Childnet begins search for Internet academy participants - winners to share £30k web development fund 13 October 2003

Childnet International, the children’s Internet charity today begins its search to find the best young web developers from around the world – and invites them to enter an international competition to win a place at the Cable & Wireless Childnet Academy 2004 (www.childnetacademy.org).

The initiative, which builds on the success of the Cable & Wireless Childnet Awards programme, recognises the outstanding creativity of young people who continue to develop innovative Internet projects, which bring positive benefit to other young people world-wide.

The competition is open to young people (aged 18 or under), who are developing exciting online projects – either as individuals or in conjunction with a school or not-for-profit organisation. The competition is also open to those with exciting and innovative NEW IDEAS for using technology to benefit other young people. The competition’s ‘New to the Net’ category is specifically for those with new ideas and those from disadvantaged communities and developing economies.

Winners will receive an all-expenses paid trip for 2 people to attend the Academy programme, which will take place in London in April 2004. Winners will also receive a grant from a £30K web development fund to help them further enhance their web project.

Participants at the Academy will be offered:
• specialist web support, technical advice and leadership training
• exclusive access to a team of Internet experts and mentors drawn from education, business and the public and voluntary sectors
• ongoing web development advice and guidance from the Childnet team
• the opportunity to interact with an online community of winners

Stephen Carrick-Davies, CEO of Childnet, says:

“As more and more young people have access to the Internet and are finding new ways to communicate and engage with others, it is vital that we encourage and reward young people who are developing their own websites and innovative online resources to change the world and help others. The Academy will seek to bring the very best young people together to support each other and showcase the positive on the Net.”

Gareth James, Managing Director - UK Corporate Markets, Cable & Wireless says:

“Cable & Wireless is proud to support the important work of Childnet International and in particular the Academy programme. As one of the world’s leading international communications companies, Cable & Wireless has a responsibility to ensure that the Internet is a safe and inspiring space which can be used by people of all generations. The Academy will highlight the true potential of the web and illustrate just how powerful the Internet can be when utilised in a positive way.”

Notes to Editor

• More information about the Cable & Wireless Academy programme can be found at www.childnetacademy.org.
• Competition entries can be made directly through the online entry form on the Academy website, which also contains further information about the criteria, entry categories and the judging panel.
• The new programme builds on the success of the Cable & Wireless Childnet Awards programme, which has run for the last 6 years. The new Academy website includes details of over 60 inspiring previous Award winning projects.
• The deadline for competition entries is 10 January 2004.

About Childnet

Childnet International is a registered charity, set up in 1996 - with the mission to work in partnership with others around the world to help make the Internet a great and safe place for children.
The vision of the organisation is to ensure that all those involved in developing, producing, controlling, using and regulating international telecommunications (current and future), recognise and implement policies and programmes which prioritise the rights of children so that their interests are both promoted and protected. For more information about Childnet International, go to www.childnet-int.org.

About Cable & Wireless

Cable & Wireless is one of the world's leading international communications companies. It provides voice, data and IP (Internet Protocol) services to business and residential customers, as well as services to other telecoms carriers, mobile operators and providers of content, applications and Internet services. Cable & Wireless' principal operations are in the United Kingdom, continental Europe, the United States, Japan, the Caribbean, Panama, the Middle East and Macau. Support for Childnet International is part of Cable & Wireless’ global community investment programme, which aims to make a positive social contribution to the communities in which it operates. For more information about Cable & Wireless, go to www.cw.com.

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