Press releases (english)

79 YOUTH VOLUNTEER GROUPS IN CZECH REPUBLIC RECEIVE CZK 2 MILLION FOR THEIR COMMUNITY PROJECTS FROM MAKE A CONNECTION PROGRAM

Prague: The Civic Society Development Foundation (Nadace rozvoje občanské společnosti – NROS) and Nokia announced today the 79 winning projects that will receive grants of almost CZK 2 million (E66,000) as part of the fourth year of the Make a Connection program in the Czech Republic. Teams of young volunteers, ages 16 to 24 from five regions of the Czech Republic and from children’s homes nationwide, will have an opportunity to implement their own projects to benefit their communities and will receive training in project management and fundraising. Projects awarded range from renovation of historical sights and environmental education to drug prevention projects and assistance for the disabled, seniors or children in children’s homes.

“Over the past three years, more than 200 projects have been supported by the Make a Connection program,” said Matti Palomäki, Managing Director of Nokia Czech Republic. “It is fascinating to see the excitement and drive the young people have to implement their projects. It shows that if they have the opportunity and support, they can have real impact in their communities.”

“Members of ‘Alumnik’, a club of program graduates, will also take part in the training courses this year,” said Hana Šilhánová, the director of NROS. “The young people who have just joined the Make a Connection program will have an opportunity to discuss their ideas and projects directly with those who have already implemented their own projects successfully.”

A two-round evaluation system was used once again for selecting the best projects out of more than 120 proposals submitted by young people. Projects within each region were examined by regional evaluation committees, which comprised of representatives of public administration, schools, media, and the non-profit and business sectors. Recommendations of the regional committees were reviewed by the principal evaluation committee, which selected the final winning projects. For the first time, members of the evaluation committees included the young people themselves – members of the Make a Connection Graduate Club.

Interested program graduates will also have the opportunity to meet their peers at the Make a Connection ”Summer Camp” at Slavonice, Southern Bohemia, from August 10 to 19, 2005. The main goal of the Summer Camp is to extend the knowledge and practical experience the young people acquired by implementing their projects and by participating in training. This year’s Summer Camp is aimed primarily at improving skills in teamwork and communication with media.

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About Make a Connection in the Czech Republic
Make a Connection, the joint programme of the Civic Society Development Foundation (Nadace rozvoje občanské společnosti - NROS) and Nokia, was launched in the Czech Republic in April 2002. It takes place in five regions of the Czech Republic. NROS is responsible for the overall organisation and co-ordination of the programme; at the regional level, the implementing role was entrusted to the following non-profit organisations: Hurá Kamarád in the Pardubice region, VITA in the Moravia-Silesia region, Ratolest in the South Moravia region, Dobrovolnické centrum in the Ústí nad Labem region, and Hestia – Národní dobrovolnické centrum in Prague. The sixth partner is the Tereza Maxová Foundation, which implements the programme at children's homes all over the country. The patron of the programme is Ondřej Brzobohatý, a musician. Media partner of the project is ATLAS.CZ, an Internet portal. More information on Make a Connection in the Czech Republic can be found at www.pripojse.cz (www.makeaconnection.cz).

About Make a Connection
Make a Connection, launched in 2000, 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. Over the past five years, Make a Connection has equipped more than 180,000 young people with essential skills for life. Programs are now up and running in 20 countries, each tailored to country-specific needs. More information on Make a Connection can be found at www.makeaconnection.org .

About the Civic Society Development Foundation
The Civic Society Development Foundation (Nadace rozvoje občanské společnosti - NROS) makes efforts to strengthen the non-profit sector in the Czech Republic through philanthropy and voluntary work and through projects that make a contribution to the development of a civic society and the European integration. The foundation supports non-profit organizations that work with vulnerable or disadvantaged groups, defend human rights, democratic values, tolerance and respect of minority rights, or otherwise increase awareness on such issues among fellow citizens. One of the Foundation’s target groups is children and young people. Thanks to the experience with a number of projects aimed at children and young people, the Civic Society Development Foundation has the needed know-how and qualification for successful implementation of the Make a Connection programme in the Czech Republic in co-operation with the International Youth Foundation and Nokia. More information on NROS can be found at www.nros.cz.

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 establishing in 1990 the IYF has co-operated with hundreds of companies, foundations and non-governmental organisations in expanding the current programmes and building long-term strategic partnerships. Currently operating in nearly 70 countries and territories, IYF and its partners have helped millions of young people gain the skills, training and opportunities critical to their success. More information on IYF can be found at www.iyfnet.org.

About Nokia
Nokia has a positive impact on society that extends beyond the advanced technology, products and services the company creates. Through its partnership with the IYF and other philanthropic and civic programmes, the company is preparing young people to be able to grasp the opportunities and chances offered by the global economy and technological progress. For several years now, the company has been active in contributing to regional projects for the youth and education, with its employees participating as volunteers in a wide range of projects all over the world. More information on Nokia can be found at www.nokia.com.

Additional information:

NROS, Anna Onucová, +420 233 357 123, anna.onucova@nros.cz
Mmd, Hana Kučerová, +420 224 251 555, kucerova@mmd.cz