Give an hour's salary to help a Slovak child
An important end of the millennium charity drive wants to put more orphans into foster families, better integrate handicapped children into society, increase funding to child abuse treatment centers and open a prevention center for young drug addicts. All this will be possible, organisers say, if everyone donates just one hour of their salary to children's causes.
The campaign, called Hour for Children, is being run by the Foundation for Slovakia's Children. The drive will start in the middle of October, accompanied by a large media campaign. Already, Education Minister Milan Ftáčnik, his brother, chess-master Ľubomír Ftáčnik, and a variety of Slovak celebrities have come out in support of the drive. Founded in Great Britain as "Children's Promise," the project is also supported by many international officials as the part of the world-wide independent network International Youth Foundation.
Donations can be made by post, telephone and bank account. More detailed information of how to participate will be listed in the Slovak papers as the start of the drive draws closer. For now, it is possible to call 07-5441-7430, or 07 5441-7438 with questions. In Slovakia today there are 1,590,216 young people under 20, about 30% of the total population.
US invites Slovaks to join annual visa lottery
Every year, the US Government invites people around the world to participant in a visa lottery, which will select 55,000 applicants and their families for full immigration rights to the United States. This year, applications will be accepted from October 4 until November 3.
Applicants must have finished their high school education or 12 years of education, or must have two years of work experience during the last five years. While there are no special forms, every letter must include the name and address of the applicant and his family, as well as some other information. Every applicant can send only one letter. For more information contact http://travel.state.gov or the American Embassy, Consul Department, Hviezdoslavovo námestie 4, Tel.: 07-54 43 08 61. Applications must reach the states by regular or air mail within the one month deadline period. Participation is free.
