Nokia makes a connection with ethnic youths

Mobile telecom giant Nokia and the International Youth Foundation (IYF) are implementing a leadership skills training program called "Nurturing Future Leaders" for indigenous youths in the country, notably those in the southern Philippines.

Youths from the Maguindanaoans of Cotabato, the Samals of Tawi-Tawi and the Kankanais and Bugkalots of Nueva Vizcaya are currently being trained under the "Make a Connection" project, a global and multi-year initiative sponsored by Nokia and the IYF.

The initiative aims to provide youths development opportunities "to make a connection" to their communities, families, peers and to themselves.

Last year’s beneficiaries of the training program included the Tausugs of Sulu, the Higaonons of Misamis Oriental, and the T’bolis and B’laans of South Cotabato. Projects included a corn mill cooperative and a poultry shop.

The Make a Connection program improves young people’s educational opportunities, teaches them life skills and helps them make positive contributions to their societies.

Besides the Philippines, country programs are ongoing in Brazil, Canada, China, the Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, Mexico, Poland, South Africa, South Korea, Thailand and the United Kingdom. More information on Make a Connection can be found at www.makeaconnection.org.

Aboriginal leaders and community members from Parry Sound, together with Lions-Quest Canada and Nokia, recently launched the first pilot site of Make a Connection Canada designed to equip aboriginal youths with essential "skills for life."

The Parry Sound Make a Connection Canada initiative is part of the Canada program, which aims to strengthen the personal and social skills of First Nations, Metis and Inuit youths aged five to 18 in 15 communities across the country.