"Make a connection - Przylacz sie!" is a common initiative of the Polish Children and Youth Foundation and Nokia targeting young people aged between 16-22, from three Polish provinces - Kujawsko-Pomorskie, Malopolskie and Slaskie. Through this program young volunteers will implement their own projects by helping others and expanding life and social skills. Volunteer work for the good of local communities will not only make a positive contribution to their societies, but will also allow young volunteers to improve their life skills and encourage them to create their own place in the world.
A representative from one of the selected volunteer groups "Absolwent" ("Graduate") from Makow Podhalanski said: "It is great to take part in this programme. The funding we obtain will allow us to organize courses for secondary school graduates. The courses will help them to acquire new life skills, which will be very useful in future life. We intend to organize a range of courses including computing, English lessons and sports game training. Our aim is to help young graduates to develop important life skills, such as being able to drive initiatives, having the ability to work in a team, communication skills. I am sure that thanks to "Make a Connection - Przylacz sie!" program young graduates will believe in themselves and their abilities."
Since the launch of the program, on 17th July 2001, until 30th September 2001 the Polish Children and Youth Foundation received 152 projects, which were evaluated and assessed by a special Committee. The committee consisted of representatives from the Polish Children and Youth Foundation, Nokia and the program's Ambassador - Edyta Jungowska. 19 projects were selected in total from Kujawsko-Pomorskie province, 7 from Malopolskie and 22 from Slaskie.
The selected projects represent a variety of initiatives designed by local youth organizations as well as informal school groups and leisure youth clubs. Most of them concern helping children - the organization of their free time, after-school educational initiative, and entertainment activities. The selected youth volunteer groups will receive on average PLN 5,000 each (EUR 1,400) to help implement their projects. This funding will allow, among other things, the purchase of equipment to successfully run the projects, for example, buying books, school equipment and toys.
Mariusz Kosinski, Member of the Board, Nokia Poland, commented: "The level of the submitted projects was very high. We were impressed by the enthusiastic approach of young volunteer groups to the programme. Winning projects turned out to be the most creative and enterprising."
About Make a Connection - Przylacz sie!
"Make a Connection - Przylacz sie!" targets young people aged between 16 and 22 years who may find themselves facing unemployment. As volunteers in the program, they will receive training in the areas of project management, budget planning, financial settlements, teamwork skills and public relations. "Make a Connection - Przylacz sie!" will run for an initial three years. The program is part of the global Make a Connection initiative.
Make a Connection is a partnership between the International Youth Foundation (IYF) 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 to make a positive contribution to their societies. Country programs are currently running in Brazil, China, Germany, Mexico, Poland, South Africa, and the United Kingdom.
www.makeaconnection.pl
www.makeaconnection.org
About PCYF
The Polish Children and Youth Foundation is a non-profit organization founded in May 1992 with the support of the International Youth Foundation. Funding for the Foundation comes from donations and grants from institutions and private persons. The aim of PCYF's operations is the comprehensive development of children and youth from five to 20 years old. The Foundation is helping a generation of young people to become creative and responsible as they shape their own lives and local communities. During nine years of PCYF's operations it has helped 500 organizations working for children and youth. The foundation reaches the most remote parts of the country with its aid. Since September 1992 until the end of 2000 it made 1,150 donations totaling 12,219,200 PLN, helping over three million children and youth.
www.pcyf.org.pl
About Nokia
Nokia is committed to having a positive impact on society that extends beyond the advanced technology, products and services the company creates. Through its partnership with IYF and other regional philanthropic and social responsibility programs, the company prepares young people to embrace opportunities and possibilities 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.
www.nokia.com.pl
Further information:
Arkadiusz Brzezinski
Polska Fundacja Dzieci i Mlodziezy
tel. (+ 48 22) 826 44 73, 826 44 74
fax. (+ 48 22) 826 43 23
e-mail: a.brzezinski@pcyf.org.pl
Emilia Zagorska
Nokia Poland
tel. (+48 22) 821 82 33
fax (+48 22) 821 82 97
e-mail: ext-emilia.zagorska@nokia.com
Monika Perek
Mmd Public Relations
tel. (+ 48 22) 875 07 92
fax. (+ 48 22) 825 27 68
e-mail: mperek@mmd.com.pl