” said Hana Šilhánová, NROS Director. “Apart from the actual funds, we have also prepared ‘hands-on’ training over a period of several days for the successful applicants, during which we will teach them how to manage their projects and improve the abilities that are important for the successful implementation of their ideas – including communication with the media and fundraising.”

Winning teams from one year can participate again in the program. The only restriction is that they can receive a grant of a maximum of CZK 30,000. You can follow the activities of the individual teams throughout the Czech Republic at www.pripojse.cz. The latest, 8^th year of the project will be announced at the end of January 2009!

About the “Make a Connection – Připoj se” program

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 create closer ties with their families, peers and their environment in general. The program expands the educational opportunities for young people, and helps them to acquire the experience they need for their lives and to take an active role in their community. In April 2002 the “Make a Connection – Připoj se” program was launched in the Czech Republic as a joint initiative between the Civil Society Development Foundation (NROS) and Nokia. The program has been operating throughout the Czech Republic since 2008. The Civil Society Development Foundation (NROS) is responsible for the overall management and coordination of the program. More information about the “Make a Connection – Připoj se” program is available at 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 34 million in youth development programs that have directly benefited more than 400,000 young people in 26 countries. More information about Nokia is available at www.nokia.com.

About the International Youth Foundation

The International Youth Foundation is a global non-profit organization uniquely dedicated to preparing young people to be healthy, productive, and engaged citizens. Founded in 1990, IYF’s worldwide network of partner organizations has grown to 70 countries, helping young people to shape their futures through proven programs that tie education to work, improve employability, and enable and inspire them to play a positive role in their communities. IYF collaborates with businesses, governments and civil society organizations to build effective, sustainable, and scalable programs that positively impact the lives of young people worldwide. To learn more about IYF, please visit: www.iyfnet.org .

Questions from media:

NROS:

Michaela Neumannová

tel.: +420 227 217 218

mob.: +420 602 614 122

e-mail: michaela.neumannova@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