Microsoft Community Affairs 2008 Unlimited Potential Program Recipients

Asia and Pacific Region

Microsoft congratulates the following Unlimited Potential (UP) grant recipients. We are proud to support their work.

Australia

Australian Seniors Computer Clubs Association

In 2008, the Australian Seniors Computer Clubs Association (ASCCA) will focus on programs that equip older people with the skills they need to remain in or re-enter the workforce or volunteer service. Many of Australia's senior citizens are limited by a lack of exposure to technology. With support from a Microsoft Unlimited Potential grant, ASCCA will add 20 clubs to its already substantial network of clubs in urban and regional centers. This program offers hands-on training workshops and expos for ASCCA members. IT skills training will focus on job skills, Web site creation, and online security and safety. By using the Microsoft Unlimited Potential curriculum and Digital Literacy curriculum, ASCCA will also work with Australia's other community technology centers to provide specialized training materials and manuals.

The Smith Family

The Smith Family's program, Building Australia's Future (BAF), directly addresses the urgent need for relevant and accessible training opportunities for the increasing number of unemployed youth (currently 123,800 of young people ages 15 through 19). BAF will focus on helping indigenous youth find employment after they leave school. In the first year of the program, the Smith Family will develop the Youth e-Skills (YeS) initiative, to be delivered in conjunction with Moneybytes, an online financial literacy and digital media training program. Approximately 70 people will participate in a combined pilot program in five centers that are supported by the Microsoft Unlimited Potential Community Technology Skills program. Fifteen new centers will be added to the network in the first year and an additional 15 centers (serving approximately 210 young people) will be added in the second year. During the second year, 20 at-risk youth will receive intensive YeS training. A two-day workshop, which is expected to become a model for the wider community, will include mentoring, life skills training, workplace introduction, and advanced IT skills training.

WorkVentures

The WorkVentures Job Ready (WVJR) program helps the most underserved individuals and communities in Australia by providing IT skills training and job assistance training. In 2008, WVJR will address two challenges: the barriers that individuals (such as single mothers) face when they seek a job for the first time or rejoin the workforce after an extended period away, and the needs of all youth from highly disadvantaged communities. WVJR will use Microsoft Unlimited Potential funding to conduct a pilot program in 30 community technology centers (CTCs) to assist 45 young people who are identified by local government agencies and community service providers as being at highest risk. The program also will provide mentoring, employment training, and small business programs and it will be a model for more than 200 CTCs across Australia. Six CTCs will implement the program, which is expected to benefit as many as 270 young people who are at extreme risk.

Yarnteen Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders Corporation

Yarnteen’s Dare to Lead is a two-year plan that uses Microsoft Unlimited Potential funding for two programs to help at-risk youth use technology further their strong cultural pride. Dreaming UP is a program for young indigenous men who are at greatest risk of long-term unemployment; it will match troubled young men with community elders who provide guidance and support. The program will create a database of culturally significant sites and cultural heritage data. Sista Speak & UP is a program that provides young indigenous women with education and helps prepare them for employment. The women will receive IT skills training so they can record personal stories of cultural significance. They will then create a magazine/journal with the support of a mentor from the community. In addition to providing core IT skills training, these programs encourage a strong sense of personal empowerment, cultural awareness, and pride. Their goal is to help young men and women replace substance abuse and anti-social behavior with training and employment.

China

Plan International

With support from a Microsoft Unlimited Potential grant, Plan China will set up two community technology centers in Tianjin and Chengdu by using the successful model that was used previously to establish centers in Xi'an and Nanjing. This two-year project will provide basic technology training to 28,000 people, including approximately 7,680 migrant workers. Plan China will work with the Tianjin women's federation and local non-governmental organizations in Chengdu. Plan China has established a good relationship with government agencies, such as the State Council Poverty Alleviation Office and labor departments. It is through these partnerships between the public and private sectors that these community technology centers will become sustainable over time.

