Microsoft Community Affairs 2008 Unlimited Potential Program Recipients

Latin America

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

Regional

Microsoft Unlimited Potential and the Inter-American Development Bank's Youth Program (IDB Youth) will jointly fund the Youth Development Program for Innovation and Social Action to support eligible nonprofit organizations across the region. The objective of the program is to broaden IT skills and economic opportunities for disadvantaged youth in Latin America and the Caribbean. The program will support initiatives that are undertaken by or for young people and which contribute to their development and to the development of their communities. The program will provide financial and in-kind support for projects that promote the use of new information and communication technologies and which include activities that foster life and job skills.

Argentina

CDI Argentina

CDI fosters social inclusion by promoting the use of information and communication technologies (ICT) to encourage active citizenship in low-income communities. CDI works in partnership with community-based organizations to train local educators who then provide IT skills training to underserved communities. Since it first collaborated with CDI in 1999, Microsoft has helped CDI establish and expand its presence in Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, Uruguay, and Paraguay. CDI now consists of more than 1,000 Information Technology and Citizens' Rights Schools. This Microsoft Unlimited Potential grant will help CDI serve more than 600,000 individuals, including people with disabilities, homeless children, and indigenous populations. Support is also provided by local governments and donors, including Accenture, Philips, Price Waterhouse Coopers, and the Telefonica Foundation.

Bolivia

Aldeas Infantiles SOS (SOS Children's Village)

Aldeas Infantiles SOS (SOS Children's Village) is an international nonprofit and social development organization that serves neglected children and disadvantaged families by offering a stable environment, educational training, and preventative care. Microsoft first provided support to SOS Children's Village Bolivia in 2001 and will continue to support the organization in 2008 with a Microsoft Unlimited Potential grant. Microsoft will provide cash and software to strengthen the SOS Children's Village technology and vocational training programs for disadvantaged youth and their parents in La Paz, Sucre, and Cochabamba. This year, along with the support of the Bolivian Ministry of Education, SOS Children's Village will establish four community technology centers and will reach more than 2,100 individuals.

Brazil

CDI Brazil

CDI fosters social inclusion by promoting the use of information and communication technologies (ICT) to encourage active citizenship in low-income communities. CDI works in partnership with community-based organizations to train local educators who then provide IT skills training to underserved communities. Since it first collaborated with CDI in 1999, Microsoft has helped CDI establish and expand its presence in Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, Uruguay, and Paraguay. CDI now consists of more than 1,000 Information Technology and Citizens' Rights Schools. This Microsoft Unlimited Potential grant will help CDI serve more than 600,000 individuals (including people with disabilities, homeless children, and indigenous populations). Support is also provided by local governments and donors, including Accenture, Philips, Price Waterhouse Coopers, and the Telefonica Foundation.

Fundação Fundetec

Fundação Fundetec is a Brazilian nonprofit organization dedicated to improving living standards and social equality by using technology. The purpose of this project is to provide IT skills training to young people and teach them how to refurbish used computers, which will be leased to public school teachers and underserved communities. Microsoft Unlimited Potential funding will help strengthen training activities in Fundetec's community technology center located in São Paulo. With additional support from the Municipal Government of São Paulo and the Secretary of Labor, Fundetec will implement the computer-refurbishing program, which is expected to reach more than 2,100 young people.

Instituto Efort

Instituto Efort is a Brazilian nonprofit organization that promotes social inclusion and education by using information and communication technologies (ICT), with a special focus on people with disabilities. With the financial support of the City of São Paulo and Microsoft, this project will help people with disabilities who live in São Paolo acquire IT skills to help them find employment. This Microsoft Unlimited Potential grant will support 12 community technology centers through which Instituto Effort plans to reach more than 36,000 individuals in 2008.

Instituto Crescer para Cidadania / Instituto de Tecnologia Social

Instituto Crescer para Cidadania, which develops social responsibility programs for companies and institutions, and Instituto Tecnologia Social, which promotes the use of technology for social advancement, will work in partnership with Microsoft and the Ministry of Development to strengthen IT skills training programs throughout Brazil. The purpose of this initiative is to train instructors how to use the Microsoft Unlimited Potential curriculum so that they can provide relevant training to residents and local entrepreneurs. The training will reach more than 2,000 telecenters in 2008.

