“These students have put time and energy into studying the topic of this year’s competition – sustainable development in Africa – and have developed very creative ideas in posters and multimedia campaigns. This shows that young people do believe in the need to tackle poverty urgently and that they are the future drivers for development and positive change” – said Commissioner Michel.

Out of more than one thousand contributions from all European member states, the finalists (aged 16-18 years) were selected by a high-level jury. Their critical messages on Africa were exhibited in the same venue of the event, showing their great artistic talent as well as a strong willingness to fight for a better world.

On the occasion of the ceremony, the Commissioner also opened participation to the 2008/2009 edition of the prize. The event included an African music performance and a questions and answers session, where students expressed their concerns and interest regarding Europe’s commitment in Africa, development cooperation policies and the possibility to share common cultural values.

Accompanied by their teachers, the 54 winners and runners-up enjoyed a three-day stay in Strasbourg and took the opportunity to attend the lively programme of the European Development Days (15 -17 November 2008). The 27 first-prize winners will join Commissioner Michel on a five-day trip to Zambia at the beginning of 2009, getting a first-hand experience of development cooperation projects in the field.

The Development Youth Prize is a competition organised every year by European Schoolnet on behalf  of the European Commission. It aims to raise awareness about development cooperation among young Europeans, with a special focus on human development for the current edition.

For more info please visit:
www.dyp2008.org
or contact
alessandra.dangelo@eun.org – web editor