Marking International Volunteers Day, the Polish Children and Youth Foundation and Nokia today announced 50 new local projects for the second phase of the Make a Connection program in Poland. The selected projects, which are entirely developed and managed by young volunteers, will be implemented in local communities in three Polish regions: Kujawsko-pomorskie, Małopolskie and Śląskie.
Executive Director of the Polish Children and Youth Foundation Maria Holzer said: “The volunteers involved in the Make a Connection program are young people who see first-hand the need in the communities they live in. Typically they live in small villages, giving them a clearer perspective on the types of programs that are critically required.”
The projects have so far covered a range of activities, including sports initiatives (e.g. “Small Village League” from Barcin), helping others in need (e.g. people from a shelter in Katowice – “Younger brother, younger sister” project) and promoting regional culture or history (“Kundzia” project proposed by youths from Chełmno). The young people implementing the projects have also had the opportunity to participate in trainings covering management, budget planning, financial reporting, team building and public relations.
"In phase two of the program some volunteers will have the chance to improve and scale up their existing community projects," said Wojciech Pytel, Head of Nokia Networks in Poland. "At the same time, we are providing new opportunities for those young enthusiasts who have only recently decided to join up.”
The first phase of the Make a Connection program, implemented in 2001, involved more than 600 young volunteers. Another 600 youths will participate in this new phase. In recognition of the program's initial success, in April this year, Nokia was awarded the title of “Benefactor of the Year” in Poland.
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 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, the Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, Mexico, the Philippines, Poland, South Africa, South Korea, the United Kingdom and now also in Canada.
www.makeaconnection.pl
www.makeaconnection.org
For more information:
Emilia Zagórska
Nokia Poland
Tel. (+48 22) 821 82 33
Fax (+48 22) 821 82 97
E-mail: ext-emilia.zagorska@nokia.com
Arkadiusz Brzeziński
Polish Children and Youth Foundation
Tel. (+ 48 22) 826 44 73, 826 44 74
Fax. (+ 48 22) 826 43 23
E-mail: a.brzezinski@pcyf.org.pl
Marcin Woliński
Mmd Public Relations Poland
Tel. (+48 22) 875 07 92 ext. 102
Fax (+48 22) 825 27 68
E-mail: mwolinski@mmd.com.pl