Oxigenio

Oxigenio is a nonprofit organization that promotes social inclusion by helping underserved and disadvantaged communities use information and communication technologies (ICT) to build and exercise social responsibility. Through an agreement with the Brazilian Ministry of Labor, Microsoft has worked in partnership with Oxigenio to carry out the objectives of the federal government's First Job program, in which 24 non-governmental organizations (NGOs) will equip underserved young people with the IT skills necessary to find employment. Now in its second year, Oxigenio will continue to serve its network of 1,500 community technology centers and plans to reach more than 950,000 individuals throughout Brazil.

Instituto Ayrton Senna (IAS)

Instituto Ayrton Senna (IAS) is a nonprofit organization that provides educational opportunities for underserved children, teenagers, and adults to help them develop their potential as citizens and members of the work force. Since 2005, Microsoft has supported the Comunidade Conectada (Connected Community) initiative, which provides IT skills and job skills training to disadvantaged communities in five Brazilian states. This year, Microsoft Unlimited Potential funding will help IAS establish six additional community technology centers that are expected to reach more than 80,000 individuals throughout Brazil.

Comunitas

Comunitas is a nonprofit organization that works to strengthen civil society and promote social development throughout 26 Brazilian states (and the federal district). Since 2005, Microsoft has supported Comunitas to help strengthen their network of 52 community technology centers, which provide underserved youth with the IT skills and jobs skills necessary to gain employment and become more successful in the labor market. This year, with the support of a Microsoft Unlimited Potential grant and the city government of São Paulo, Comunitas will strengthen the Rede Jovem (Youth Network) project by establishing five additional community technology centers, which are expected to reach more than 5,200 people in the city of São Paulo.

Chile

Fundación de Vida Rural

Fundación de Vida Rural is a Chilean nonprofit organization whose mission is to reduce poverty by addressing the needs of underserved rural communities through education and training programs. With support from a Microsoft Unlimited Potential grant, Fundación de Vida Rural will manage a national training program to prepare underserved youth and unemployed adults to receive the International Computer Driving License (ICDL), an internationally recognized certification of competency in basic computer applications. With additional support from the National Telecommunications Company (ENTEL Chile), the Chilean Association of IT Companies (ACTI), Olidata, Telefonica, and the Chilean Government, Fundacion Vida Rural expects to reach 15,000 young adults in 2008.

Colombia

The Trust for the Americas

The Trust for the Americas, a nonprofit affiliate of the Organization of American States (OAS), mobilizes resources from corporations, foundations, and government agencies to reduce extreme poverty and promote democracy in the Americas. Since 2004, Microsoft has sponsored the Trust's regional initiative, Partnership for Opportunities in Employment through Technology in the Americas (POETA). POETA provides technology and job skills training to people with disabilities and at-risk youth. This year, with the support of a Microsoft Unlimited Potential grant, the Canadian Government (CIDA/IDRC), and additional donors—including Cisco, Hewlett Packard, Conoco Philips, the Inter-American Drug Abuse Control Commission (CICAD), Chevron Texaco, Siemens, Mexicana de Aviación, and TACA Airlines—the Trust for the Americas will have established 60 community technology centers in 18 countries, including Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Mexico, Peru, Venezuela, and six Caribbean islands. In 2008, the POETA program plans to reach 70,000 individuals throughout the Americas.

CDI Colombia

CDI fosters social inclusion by promoting the use of information and communication technologies (ICT) to encourage active citizenship in low-income communities. CDI works in partnership with community-based organizations to train local educators who then provide IT skills training to underserved communities. Since it first collaborated with CDI in 1999, Microsoft has helped CDI establish and expand its presence in Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, Uruguay, and Paraguay. CDI now consists of more than 1,000 Information Technology and Citizens' Rights Schools. This Microsoft Unlimited Potential grant will help CDI serve more than 600,000 individuals (including people with disabilities, homeless children, and indigenous populations). Support is also provided by local governments and donors, including Accenture, Philips, Price Waterhouse Coopers, and the Telefonica Foundation.

