Applications are now open for the annual Vodafone World of Difference programme. The Vodafone Ireland Foundation is offering four exceptional people the opportunity to answer their true calling and work with the charity of their choice for one year and receive a salary of €40,000.   

This year, in line with the Vodafone Ireland Foundation’s commitment to supporting young people across Ireland, applicants should be looking to work with either youth focused charities or propose new youth programmes for existing charities.  Anyone interested can find details on how to apply on facebook by searching Vodafone True Calling. Meanwhile those heading to Electric Picnic at the end of August can get more information at the Vodafone Haven tent. The closing date for applications is Friday, 6^th September 2013.

Since the programme began in 2007, the Vodafone Ireland Foundation has given 55 people the opportunity to answer their true calling, providing close to €1 million towards their chosen charities. Launching the call for applications, Natalie Hodgess, Vodafone Ireland Foundation Manager, said the World of Difference programme is about supporting social innovation in a creative yet practical way. “Our message today is very simple: Find a youth related charity you’ve always wanted to work with and we’ll  help you make it a reality” she said ’The World of Difference programme offers a unique opportunity to charities and individuals and the end result will be a brighter future for the young people of Ireland.’

Past World of Difference winners have included recent graduates as well as executives with over 25 years experience and have been drawn from a broad range of sectors including retail, IT, medical, communications, education and finance. MS Ireland, Pieta House, The Rise Foundation and Navan Resource Centre are among the charities that have gained additional resources through the programme.

In addition to the World of Difference programme, the Vodafone Ireland Foundation supports Young Social Innovators, a youth organisation focussed on empowering young people through social innovation in education.