New Microsoft Initiative Targets Disadvantaged Communities Boosting Community-Based Technology Training The role technology plays in the lives of New Zealanders today is significantly different to that of even five years ago. People today use a growing array of technology at work, in their homes and even at play.

Unfortunately, not all people have the skills nor access to affordable training to gain them the skills to take advantage of this technology.  The New Zealand Government recently acknowledged this growing issue in its draft Digital Strategy, citing digital and information literacy as being two essential components of literacy today. In an effort to help ensure New Zealanders who are currently underserved in technology knowledge and skills don't fall behind, Microsoft New Zealand is bringing Microsoft's global initiative, Unlimited Potential, to New Zealand.

Here to talk about the programme is Ross Peat, Microsoft New Zealand's Managing Director.

PressPass:  Can you briefly describe this latest initiative of Microsoft's?
Peat:  Unlimited Potential is a global initiative from Microsoft aimed at trying to help underserved people to ensure they are not left behind as technology usage grows.  The programme is based on the premise that technology is one of the key enablers to making positive economic and social changes to individuals and their local communities. Through a combination of grants, software donations, a training programme and a support network, Microsoft hopes its partnerships with local community technology learning centres will help narrow the technology skills gap and enable more people to realise their potential.

PressPass:  This is a very noble initiative.  How do you know it will make a difference?
Peat:  As Microsoft developed this programme, we worked with a number of government agencies, non-profit organisations and training providers.  We also considered a number of pieces of recent research.  The overwhelming message we received from these people and the research was that training in technology was one of the biggest enablers that could be provided.

PressPass:  In what way?
Peat: Training in technology not only provides individuals with skills that most employers demand without question but it also enhances people's prospects of gaining better paid jobs, and in turn grows their confidence and self-esteem.

PressPass:  And why has Microsoft chosen to partner with charitable organisations?
Peat:  Organisations based in the community are considered by people in need as being the most friendly and accessible places.  They tend to offer free or low-cost programmes and have far more support resources in place for issues other than just skills needs.

PressPass:  Where are the inaugural New Zealand Unlimited Potential programmes being run?
Peat:  Microsoft is proud to announce that two communities in New Zealand will soon be able to experience the new learning opportunities that the Unlimited Potential partnership offers.  They are South Dunedin's Approach - an adult learning centre which is part of the Dunedin Methodist Mission - and Kaipara District's Te Awaroa Youth Club, based in Helensville.

PressPass:  Why were these organisations chosen?
Peat:  Both organisations are working hard to overcome the unique challenges of their communities and Microsoft believes that with some extra support even greater changes to people's lives can be made.  Let's take Approach as our first example. Approach has been working in the South Dunedin community for more than 15 years.  South Dunedin has more than its fair share of people without qualifications, skills in computing or access to the Internet.

The organisation believes that by partnering with Microsoft they will be able to make more real learning opportunities available in this community.  The organisation believes that Unlimited Potential will enable it to help around 300 local people gain new skills and confidence with computers and Information Technology over the next 12 months. This in turn will improve their job and promotion prospects, and strengthen learning in their own families.

PressPass:  And Te Awaroa Youth Club?
Peat:  Like South Dunedin, the Kaipara District is considered to have a high proportion of disadvantaged people.  Over the past two years, a group of very passionate local people have developed and supported a Club that offers local youth opportunities to develop new skills and socialise in a safe and friendly environment. Through its partnership with Microsoft, the Club will be able to offer its youth and broader community new skills in technology and hopefully enable them a chance at new employment prospects.

PressPass:  What will these organisations receive?
Peat:  Unlimited Potential provides successful organisations with a combination of grants, software donations, training programmes and support.

PressPass:  Will there be further opportunities for other New Zealand organisations to receive such a boost in their community-based programmes?
Peat:  Absolutely.  Globally, Microsoft has made a five year, $US1 billion commitment to Unlimited Potential.  We will be calling for proposals twice a year, with applications for the next round closing in October 2004. I would encourage all interested charitable organisations who are operating established technology learning centres to visit our website at www.microsoft.com/nz/citizenship and find out more about the programme.