Through Make a Connection –Kapcsolódj be!, young people from 14 to 25 years will design and carry out volunteer projects in Hungary. With grants and training, the program will provide opportunities for participants — mainly students from secondary schools and universities — to make a contribution to their communities, while also developing practical life skills as they plan and implement their own projects.
“Nokia's community involvement program is aimed at encouraging young people to create their own place in the world," said Nokia Executive Vice President, Veli Sundbäck, speaking at a press event in Budapest today. "Make a Connection offers young people a chance to become managers of their own future. They will experience personal rewards and recognition for their services, while at the same time developing a sense of civic responsibility."
“We heartily welcome Nokia’s initiative that supports young people’s voluntary participation in community projects,” said Dr. Göncz. “We believe that young people’s involvement in community work, bringing together different generations, helping deprived people and learning civil values and means of active community involvement are all crucial factors in social solidarity and social integration.”
Make a Connection - Kapcsolódj be! in Hungary will initially be implemented by 22 groups in 15 cities around the country. In the first year, more than 500 young people will implement service projects. While DIA is responsible for overall management and coordination, the program will be run in the different regions by DIA's local partners. As part of the program, DIA also offers training in areas such as project management, budget planning and fundraising. Overall, an estimated 60 000 youth and community members will benefit from these volunteer projects.
Zsolt Pethe, Director of Development, DIA, said: "Through Nokia and IYF's Make a Connection program, we are launching a multi-sector partnership that is unique for Hungary. By promoting volunteering, we give young people a chance to make a real difference in their communities and an opportunity to learn about their own lives in the process."
About Make a Connection
Make a Connection is a global, multi-year partnership between the International Youth Foundation (IYF) and Nokia to promote positive youth development by giving young people and 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, the Czech Republic, Germany, Mexico, the Philippines, Poland, South Africa, South Korea, the United Kingdom and now also in Hungary. More information on Make a Connection can be found at www.makeaconnection.org
About DIA
Foundation For Democratic Youth/Demokratikus Ifjúságért Alapítvány (DIA) is a Hungarian non-profit organization building a volunteer infrastructure for youth ages 14-25 within Central and Eastern Europe. DIA's mission is to strengthen civil society in the region by increasing the active participation of youth in local communities. More information on DIA can be found at www.i-dia.org
About International Youth Foundation
The International Youth Foundation (IYF) is one of the world's largest public foundations focused on children and youth. IYF is dedicated to supporting programs that improve the conditions and prospects for young people where they live, learn, work, and play. Since its founding in 1990, IYF has worked with hundreds of companies, foundations, and nongovernmental organisations to scale up existing programs and build long-term strategic partnerships. Currently operating in more than 60 countries, IYF and its partners have helped more than 23 million 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 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. More information on Nokia can be found at www.nokia.com
Further information:
Zsolt Pethe
Demokratikus Ifjúságért Alapítvány
Tel. +361 354 1191
Anna Simai
Nokia Hungary Kft
Tel. +36 209 777797
Reka Bencze
Weber Shandwick| GJW
Tel. +361 354 2440