The Parquesoft Foundation

The Parquesoft Foundation is a nonprofit organization that supports technology projects throughout Colombia that generate positive social change. The purpose of the Info-Classroom project is to establish 99 community technology centers in 42 municipalities throughout the state of Valle del Cauca, offering IT skills training to students and residents from surrounding communities. This year, with the support of Microsoft Unlimited Potential funding and the State Government of Valle del Cauca, the Parquesoft Foundation plans to reach more than 780,000 individuals throughout Colombia.

Costa Rica

The Trust for the Americas

The Trust for the Americas, a nonprofit affiliate of the Organization of American States (OAS), mobilizes resources from corporations, foundations, and government agencies to reduce extreme poverty and promote democracy in the Americas. Since 2004, Microsoft has sponsored the Trust's regional initiative, Partnership for Opportunities in Employment through Technology in the Americas (POETA). POETA provides technology and job skills training to people with disabilities and at-risk youth. This year, with the support of a Microsoft Unlimited Potential grant, the Canadian Government (CIDA/IDRC), and additional donors—including Cisco, Hewlett Packard, Conoco Philips, the Inter-American Drug Abuse Control Commission (CICAD), Chevron Texaco, Siemens, Mexicana de Aviación, and TACA Airlines—the Trust for the Americas will have established 60 community technology centers in 18 countries, including Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Mexico, Peru, Venezuela, and six Caribbean islands. In 2008, the POETA program plans to reach 70,000 individuals throughout the Americas.

Dominican Republic

Esperanza International

Esperanza International's mission is to free children and their families from poverty through initiatives that generate income, provide education, promote health, and restore self-worth and dignity. Esperanza focuses on three activities: microenterprise development (MED), community development, and environmental health. Microsoft has worked with Esperanza on a number of initiatives since 2005, helping them establish 12 community technology centers (CTCs) that provide IT skills training for students, micro-entrepreneurs, and the community at large. This year, through support from Microsoft Unlimited Potential and the American Chamber of Commerce, Esperanza will establish three additional community technology centers and expects to reach more than 4,800 individuals throughout the Dominican Republic.

Ecuador

ChasquiNet Foundation

The ChasquiNet Foundation is an Ecuadorian nonprofit organization that promotes the strategic use of information and communication technologies (ICT) in underserved communities throughout Ecuador and Latin America. Microsoft has worked with ChasquiNet since 2004 and will now help establish a national community technology center in Ecuador, which will serve as a hub for employees of public ICT access points (approximately 2000 centers) throughout the country. In 2008, Chasquinet is expected to reach more than 35,000 individuals throughout the country.

The Trust for the Americas

The Trust for the Americas, a nonprofit affiliate of the Organization of American States (OAS), mobilizes resources from corporations, foundations, and government agencies to reduce extreme poverty and promote democracy in the Americas. Since 2004, Microsoft has sponsored the Trust's regional initiative, Partnership for Opportunities in Employment through Technology in the Americas (POETA). POETA provides technology and job skills training to people with disabilities and at-risk youth. This year, with the support of a Microsoft Unlimited Potential grant, the Canadian Government (CIDA/IDRC), and additional donors—including Cisco, Hewlett Packard, Conoco Philips, the Inter-American Drug Abuse Control Commission (CICAD), Chevron Texaco, Siemens, Mexicana de Aviación, and TACA Airlines—the Trust for the Americas will have established 60 community technology centers in 18 countries, including Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Mexico, Peru, Venezuela, and six Caribbean islands. In 2008, the POETA program plans to reach 70,000 individuals throughout the Americas.

Fundación Crisfe

Fundación Crisfe is an Ecuadorian nonprofit organization that promotes access to educational services and adequate housing. Since 2005, Microsoft has supported the Citizen's Beacon of Knowledge project, which provides IT skills and small business training to underserved communities in northwestern Ecuador (reaching nearly 22,000 people in its first year). With additional support from the Technological Institute of Monterrey, CREDIFE, and the Ecuadorian Ministry of Culture and Education, Crisfe will establish ten additional community technology centers, reaching more than 45,000 individuals throughout Ecuador.

