Accra, July 19, GNA - The management of Vodafone, Ghana on Monday, began interviews for the World of Difference (WoD) programme after a meticulous screening and short listing process.

Almost two months after launching the Vodafone World of Difference (WoD) programme in Accra, the interview sessions are to select the final list of participants for the 2010 edition of the project.

A statement issued in Accra by the Corporate Communications Department, said after the screening, 30 volunteers would engage in varied charity programmes of their choice to make remarkable impact in the lives of under privileged persons and communities in Ghana through selected NGOs for two months.

WoD is an innovative project aimed at bringing a different but very impactful approach to corporate philanthropy in Ghana providing a unique opportunity for Ghanaian professionals and non-professionals, alike, to give a bit of their time and know-how to improve lives.

About 600 entries were received, over the period, with the largest entries coming from teachers. Others are engineers, doctors, journalists, accountants, architects, lecturers, development management experts, social workers and students with a passion to change their societies.

"We've had tremendous responses from people in every nook and cranny of the country who want to work with their dream charity; and I must say that we are excited to have such huge interest in the Vodafone World of Difference project," Miss Afua Amankwaa Sarkodie of the Vodafone Foundation noted.

"It is a major opportunity for Ghanaians and people with a passion for change to step out there and bring about the desired change," she added.

Judges for the selection interview are Professor Nii Boye Tagoe Vice-Chancellor, University of Ghana (UG), Legon, Dr Audrey Gadzekpo, Director, School of Communications, UG, Legon, Mr Kojo Yankah, President African University College of Communications, Major Albert Don-Chebe (Rtd), Director of Millennium Challenge Account (MCA).

The rest all members of Vodafone Ghana Foundation Board of Trustees, Mr Gilbert Aggrey (Abeeku Santana) of Adom FM, Mr Ekow Blankson, Manager, Trade Marketing Vodafone Ghana, and Ms Emma Morisson, News Editor, TV3, Adolf Awuku Bekoe and Karen Shormeh-Sai, Executive Director, United Way, Ghana.

An initial funding of 45,000 pounds sterling has been made available for this year's project with an additional funding of 50,000 pounds sterling to be accessed as the project progresses.