The <http://www.commonwealthconnects.net/>Commonwealth Connects Programme has set up a travel fund to help people from Commonwealth countries to attend the IGF meeting in Sharm el Sheikh. Information below, and in more detail on the Commonwealth website <http://commonwealthigf.org/cms/index.php/home.html>. Note, deadline for applications is September 14. Please hurry :-) Info copied from the Commonwealth site below. Adam Aim of the Bursary As part of this strategy for more engagement, the Commonwealth Internet Governance Forum have set up a modest travel fund to offer young professionals who are active in Internet Governance in their countries or field, the opportunity to participate at the IGF meeting in Sharm el Sheikh. Criteria/ Eligibility Applicants must * be nationals of a developing Commonwealth country * be active in Internet Governance related issues in their field of expertise or their country. * play an active role at the IGF, presenting in a workshop or panel or presenting their work in the IGF Market place. * be able to demonstrate how their participation will benefit their country and ensure security, affordability in providing access for all. Terms & Conditions The travel bursary will cover cost of return economy air travel. All other accommodation, meals and local costs will have to be covered by the applicants themselves. Visa application and related costs will also be covered by the applicants. The final confirmation of the award of the travel bursary will be made once the visa is in hand. Any last minute cancellation or failure to attend will cancel the terms of the bursary and a full refund of costs will have to be made. Awardees will be re-imbursed for travel costs after the submission of a report at the end of the event. A report of around 500 words, must be submitted no later than 4 weeks after the completion of the event. The report should describe the experience, including a brief summary of the work undertaken by the applicant, together with the skills and experience gained. The report should address how the placement has been of benefit to the applicant in relation to his / her course of study, new skills learned, future career prospects and personal development. If a satisfactory report is not submitted within that time, the Secretariat will consider it a breach of the Terms & Conditions and may refuse to reimburse the costs of travel. Selection Process Submissions via an application form (available on the web) must include a supporting statement (not more than 200 words) of how the proposed opportunity ensures secure and affordable access for all in a Commonwealth country. Applicants must include references, from academic tutor or line manager. Selection Committee shall make the final selection based on the funds available. The committee shall also identify a number of standby candidates in case a selected candidate does not/cannot take up the offer of an award. Therefore a number of candidates may be shortlisted for the bursary and advised closer to the time. The committee¹s decision on any application is FINAL. The Secretariat will NOT enter into any communication with applicants regarding unsuccessful applications. Timescales Deadlines 24th August Announcements Call for Applications 7th September Deadline for Applications 11th September Selection and shortlisting 17th September Review by Selection Committee 28th September Announcement of Selected Candidates Candidates make flight and visa arrangements and confirm all is in order 24th October Formal Award of Bursaries END