China Association for NGO Cooperation (CANGO)

China Association for NGO Cooperation (CANGO) is an umbrella organization of 127 Chinese non-governmental organizations (NGOs) with a mission to empower citizens to create an environment that offers fair chances for sustainable development to everybody. This is the first Microsoft Unlimited Potential Community Technology Skills grant that CANGO has received to support community technology skills training programs to help migrant workers find new job opportunities. To make the program sustainable, CANGO will take advantage of additional funding and local support in the second year through its strong connections with the government and the international development community.

The Asia Foundation

Building upon the success of the community technology centers in Guangzhou and Sanxiang, the Asia Foundation will use funding from a Microsoft Unlimited Potential grant to support two community technology centers in Guzhen and Haizhizhu of Guangdong province. The Asia Foundation will work with local township governments and the vocational training centers run by the local labor bureau. The grant will last for two years and the project will receive additional funding from other donors to purchase hardware and sustain the program. The goal is to train 15,000 people and to benefit 30,000 people after three years. The majority of trainees and beneficiaries will be women migrant workers. The Microsoft grant will also be used for an independent evaluation of the programs by the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences.

India

Aga Khan

A private, not-for-profit, international development agency, Aga Khan Foundation (AKF) was established to develop and promote creative solutions to problems that impede social development. The Microsoft Unlimited Potential supported project will be part of a larger rural development initiative that is being implemented by AKF along with the Aga Khan Rural Support Program. In partnership with existing farmers' federations and women's self-help groups, it will establish 13 community technology centers serving more than 250 villages in five drought-prone and tribal districts of Gujarat and one district of Madhya Pradesh. At these technology centers, 18,000 underserved people will receive IT skills training, and an estimated 130,000 farmers, unemployed youth, women, and members of federations and self-help groups will benefit over three years.

NASSCOM Foundation

Since 2005, Microsoft has supported 65 centers of the NASSCOM Knowledge Network (NKN) through a grant to NASSCOM Foundation under the Microsoft Unlimited Potential program. In the second phase of the grant, Microsoft will support another 40 centers in the network. In addition to knowledge dissemination, the centers will promote education, employment, and entrepreneurship in rural areas. These centers are expected to provide IT skills training to 18,000 people, and an additional 90,000 people are expected to benefit from the program indirectly over three years.

Saath Charitable Trust

Saath's mission is to convert the settlements of vulnerable people into equitable living environments that provide access to health, education, and options for employment. Support from the Microsoft Unlimited Potential grant will strengthen the IT skills training component of Saath's youth employment program, Umeed, in 20 centers in urban areas of Gujarat. The grant also will help Saath prepare 27,000 people for employment in the IT, business process outsourcing (BPO), logistics, retail, and hospitality industries over three years. In addition to IT skills training, the program will provide the youth with technical training in their chosen industry, as well as basic English language and work readiness skills. The Gujarat Urban Development Mission of the state government has been supporting the Umeed program since March 2007, and will contribute resources for implementation. It is anticipated that close to 135,000 additional people will benefit indirectly through the centers.

SMILE Foundation

Advocating empowerment of the masses through education, the Smile Foundation will use funding from a Microsoft Unlimited Potential grant to train underserved youth. The goal is to enable them to secure employment in fast-expanding sectors of the economy such as retail and hospitality. More than 15,000 people will receive basic IT skills training, English language instruction, and managerial skills training through a network of 47 centers across 18 states/union territories over three years. Participants also will receive job placement assistance as well as training in key life and interpersonal skills. An additional 72,000 people will indirectly benefit from the program's services.

Formasi Indonesia

One of the largest agricultural countries in the world, Indonesia has approximately 40 million agricultural workers. The majority of the country's population is low income even though Indonesia is rich in natural resources. Less interested in agriculture than previous generations, the younger generation is moving into urban areas, which creates demand for employment and training services. Formasi, Indonesia, an organization of 14 nonprofit organizations, local partners, and local government, will use funding from a Microsoft Unlimited Potential grant to set up 100 information centers across Indonesia. The centers will provide people from farming communities with access to employment and job skills training information. Within one year, the centers will help an estimated 650,000 people. Within two years, the centers are expected to help 3 million people from farming communities throughout Indonesia.

