Press releases (english)

Prague 29th June 2010 – Make a Connection program – Pripoj se will support 130 winning projects of young people by the amount of CZK 2.7 million. The popular program, which is organized by Civil Society Development Foundation (NROS) and Nokia Czech Republic, has already announced its ninth year. As in past years, the program focuses on young informal groups of volunteers aged 16 to 26 years, which are to prepare their own projects to help the community in which they live. Project teams were able to request a support up to CZK30000 for their activities carried out from June to December this year.

In addition to funding, the Make a Connection –Pripoj se also offers the possibility of non-formal education. The young developers of projects may attend an experiential trainingthat runs for several days. This training focuses on basic project management, teamwork and communication with media and fundraising. These young people will gain new skills and learn to cope with the demanding requirements associated with the implementation of their projects.

The uniqueness of the Make a Connection – Pripoj se is in the originality and novelty of projects. Project teams are not constrained when choosing a topic, there is a lot of space for creativity and good ideas. This year the young volunteers will organize various thematic workshops, exhibitions of original sports and teach their peers to dance, discover ancient crafts, play-act, organize music and film festivals. Many projects are traditionally devoted to social, environmental, or educational activities.

Marketing Director of Nokia Czech Republic Pavla Tomsová comments on Make a Connection – Pripoj se: "We are always happy to support young people in the Czech Republic. They know the best what is needed in their community, and also come with great ideas on how to achieve this. The& are putting admirable energy and enthusiasm in addressing important issues and problems that they see around them. "

The popularity of Make a Connection – Pripoj se among young people is increasing every year. The increasing number of submissions of grant applications shows the popularity. This year a record 203 competed projects were submitted.The reginal commiteesare again responsible for the s election of the best ones.These regional evaluation committee compose of representatives of the media, government, schools, voluntary sector, local businesses and graduates of the program. Another specific feature of the Make a Connection – Pripoj se is the recent cooperation with former participants of the the program. The successful graduates who completed their project in recent years have the opportunity to participate in the program as Graduate Assistants, to participate in its activities, to learn and pass on their experience to new entrants.

"We are pleased to see that young people have the desire and interest to cooperate with us even after their own projects," says Hana Šilhánová, Director of NROS. "The fact that our program is tailor-made and participants would like to return is supported not only by graduation activities but by the number of teams which are looking for our support to realize their projects again. In this respect, this year is extremely successful. We will support the highest number of second – year participants in the existence of the program. We are glad that we motivate young volunteers to more interesting activities. "

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 is committed to having a positive impact on society that extends beyond the advanced technology, products and services it creates. It has invested in community projects supporting young people and education in 30 countries, benefiting more than 1 million young people. The company has an active employee volunteering program which last year saw its employees give more than 32,100 hours to local community projects. Nokia is also supporting innovative technology projects designed to bridge the digital divide and bring the benefits of mobile technology to communities around the world. More information is available at www.nokia.com/communityinvolvement

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:

Kateřina Červená :

Tel: +420 227 217 215

Mobil: +420 604 973 188

Mail: katerina.cervena @ nros.cz