The Make a Connection Program is a global initiative launched in 2000 by Nokia and the International Youth Foundation (IYF) to promote positive youth development by giving young people an opportunity to make a connection to their communities, to their families and peers, and to themselves. Make a Connection currently operates in 21 countries around the world.

In 2005, Make a Connection developed a new, more comprehensive Proposal Development Guide based upon the Kellogg Logic Model. This guide was developed to serve as a detailed reference guide for local program partners on how to design and write Make a Connection project proposals. Because Make a Connection is placing more of a priority on project results, measurement and evaluation, this guide sets a higher standard for project proposals from program partners than ever before.

In order to assist our partners and build their capacity to design the highest quality projects possible, the IYF Make a Connection team would like to develop its own internal capacity to assist partners in the project design process; including developing presentation materials, exercises and trainers notes as well as improving technical and facilitation skills.

Mr. Keith Brown, Director, Management Systems International (MSI), has been retained for up to thirteen (13) days between December 26, 2005 and February 28, 2006 to support IYF in developing this capacity. Michelle Szechenyi will serve as Mr. Brown’s primary contact at IYF, although other Make a Connection team members may be brought into the process as appropriate.

Expected Outcomes:

• Michelle is provided with a conceptual introduction into results-based project management that she can share with program partners.
• Presentation materials, exercises and trainers notes are developed to assist Make a Connection partners in strategic planning/project design.
• Presentation materials, exercises and trainers notes are developed to assist Make a Connection partners in developing performance indicators.
• Review with Michelle, and other perspective trainers/facilitators as appropriate, key points on good facilitation and technical facilitation. Deliverables
• A presentation providing a conceptual introduction into results-based project management. (February 28, 2006).
• Presentation materials, exercises and trainers notes on strategic planning/project design. (February 28, 2006)
• Presentation materials, exercises and trainers notes on developing performance indicators. (February 28, 2006)
• Tips/Guide Sheet on good facilitation and technical facilitation. (February 28, 2006)

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