Center for Youth and Public Initiatives

(2006-2008)

This project, which is a continuation of the 2004 and 2005 AWARD projects also funded by the Karelian Child program, will further broaden and develop the AWARD Program in Karelia. Part of International Award—a self-development programme available to young people worldwide equipping them with life skills to make a difference to themselves, their communities and the world—the programme focuses on activities in four spheres of self-improvement: service, adventure, social skills, and physical recreation.

Project activities will strengthen the regional resource centre and create 6 municipal centres for the AWARD programme. Support will also be provided for young people (14-16 years old) to start the programme at their schools, vocational institutions, youth centres, and clubs. Information and communication systems will be developed to provide distance education training programmes to coordinators, leader-instructors and participants throughout the region. Local initiatives to develop social and voluntary self-improvement projects for young people at-risk will be encouraged and regional contests and activities will be organized.