3.06.2002 ET

(CSRwire) Johannesburg, South Africa: Nokia today announced the launch of the second phase of its Graduate Training Programme in South Africa initiative. Last year more than 50% of graduates completing the program were successfully placed in employment and internships. The target for 2002 is to significantly increase this figure.

At an Induction Ceremony held today, twenty-five new graduates were welcomed to the three-month program and introduced to funders, partners and other stakeholders.

Make A Connection is a global initiative of the International Youth Foundation and Nokia. In South Africa, the program is implemented by the Youth Development Trust in cooperation with the RF Group, Nokia's mobile phone distributor.

Locally, the program deals with the difficulties new graduates face in finding employment, helping young job seekers to bridge the gap between tertiary education and the workplace. The program aims to empower and train young graduates, equipping them with the skills necessary for success in professional life.

Aspects of the course include understanding of the professional world, motivation and attitude to work, interpersonal relations, self-confidence, conflict resolution and problem-solving skills as well as computer skills. Entrepreneurship skills are also emphasized.

"Make A Connection, now running in Gauteng, will be expanded to the North West and Limpopo Provinces this year, with the ultimate goal of reaching the entire country", says Ntutule Tshenye, CEO of the Youth Development Trust. "If the success of the first phase is anything to go by, these targets are achievable."

Government representatives from the departments of Labor and Education have expressed an interest in the program because of its focus on skills development. "The need for our labor force to be adequately and suitably skilled has again been highlighted by government, most recently in the Minister of Finance's budget speech. Make A Connection addresses this challenge head-on," says Tshenye.

Michelle Stephens, Marketing Director for the RF Group, the importers and distributors of Nokia handsets in South Africa, says: "We are proud to support the Make A Connection program and hope that other organizations and companies will be motivated to similarly invest in training and development."

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, Germany, Mexico, Poland, the Philippines, South Africa, and the United Kingdom. More information on Make a Connection can be found at www.makeaconnection.co.za and at www.makeaconnection.org

About Youth Development Trust

The Youth Development Trust (YDT) is one of the leading organizations in the provision of solutions to the youth sector in South Africa. YDT's mission is to act as a facilitative and responsive resource mobilizing and technical support foundation for the positive development of youth. YDT focuses on strengthening the delivery capacity of youth organizations, providing grant management services for the donor community for projects in support of youth and piloting and implementing new technologies to address youth development gaps. Through the Nokia sponsored "Make a Connection" life skills development program, YDT has made a meaningful contribution to the development and employability of graduates in the country. More information about YDT programs can be obtained from our website www.ydt.co.za

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 it founding in 1990, IYF has worked with hundreds of companies, foundations, and nongovernmental organizations 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:

Ntutule Tshenye: Chief Executive Officer, YDT
Telephone: 011 784 1660,
Fax: 011 784 1664,
Email: ntutule@ydt.co.za

Raashida Khan: Relations Officer, YDT
Telephone: 011 784 1660,
Fax: 011 784 1664
Email: mac@ydt.co.za

For more information please contact: