Baltimore, Maryland, USA – A 25-year-old working to combat child slavery in Cameroon, a Chinese university student leading efforts to educate young people about the dangers of HIV/AIDS, and a 22-year-old American who is engaged in global efforts to prevent blindness, are among 11 young community leaders from around the world to receive YouthActionNet Awards.

An interactive website created by and for youth, YouthActionNet.org works to inspire and promote youth leadership worldwide. Launched in 2001 by the International Youth Foundation (IYF), a nonprofit organization headquartered in Baltimore, Maryland, YouthActionNet celebrates the valuable role youth play in leading positive change throughout the world. YouthActionNet.org forms a vital part of the “Make a Connection” program, a global initiative of IYF and Nokia to provide opportunities for young people to connect to their communities, to their families and peers, and to themselves.

The winners -- ranging in age from 20 to 28 -- come from diverse backgrounds, but share a similar vision: to promote positive social change in their countries. They were selected following a peer review process in which previous award winners select the next round of awardees. Each is awarded US$500 to support their work, receives visibility through electronic and print materials, and becomes eligible to participate in international meetings sponsored through YouthActionNet.

In many cases, award winners plan to use the funding they receive to strengthen and expand their efforts. In Cameroon, Ernest Mbandi will use the award to sponsor a forum that will bring together 150 youth and victims of child trafficking to discuss means of addressing child slavery. The Forum’s results will then be presented to the national parliament. And in the Ukraine, 22-year-old Yevgen Bezvushko plans to use his YouthActionNet award to support youth-led efforts to produce clothing for 26 orphanages.

“The YouthActionNet awards spotlight the tremendous contributions of young people around the world,” said IYF President David Hornbeck. “At a time when it’s easy to get discouraged in the face of global challenges, these young people offer a host of innovative ideas, positive energy, and hope that change is not only possible, but is happening every day as a result of their hard work and commitment.”

IYF first announced the YouthActionNet awards competition in January 2002. To date, applications have been received from more than 1,950 young leaders representing over 60 countries. Recipients are selected on a semi-annual basis, with applications currently being accepted for the next round of awards to be announced in December 2004. To learn more about YouthActionNet.org and for further information on award recipients, visit http:http://www.youthactionnet.org.

About Make a Connection
Make a Connection, launched in April 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. Programs are now up and running in 17 countries: Brazil, Canada, China, the Czech Republic, Finland, Germany, Hungary, the Republic of Korea, Mexico, Peru, the Philippines, Poland, Russia, South Africa, Thailand, Turkey, and the United Kingdom. To learn more, visit: www.makeaconnection.org.

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 founding in 1990, IYF has worked with hundreds of companies, foundations, and non-governmental organizations to scale up existing programs and build long-term strategic partnerships. Currently operating in nearly 60 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 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 cooperation 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. For further information, see: www.nokia.com.