STEWART IT IS widely recognised that technology is a potent force that can empower millions of people to reach their goals and realise their dreams, but for many people around the world, the "Digital Divide" keeps that power out of reach.
Despite real improvements in access to, and use of information and communication technology around the world, there is a wealth of evidence to suggest that the digital divide between and within countries is growing.
Today, thousands of Jamaica's citizens lack the access and, more importantly, the skills they need to participate in the new information-based global economy to realise their full potential. To this end,
computer software giant Microsoft says it is determined to dramatically improve those statistics one person at a time.
DONATIONS
In a press release, the company said that it plans to donate
millions of dollars in software to eligible non-profit organisations in Jamaica in 2005. One of the first beneficiaries of Microsoft's corprate goodwill is the Flankers Peace and Justice Centre.
The centre will receive the
following software licences from Microsoft:
Full Product Packages of Windows XP Professional (With Service Pack 2).
Full Product Packages of Office Professional Edition 2003.
Full Product Packages of Encarta 2005 Reference Library Premium.
According to marketing and communications manager for Microsoft West Indies, Gregory Stewart, Microsoft knows that access to technology is only part of the answer. It is equally critical to provide IT skills training, tools and
guidance to help people discover what technology can do for them, and what they can do with technology.
The former country manager for Microsoft Jamaica said that to address this set of needs, Microsoft created the Unlimited Potential (UP) program. The UP programme is dedicated to improving life-long learning for underserved youth and adults by providing technology-related skills through community technology and learning centres (CTLCs).
He said Microsoft believes that publicly accessible gathering places, whether they take the form of libraries, meeting rooms, schools, or community centres, represent prime locations where people can go beyond merely having access to technology and can acquire the skills to use it effectively to help themselves and their communities.
GLOBAL PROGRAMME
Through this global programme, Microsoft seeks to use technology training to create social and
economic opportunities that
can change lives, transform
communities, and strengthen local economies.
Microsoft is also donating the Unlimited Potential Curriculum to the Flankers Peace and Justice Centre. This curriculum, designed especially for the community learner, focuses on real-world skill development in the areas of basic computer skills, Internet skills, digital media, and software programme lessons.
Microsoft's software donations are demand-driven, based on the requests of individual nonprofits to meet their organisational needs. Software donations are administered through Microsoft Community Affairs.
Founded in 1975, Microsoft is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realise their full potential.
