Children Show the World the Dot Hope Effect of the Net 28 April 2000

Children from around the world were honoured last night at the Childnet Awards ceremony held in Barbados, West Indies. Now in its third year, this annual Awards programme rewards children (and those working with them) who are developing outstanding Internet projects which benefit other children world-wide.

The Awards have four separate categories and this years programme attracted entries from 25 countries with winners coming from Australia, Canada, Costa Rica, India, Ireland, Namibia, Romania, the UK and the USA. The awards are run by UK-based charity Childnet International and are sponsored by Cable & Wireless, the global telecommunications group.

Nigel Williams Director of Childnet International says: At a time when so much media attention has been focused on the commercial power of the Internet, these Awards show what could be termed the dot hope effect and the way in which children are using the new technologies for the good of other children. This years entries show how children, and those working with them, with limited resources are developing inspirational, world-class projects.

Joan Fleitas, a nurse tutor from Connecticut, USA won first place in the Individual Category. Joan calls her website, Bandaides and Blackboards, a cyber-slate on which children with serious medical problems can tell their stories and make indelible their lives, their dreams, and hopes. Awards Judge Larry Magid, (LA Times columnist and founder of safekids.com) says, Every hospital in the world should have a link to this site. Joan has shown how the Internet can be used creatively to give children a voice and hope for their lives.

First prize winner in the Not-for-Profit category is Epilepsy Queensland who have produced a special Little Poss Club for children growing up with epilepsy. Anne Little from the organisation speaking after receiving her award says, This has been one of the most uplifting experiences for our small non-profit organisation. To be rewarded like this will help raise awareness about our work and help peoples understanding of epilepsy among children the world over.

First prize winner in the Schools Category is Sutton Park School from Ireland for their Mission Possible website, a cool resource which challenges children to save Agent E.N. Vironment from the evils of pollution. Awards Judge Bruce Rigby says, This site shows how schools can develop stand- alone websites which, as well as strengthening the schools core curriculum, allow children to apply the theory to their real-life environments.

Cable & Wireless Chief Executive Graham Wallace said: Childnet and this awards programme inspire children around the world to participate in the new communications technology. Cable & Wireless is delighted to be involved in this very successful programme.

Further winners were announced in the Government Category and a Special Awards category. Additional sponsorship for the awards has come from hosts, Cable & Wireless Barbados, and Newbridge Networks, the sponsors of the Government Category Award. The final full placings are available at awards

(briefing on winners) Cable and Wireless Childnet International Awards Shortlisted Winners and Commended projects 2000.

For further information contact Stephen Carrick-Davies at Childnet International tel + Barbados (246) 420 6073

Other resources at press or Peter Eustace, Cable & Wireless, (UK) tel + 44 20 7315 4495