El Salvador

Trust for the Americas

The Trust for the Americas, a nonprofit affiliate of the Organization of American States (OAS), mobilizes resources from corporations, foundations, and government agencies to reduce extreme poverty and promote democracy in the Americas. Since 2004, Microsoft has sponsored the Trust's regional initiative, Partnership for Opportunities in Employment through Technology in the Americas (POETA). POETA provides technology and job skills training to people with disabilities and at-risk youth. This year, with the support of a Microsoft Unlimited Potential grant, the Canadian Government (CIDA/IDRC), and additional donors—including Cisco, Hewlett Packard, Conoco Philips, the Inter-American Drug Abuse Control Commission (CICAD), Chevron Texaco, Siemens, Mexicana de Aviación, and TACA Airlines—the Trust for the Americas will have established 60 community technology centers in 18 countries, including Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Mexico, Peru, Venezuela, and six Caribbean islands. In 2008, the POETA program plans to reach 70,000 individuals throughout the Americas.

Guatemala

The Trust for the Americas

The Trust for the Americas, a nonprofit affiliate of the Organization of American States (OAS), mobilizes resources from corporations, foundations, and government agencies to reduce extreme poverty and promote democracy in the Americas. Since 2004, Microsoft has sponsored the Trust's regional initiative, Partnership for Opportunities in Employment through Technology in the Americas (POETA). POETA provides technology and job skills training to people with disabilities and at-risk youth. This year, with the support of a Microsoft Unlimited Potential grant, the Canadian Government (CIDA/IDRC), and additional donors—including Cisco, Hewlett Packard, Conoco Philips, the Inter-American Drug Abuse Control Commission (CICAD), Chevron Texaco, Siemens, Mexicana de Aviación, and TACA Airlines—the Trust for the Americas will have established 60 community technology centers in 18 countries, including Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Mexico, Peru, Venezuela, and six Caribbean islands. In 2008, the POETA program plans to reach 70,000 individuals throughout the Americas.

Cooperative for Education (COED)

Cooperative for Education (COED) is dedicated to breaking the cycle of poverty in rural Guatemala through the creation of self-sustaining textbook, library, and computer center projects in impoverished community schools. It strives to improve both traditional and technological literacy and lay the foundation for greater economic development and empowerment. Since 2001, Microsoft has helped COED develop 22 rural community technology centers throughout Guatemala's western highlands. In 2008, with the support of Microsoft, Rotary International, and the Mathile Family Foundation, COED will establish two additional community technology centers (CTCs), providing technology access and training to more than 4,600 people in indigenous Mayan communities.

Jamaica

Children First

Children First is a Jamaican nonprofit organization that works with at-risk youth to improve their life opportunities and enable them to contribute to society. Since 2005, Microsoft has supported Children First's Youth Wellness Centers in Spanish Town and Old Harbour Bay. These centers teach children who live on the streets to be responsible citizens and offer them relevant IT skills training and employment opportunities. With support from a Microsoft Unlimited Potential grant, the European Union, and UNICEF, Children First will establish an additional community technology center in St. Catherine that will reach more than 1,400 youth in 2008.

Mexico

The Trust for the Americas

The Trust for the Americas, a nonprofit affiliate of the Organization of American States (OAS), mobilizes resources from corporations, foundations, and government agencies to reduce extreme poverty and promote democracy in the Americas. Since 2004, Microsoft has sponsored the Trust's regional initiative, Partnership for Opportunities in Employment through Technology in the Americas (POETA). POETA provides technology and job skills training to people with disabilities and at-risk youth. This year, with the support of a Microsoft Unlimited Potential grant, the Canadian Government (CIDA/IDRC), and additional donors—including Cisco, Hewlett Packard, Conoco Philips, the Inter-American Drug Abuse Control Commission (CICAD), Chevron Texaco, Siemens, Mexicana de Aviación, and TACA Airlines—the Trust for the Americas will have established 60 community technology centers in 18 countries, including Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Mexico, Peru, Venezuela, and six Caribbean islands. In 2008, the POETA program plans to reach 70,000 individuals throughout the Americas.

