RP youth leader

RP youth leader
wins int'l award
By INQ7.net

WASHINGTON, D.C.--A youth leader from Quezon City, Philippines, Pocholo D. Gonzales, joined 16 other young community leaders from around the world in receiving the 2003 YouthActionNet Award. The award was presented in Washington, D.C. as part of a seven-day
seminar for the recipients held from October 7 to 14.

The winners, ranging in age from 19 to 24, come from diverse backgrounds, but share a similar vision: to promote positive social change in their countries.

The YouthActionNet award will assist Gonzales, 24, in promoting youth participation and children's rights through radio, TV, newspaper, the Internet and mobile telecommunications, according to a press statement.

"Meaningful youth participation is about recognizing and nurturing the strengths, interests, and abilities of young people by providing them with real opportunities to become involved in decisions that affect them at individual and systemic levels. This kind of participation enhances the youth because it offers young people a chance to develop important decision-making and problem-solving skills, develop meaningful relationships, and bolster self-esteem," Gonzales, who is the president of Voice of the Youth Network, said in a press statement.

"I am honored to receive this YouthActionNet award and hope more young people recognize the role they can play in creating positive change."

The awards were presented by YouthActionNet.Org, an interactive website created by and for youth, which works to inspire and promote youth leadership worldwide. Launched in 2001 by the International Youth Foundation (IYF) and Nokia, YouthActionNet celebrates the dynamic role that the youth plays in creating positive changes around the world.

Recipients are awarded 500 dollars each to support their work, receive visibility through electronic and print materials, and become eligible to participate in international meetings sponsored through
YouthActionNet. Final selections were made following a peer review process in which previous youth award winners select the next round of awardees.

IYF first announced the YouthActionNet awards competition in January 2002. To date, applications have been received from more than 1,000 young leaders representing over 60 countries. Recipients are selected on a semi-annual basis, with applications currently being accepted for the next round of awards to be announced in December 2003. To learn more about YouthActionNet.org and for further information on award recipients, visit www.youthactionnet.org.