Japan

e-AT Association

Because only one out of every five people with disabilities obtain jobs after graduating from school in Japan, e-AT Association's Workforce Development Project for the Disabled plans to provide IT skills training and workforce development support. With a Microsoft Unlimited Potential grant, the project will provide software and hardware, curriculum, on-site and online training, and both temporary and permanent IT jobs. The project will be introduced to welfare institutions that support the community of people with disabilities. In two years, the project plans to reach 100 welfare institutions, enabling 1,000 people with disabilities to use technology and obtain employment. By sharing resources, the project will also benefit an additional 35,000 people.

Japan NPO Center

With support from a Microsoft Unlimited Potential grant, Japan NPO Center's NPO Day provides one-day IT seminars for nonprofit organization (NPO) staff members in seven locations across Japan. Local NPO support centers work with the Japan NPO Center and Microsoft to develop content and manage the event. Japan NPO Center provides IT skills training and consultation services to the staff at local NPO support centers. Japan NPO Center also develops an NPO Day Web site to promote and support NPO-IT Support Consortium initiatives. The goal of the one-year project is to train 450 NPO staff members and ultimately benefit 1,450 additional people.

Korea

CareKorea Org

Although Korea is of the leading countries in the world in the digital revolution, there is a digital divide between the retired aging population and the rest of society. With continued funding from Microsoft Unlimited Potential, CareKorea will continue its work to help senior citizens develop IT skills. This year, the program goal is to establish 60 new community technology centers (CTCs) at Seoul, Kyung-Ki Province, Pusan, and Inchon—in addition to the existing 170 CTCs in Seoul and Kyung-Ki Province. The expansion will increase the program's impact and visibility. This project will offer online education to help seniors understand and use information technology. Microsoft will also support volunteer events with local celebrities and special events such as Senior's Day and Parents' Day.

YPIK (Young Professionals Institute of Korea)

According to Korean government sources, the number of North Korea refugees continues to grow. Many refugees have difficulty adapting to South Korea's way of living; a key disadvantage for North Korean youth is their lack of technology skills. With support from a Microsoft Unlimited Potential grant, the Young Professionals Institute of Korea (YIPK) program will play a pivotal role in offering a solution to the young refugees while listening to their problems, questions, and desires. Even though the number of refugees is still relatively small, this program is expected to have great impact. In the first year, 120 young refugees will be served, which represents about five percent of the total number of young refugees. Over the next three to four years, the program is expected to reach 15 percent of young refugees. Because the program provides technology and entrepreneurship training together, trainees who complete the course will be equipped to get a new job or start a small business.

Malaysia

NCWO Malaysia

The largest umbrella women's organization in the country, the National Council of Women's Organization (NCWO) includes more than 100 affiliates. In a 2006 partnership, NCWO and the Young Women's Christian Association (YWCA) operated a center and trained more than 340 women. In 2007, two centers were opened and 50 women have been trained to date. The purpose of the Microsoft Unlimited Potential-funded project is to equip underserved women—including single mothers, senior citizens, young adults, and indigenous women—with the technology skills that are required to survive and progress in today's economy. The majority of the women who will participate in this project live in rural areas that lack access to technology or even basic infrastructure. With technology and marketing skills, women business owners can expand their businesses and increase their standard of living, benefiting not only their families but also the communities in which they live. For this project, NCWO will involve affiliates across Malaysia and will work with Women's Institutes, the Islamic Women's Welfare Board, the Kelantan Women's Association (PEWATAN), and the Police Families' Association (Persatuan Keluarga Polis Sri Aman PERKEP).