CDI Mexico

CDI fosters social inclusion by promoting the use of information and communication technologies (ICT) to encourage active citizenship in low-income communities. CDI works in partnership with community-based organizations to train local educators who then provide IT skills training to underserved communities. Since it first collaborated with CDI in 1999, Microsoft has helped CDI establish and expand its presence in Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, Uruguay, and Paraguay. CDI now consists of more than 1,000 Information Technology and Citizens' Rights Schools. This Microsoft Unlimited Potential grant will help CDI serve more than 600,000 individuals (including people with disabilities, homeless children, and indigenous populations). Support is also provided by local governments and donors, including Accenture, Philips, Price Waterhouse Coopers, and the Telefonica Foundation.

The Mexican Center for Philanthropy (CEMEFI)

The Mexican Center for Philanthropy's (CEMEFI) mission is to promote and strengthen the organized participation of civil society in a culture of philanthropy and social responsibility in Mexico. Through support from Microsoft Unlimited Potential, CEMEFI currently has ten community technology centers in Baja California, Oaxaca, and Jalisco that provide IT skills and job skills training to underserved youth and adults in rural and urban communities. In 2008, CEMEFI will establish four new community technology centers in partnership with the three local nonprofit organizations. They plan to reach more than 4,000 people throughout Mexico.

ProMujer

ProMujer is an international nonprofit organization that provides Latin America's poorest women with the means to build livelihoods for themselves and their families through micro-lending, business training, and health care support. ProMujer establishes sustainable microfinance institutions that offer credit and training programs geared to the needs of poor, undereducated women who either operate a small business or would like to open one. Building on last year's successful partnership, Microsoft will help strengthen ProMujer Mexico's network of community centers, which offer basic IT skills training to women in the states of Hidalgo, Puebla, Queretaro, and Estado de Mexico. With Microsoft Unlimited Potential funding and support from additional sponsors—including Unitus, USAID/DAI, and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB)—ProMujer will establish four additional community technology centers, serving more than 6,000 women throughout Mexico.

Panama

The Private Sector Council for Educational Assistance (CoSPAE)

The Private Sector Council for Educational Assistance (CoSPAE) is a non-governmental organization that plans to increase the educational level and productivity of Panamanian workers through education and training. This year, support from Microsoft Unlimited Potential will help CoSPAE establish the Youth Competitiveness Institute, which will provide IT skills and job skills training to at-risk youth and help place them in jobs when they complete their training. With support from additional sponsors—including Hewlett Packard, Citibank, and Banco General de Panama—CoSPAE expects to reach more than 2,000 people in 2008.

Paraguay

CDI Paraguay

CDI fosters social inclusion by promoting the use of information and communication technologies (ICT) to encourage active citizenship in low-income communities. CDI works in partnership with community-based organizations to train local educators who then provide IT skills training to underserved communities. Since it first collaborated with CDI in 1999, Microsoft has helped CDI establish and expand its presence in Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, Uruguay, and Paraguay. CDI now consists of more than 1,000 Information Technology and Citizens' Rights Schools. This Microsoft Unlimited Potential grant will help CDI serve more than 600,000 individuals (including people with disabilities, homeless children, and indigenous populations). Support is also provided by local governments and donors, including Accenture, Philips, Price Waterhouse Coopers, and the Telefonica Foundation.

Peru

The Trust for the Americas

The Trust for the Americas, a nonprofit affiliate of the Organization of American States (OAS), mobilizes resources from corporations, foundations, and government agencies to reduce extreme poverty and promote democracy in the Americas. Since 2004, Microsoft has sponsored the Trust's regional initiative, Partnership for Opportunities in Employment through Technology in the Americas (POETA). POETA provides technology and job skills training to people with disabilities and at-risk youth. This year, with the support of a Microsoft Unlimited Potential grant, the Canadian Government (CIDA/IDRC), and additional donors—including Cisco, Hewlett Packard, Conoco Philips, the Inter-American Drug Abuse Control Commission (CICAD), Chevron Texaco, Siemens, Mexicana de Aviación, and TACA Airlines—the Trust for the Americas will have established 60 community technology centers in 18 countries, including Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Mexico, Peru, Venezuela, and six Caribbean islands. In 2008, the POETA program plans to reach 70,000 individuals throughout the Americas.

