PIN emerges finalist @ Ashoka Changemakers online contest

Information and Communications Technology (ICT)-based non-governmental organization, the Paradigm Initiative Nigeria (PIN) has emerged finalist in this year’s Champions of Quality Education in Africa competition with its project, Ajegunle.org.

Outreach Marketing Coordinator for the Ashoka’s Changemakers, the organizers, Yuting Beverly Lien, said that PIN’s project emerged finalist amidst over 400 entries from 30 countries globally.

The organization in a letter addressed to the Executive Director, PIN, Mr. Gbenga Sesan, last week, the United States-based Ashoka’s Changermakers expressed delight on the innovative project of PIN.

“By selecting your entry as a competition finalist, the judges have honored you and your colleagues for the outstanding demonstration of innovation, social impact, and sustainability. Congratulations!” part of the letter which was made available to ITRealms Online read.

Lien went on to advise PIN to maximize the chances to win by making relevant efforts in the coming week, urging tens of thousands online participants to vote for three winners.

“We have prepared a suite of support materials especially for you, with tips and ideas to mobilize your network,” Lien said.

Emphasizing that this is an opportunity to call global attention to PIN’s work, saying,”You can do this by inviting your (online) community to vote and encourage them to comment on your innovation. Finalists who reach out to their networks to encourage participation raise awareness of their work and improve their opportunity to be recognized as Changemakers winner by investors, thought leaders, and enthusiasts.”

The organizers explained that online voting to select the three competition winners begun on August 5, 2009 and closes on 19 August 2009.

“The three finalists to receive the most votes will be declared winners on August 26, 2009, and each will receive a prize of US $5000,” part of the letter read.

In addition, it was stated that finalists are also offered an exciting opportunity with GlobalGiving, an online marketplace that has raised over $16 million for over 1,000 projects in more than 60 countries.

“GlobalGiving can help you harness the internet to connect with donors and efficiently raise funds online,” the letter further read.

Congratulating PIN for their outstanding work, the organisers look forward to profiling PIN’s entry initiative and working with them to build exciting momentum around the innovation.

Responding on the selection, so far, PIN Executive Director, Mr. Sesan said that he received the good news from one of the competitions they entered and enjoined Nigerians among other ICT enthusiasts to ensure they vote for the project, Ajegunle.org.

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