Vodafone funds change-makers in the youth sector

8 July 2013

Vodafone funds change-makers in the youth sector

Vodafone has started its annual hunt for six passionate people to have their salaries paid for a year, so they can work on charitable projects to turn around the lives of young New Zealanders.

The Vodafone New Zealand Foundation World of Difference programme pays recipients’ salaries and expenses, enabling them to work full-time for a youth-related charity of their choice for one year – and to turn their dreams for young Kiwis into reality. A total of six awards are up for grabs in 2014, and applicants will need to demonstrate how they plan to build the capacity of their charitable organisation and ensure their project is sustainable beyond the first year.

The focus for this year’s applicants is helping more young people into meaningful learning. Relevant projects might relate directly to learning, or addressing issues that prevent young people from learning.

Deidre Otene, a current World of Difference recipient, works with youth at Manurewa Marae in South Auckland. Deidre says “The Vodafone Foundation World of Difference programme has equipped us with the resources to realise a dream for our community, allowing us to encourage and support the blossoming of a great generation. Tuia te herenga tangat, Ka Rongo te Po, Ka Rongo te Ao.”

Deidre encourages all potential applicants to hear more of her story by clicking here.

69 recipients from across New Zealand have participated in the scheme since its introduction in 2002, addressing a wide range of topics including working with teen parents, youth in transition, young change makers and emerging leaders.

The Vodafone New Zealand Foundation has invested $16million in this, and other programmes over the past 11 years.

To find out more, or to submit an online application, visit www.vodafone.co.nz/WoD

Entries open from 8th July, and will close on16th August at 5pm. Successful applicants will begin their World of Difference positions between 1 January 2014 and 31 March 2014.

About Vodafone New Zealand Foundation
Established in November 2002, the Vodafone New Zealand Foundation is the charitable arm of Vodafone NZ’s business and aims to encourage positive and healthy outcomes for New Zealanders aged 12 to 24. The Vodafone New Zealand Foundation is one of 27 Vodafone Foundations worldwide.

About World of Difference
The Vodafone NZ Foundation finds passionate people who want to make a difference in the community. We support them financially and professionally while they work for a New Zealand youth charity for one year. The aim is to grow the leadership and capacity of individuals as well as strengthen the charity’s ability to work in the community both now and in the future.

Each award is $80,000 and is allocated towards salary and expenses as agreed by the recipient and their chosen charity. Expenses cover personal and professional development costs of the recipient and the associated overheads of employing the recipient at the organisation (up to $8,000). Once selected, the host charity will get an opportunity to apply for up to $20,000 to put towards capacity development of the organisation. As a high-engagement funding programme, the Vodafone NZ Foundation also provides networking and collaboration opportunities and offers training, volunteers, mentoring, advocacy and other support.

Applicants must meet all of the following requirements:
• You must be 18 years old or over and a New Zealand citizen or resident.
• Your cause must be youth-focused (defined as individuals between 12 to 24 years of age), focus on capacity building and encourage engagement in meaningful learning.
• Your organisation must be a New Zealand charity and should embrace the principles of the Youth Development Strategy Aotearoa.
• You must have obtained the approval of the CEO (or if one does not exist, the Chair) of the organisation before applying.
• Your project will begin between the 1st of January and the 31st of March 2014 and you are able to commit to working full-time for 12 months.

ENDS

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