Youth Council for Northern Ireland Home Page

Youth Council for Northern Ireland
Comhairle Ógra um Thuaisceart Éireann
Council o Youth for Norlin Airlan

NETWORK FOR YOUTH UPDATE

The Department of Education has now issued parameters for the proposed network. YCNI will engage with stakeholders in early 2010 to develop advice for DE and ESA on the design of the network, within the parameters set by DE.
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URGENT NOTICE TO YOUTH IN ACTION (YIA) APPLICANTS

The following changes to the YIA Programme were drawn to our attention on 11 January 2010 by Connect Youth, the UK National Agency for the Programme. It is critical that all those considering applying for funding from the 1st February 2010 deadline (inclusive) do so using the newly released 2010 application forms (see links below).

Please note:

»	New forms, rates and procedures will now be required for the 1st February 2010 deadline.
»	Action 1.1 youth exchanges will now draw down 'one sided' funding for bi/tri and multilateral activities. For example, if an exchange is taking place in the UK, the UK group must apply for all hosting and sending costs. If the exchange is taking place in another programme country, the hosting partner must apply via their own National Agency on behalf of all of the partner groups. This application procedure previously reserved for multilateral youth exchanges only, must also now be used for bilateral and trilateral activities.
»	We have been instructed by Connect Youth that applications submitted on 'old' forms will not be accepted.
»	It is critical that all those considering applying for funding from the 1st February deadline (inclusive) do so using the newly released application forms (see email below from Josie McAlpine). In addition, we would advise potential applicants to familiarise themselves with the new version of the YIA User Guide before completing their forms, as rates and procedures have changed significantly.
»	For further information, please refer to Connect Youth's website www.britishcouncil.org/connectyouth

We understand the chaos this will inevitably create, but would stress the importance of notifying individuals/groups and organisations, within your respective areas, and to make them aware of the above-mentioned changes. We would strongly advise applicants to establish immediate contact with their partner groups in other countries (if applicable), and to read the new version of the YIA User Guide before completing any forms, as rates and procedures have changed significantly. Please note the example highlighted above under Action 1.1 (Youth Exchanges), which now requires the HOSTING partner only to apply for funding on behalf of all of the partners involved in bilateral and trilateral exchanges.

YiA Programme Changes

Whilst we will endeavour to answer any questions that potential applicants might have, we understand that Connect Youth are still seeking clarification themselves in relation to some of the queries we have raised, and hence would advise all those considering submitting applications for the 1st February deadline to contact Connect Youth (0207 389 4030) directly, should they have any queries or difficulties interpreting the new rates/rules/procedures.

Action1	Aneta Kubala	0207 389 4746	aneta.kubala@britishcouncil.org
Action 2	Amy White	0207 389 4080	amy.white@britishcouncil.org
Action 3	Valentine Montagnani	0207 389 4032	valentine.montagnani@britishcouncil.org
Action 4	Pam Simpson	0207 389 4023	pam.simpson@britishcouncil.org
Action 5	Aneta Kubala	0207 389 4746	aneta.kubala@britishcouncil.org