| “We want to express our views and help each other!” November 2003 | |
Childnet, the children’s Internet charity, announced this week the launch of its online message board for young people who want to share their Internet experience and help one another. This forum is part of Childnet’s commitment to supporting young people who are developing innovative online projects.
Hosted on the Cable & Wireless Childnet Academy website, and part of a growing online community for young web entrepreneurs, this forum aims to engage young people as they develop innovative online projects which benefit others globally. The Academy competition is currently open for entries until the January 10 2004 and Childnet is hoping to attract entries from young people (18 years and under) who have ideas for, or are already developing, exciting online projects. Entries can be submitted online at www.childnetacademy.org
Tanya Eddowes, the Academy Co-ordinator says, “It is so important that young people use the Internet positively. We are seeing through the Academy that young people have fantastic ideas and once given a voice and some support – often from their peers- can really use the Internet for good. We are already seeing the benefit of this exchange of ideas between young people and the teaming up of them with mentors. This is helping them to turn their skill into talent.
George Kay, an Academy forum contributor says, “I will use the forum to see other people’s points of view and to express my own. I will also use it to give advice/take advice on technical issues.” Sarah Bowler, a previous winner says, “it is great that Childnet is helping young people to use the Internet to change our world and I look forward to supporting future Academy graduates.”
The Cable & Wireless Childnet Academy forum is moderated and messages are only posted once they have been vetted. Mentors offer specialist advice and support to young people but only through the Academy Co-ordinator. See www.childnetacademy.org/forum/Forums.aspx
Notes to Editor
•
More information about the Cable & Wireless Academy programme can be found
at www.childnetacademy.org.
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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.
For more information please contact:
Tanya Eddowes
Childnet International
Tel: +44 (0)20 7639 6967
Email:tanya@childnet-int.org