The “Global Junior Challenge” is an international competition that rewards the use of modern technologies in an innovative manner for “training, education, solidarity and international cooperation.” It is held annually and the 2009 Challenge is the fifth edition. The Challenge is promoted by the City of Rome and is designed and organized by the Foundazione Mondo Digitale. Since the present year is the European Year of Creativity and Innovation, the 2009 competition will focus on the special new category of “Creativity and Social Innovation,” which means social initiatives that involve creative use of modern technologies will be considered for the award.
NGOs, in addition to schools, universities, public/private companies, research organizations and even individuals, from any part of the world are eligible to apply for this award. Projects should have been operational as of 31 December 2008 and should specifically address youths in the age group of up to 29 years, using ICT. An example of the project submitted for the award can be youth education for job placement (as mentioned in their website). There can be many other such initiatives and the organizers can be contacted to find out if one is eligible to apply for the programme or not. There is an online form available to apply for the Challenge. The last date to submit the applications is 30 July 2009.
There is also the Small Fund Award 2009 to be awarded to finalists of the Global Junior Challenge. The objective of the award is to reduce the digital divide and finalist projects from poorer countries are will be eligible to receive the award. It carries a small grant of 5000 Euros and this year, there will be three prizes given out for the same amount.
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