Puerto Rico

Consejo Vecinal Pro Desarrollo

Consejo Vecinal Pro Desarrollo de la Península de Cantera promotes development through community action and empowers residents by providing the necessary skills to carry out successful community development projects on the Cantera Peninsula in Puerto Rico. With support from a Microsoft Unlimited Potential grant, the Consejo will establish the first community technology center, which will provide students and their families with leadership courses, civic education, and IT skills training. Through this program, known as Leaders of the World, the Consejo expects to reach 1,000 Puerto Rican youth and adults.

Trinidad and Tobago

Servol

Based in Trinidad and Tobago, Servol is a nonprofit organization that empowers disadvantaged children and young people to become role models for the country. Since 2005, Microsoft has supported Servol's Hi-Tech Centers, which provide IT skills and relevant job training to at-risk youth in North, Central, and South Trinidad. This year, Microsoft, the Ministry of Education, and the Ministry of Science Technology and Tertiary Education will help Servol strengthen its Junior Life Centre Program, through which Servol plans to reach more than 1,400 individuals in Trinidad.

Uruguay

CDI Uruguay

CDI fosters social inclusion by promoting the use of information and communication technologies (ICT) to encourage active citizenship in low-income communities. CDI works in partnership with community-based organizations to train local educators who then provide IT skills training to underserved communities. Since it first collaborated with CDI in 1999, Microsoft has helped CDI establish and expand its presence in Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, Uruguay, and Paraguay. CDI now consists of more than 1,000 Information Technology and Citizens' Rights Schools. This Microsoft Unlimited Potential grant will help CDI serve more than 600,000 individuals (including people with disabilities, homeless children, and indigenous populations). Support is also provided by local governments and donors, including Accenture, Philips, Price Waterhouse Coopers, and the Telefonica Foundation.

Venezuela

The Trust for the Americas

The Trust for the Americas, a nonprofit affiliate of the Organization of American States (OAS), mobilizes resources from corporations, foundations, and government agencies to reduce extreme poverty and promote democracy in the Americas. Since 2004, Microsoft has sponsored the Trust's regional initiative, Partnership for Opportunities in Employment through Technology in the Americas (POETA). POETA provides technology and job skills training to people with disabilities and at-risk youth. This year, with the support of a Microsoft Unlimited Potential grant, the Canadian Government (CIDA/IDRC), and additional donors—including Cisco, Hewlett Packard, Conoco Philips, the Inter-American Drug Abuse Control Commission (CICAD), Chevron Texaco, Siemens, Mexicana de Aviación, and TACA Airlines—the Trust for the Americas will have established 60 community technology centers in 18 countries, including Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Mexico, Peru, Venezuela, and six Caribbean islands. In 2008, the POETA program plans to reach 70,000 individuals throughout the Americas.

The National System of Youth and Children's Orchestras of Venezuela (FESNOJIV)

The National System of Youth and Children's Orchestras of Venezuela (FESNOJIV) seeks to improve the lives of low-income youth by offering artistic and intellectual opportunities that would not otherwise be available to them. Microsoft will help FESNOJIV establish six community technology centers that will provide IT and job skills training to young people and their families. This year, with support from Microsoft and the Inter-American Development Bank, FESNOJIV expects to reach 10,000 individuals in and near Caracas.

Superatec

Superatec is a nonprofit organization that promotes positive change in the lives of low-income youth by offering human development training, IT skills training, and employment opportunities. This year, Microsoft will help Superatec strengthen two of its community technology training centers in eastern Caracas and San Mateo, which provide technology training and facilitate job placement for participants. With the support of funding from a Microsoft Unlimited Potential grant and Hewlett Packard, Superatec plans to reach 2,000 individuals in 2008.