YWCA Malaysia

The Young Women's Christian Association (YWCA) of Malaysia has established six community technology centers (CTCs), one under the partnership with National Council of Women's Organization (NCWO) in 2006, and five additional centers under the YWCA's 2007–2008 Microsoft Unlimited Potential grant. Together with NCWO, in 2006 they trained more than 340 women and helped 300 women. To date, 182 women have been trained under the 2007–2008 grant, with the goal of training 800. The intended audience consists of underserved women, including the urban and rural poor, single mothers, senior citizens, young adults, and indigenous women. The main goal of the project is to equip these women with the skills necessary to survive and progress in today's economy. The YWCA a strong long-term partner with Microsoft and the company has supported nearly all YWCA centers across Malaysia.

Philippines

Honest Accountable Living for Ilonggos and a Graft-free Iloilo (H.A.L.I.G.I.) Foundation, Inc.

The Microsoft Tulay initiative provides IT skills training to overseas Filipino workers and their families. Established in 2003, Microsoft Tulay has expanded to 13 locations—seven of which are outside the Philippines—and has won several local awards. The main partner for Tulay is the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, a government agency chartered with caring for the country's overseas Filipino workers (OFWs). Microsoft Tulay in Iloilo will be implemented by H.A.L.I.G.I. Foundation, a non-governmental organization (NGO) with expertise in education and skills training, which was named Most Outstanding NGO in 2003 by the Office of the President of the Philippines. The work by H.A.L.I.G.I. will be supported by a grant from Microsoft Unlimited Potential. Microsoft Tulay in Iloilo plans to train 2,550 OFWs and reach 17,850 OFWs and dependents over three years.

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka Anti Narcotics Association (SLANA)

Sri Lanka's migrant population, which is estimated at 1.5 million, brings in 27.5 percent of foreign exchange earnings to the country, according to the Foreign Employment Bureau (FEB). Sri Lanka Anti-Narcotics (SLANA), a recipient of a Microsoft Unlimited Potential grant in Fiscal Year 2005–2006, plans to build upon its previous experience to train a minimum of 4,800 migrant workers in basic IT skills in the first year of this project. Training a large number of workers will provide a major boost economically, politically and socially. The project has received full cooperation from the Foreign Employment Bureau. This key government agency oversees all aspects of migratory labor and is constantly looking for ways to increase the skill level of migrant workers. The FEB has pledged its full support and, assuming a successful implementation, is willing to consider adapting this training to all their centers. Other partners in the project are he Bank of Ceylon and ICTA.

Thailand

Population and Community Development Association

A participant in the Microsoft Unlimited Potential initiative since 2006, the Population and Community Development Association (PDA), one of Thailand's most established and diversified nonprofit organizations, has achieved significant success by providing basic IT skills to more than 3,000 people. The PDA's program has generated economic and social benefits to local communities by enhancing career opportunities for trainees. Microsoft Thailand has extended its support to establish 14 more community technology centers (CTCs), train 4,050 people, and reach 7,750 youth who are no longer in school. The extended program will be organized to reach factory workers, villagers, local government administrators, cooperative members, people with HIV, and tsunami victims. The objective is to help all those struggling with unemployment by equipping them with basic IT skills so that they can increase their social and economic opportunities.

Vietnam

Oxfam Quebec

An estimated 700,000—and possibly as many as 4 million—woman and children around the world are trafficked each year. Approximately one-third of the total are trafficked from or within Southeast Asia. Vietnam's Deputy Prime Minister, Truong Vinh Trong, has said that the number of women and child trafficking cases doubled between 2005 and 2006. He noted the close link between poverty and the women and children forced into "prostitution, illegal marriages, and illegal labor." With the support of a Microsoft Unlimited Potential grant, Oxfam Quebec and local partners have deployed an IT approach to find the victims of human trafficking and return them home. In April 2007, the Vice Minister of Public Security reported that in 2006, almost 1,300 women and children were helped to return to Vietnam; more than 120 cases were freed through diplomatic channels.