2011 GO Innovation Awards Inspire Youth to Combat Poverty in Developing Nations

Panelists:

Scott Fifer, Exec. Director, GO Campaign

Tony Horton, GO Campaign Board Member, P90X Creator and Fitness Trainer

Joshua Schuler, Exec. Director, Lemelson-MIT, Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Bernard Kiwia, Inventor/2011 Go Innovation Award Recipient

WASHINGTON, May 31, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The GO Campaign, a non-profit organization supporting orphans and vulnerable children by partnering with local leaders throughout the developing world, will launch a global search for community innovators, entrepreneurs, and role models at the presentation of the GO Innovation Award program (GIA) at a National Press Club Newsmaker press conference at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, June 9, at the National Press Building, 529 14th St., N.W., Washington, D.C.  Also in attendance will be Lily Munanka, Deputy Chief of Mission, Embassy of the United Republic of Tanzania.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20080917/NPCLOGO)

The GO Campaign will call for private sector support by corporations, nonprofits, educational institutions, and the general public to secure an initial $500,000 for the five-year, global grant program. The GIA Awards are targeted to provide resources to inventors, tinkerers and entrepreneurs who are inspiring youth outside of the conventional models. GO's network of partners and advisors, including Lemelson-MIT, MIT IDEAS challenge, MIT d-Lab, and MIT Public Service Center will collaborate and advise during the implementation of the grant program.

GO will also present Bernard Kiwia of Arusha, Tanzania with the 2011 GO Innovation Award (GIA). Kiwia is a bicycle repairman-turned-inventor whose inventions include cell phone chargers for bicycles and motorbikes, a bicycle-powered water pump, a solar water heater, and a pedal-powered drill-press.   Kiwia started a youth entrepreneurship program in Tanzania to encourage problem solving through innovation and social entrepreneurship, ultimately creating jobs for community youth.

GIA Nominations will be accepted between Sept. 1, 2011 – Jan 31, 2012, Finalists will be reviewed by a panel of experts and voted on by the general public. Award nominees must live in the country where the grant will be administered, collaborate with established entities serving youth, involve youth aged 7-25, and administer a year-long program. Public Voting April 1, 2012 – May 31, 2012. Winners will be announced June 2012.

About The GO Campaign: The GO Campaign supports local leaders and programs for orphans and vulnerable children around the world.  By providing funds and support to advance their efforts through hands-on experience and training, GIA helps build a network of mentor/educators, to inspire future generations to fight the battle against global poverty.

SOURCE National Press Club

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