Microsoft initiative to empower citizens through IT training, guidance

It is widely recognised that technology is a potent force that can empower millions of people to reach their goals and realise their dreams. Still, for many people the digital divide keeps that power out of reach. Despite real improvements in access to, and use of, information and communication technology, there is a wealth of evidence to suggest that the digital divide between and within countries is growing.

Today, millions lack the access and, more importantly, the skills they need to participate in the new information-based global economy to realise their full potential. Microsoft is determined to dramatically improve those statistics, one person at a time.

Access to technology, however, is only part of the answer. Equally critical is the provision of IT skills training, tools, and guidance to help people discover what technology can do for them and what they can do with technology. Improving life-long learning for underserved communities is one of the core values that make up Microsoft's Citizenship initiative, whereby Microsoft is recognised as a corporate citizen in favour of developing the community through innovative technologies and partnerships that ultimately lead to economic and social opportunity, business appreciation and a growth in the value of the brand's customers, shareholders and employees.

This mission, however, not only guides Microsoft's work as a corporate citizen but also provides a framework through which new markets, technologies and business models are addressed. This framework sees its basis in three main activities, namely, transforming education, fostering local innovation and enabling jobs and opportunities.

Our decisions carry a significant impact on local businesses, for the ICT industry in Malta and, consequently, for all the Maltese community. We are also conscious that the long-term success of Microsoft Malta, ultimately, is dependent on strong relationships with key stakeholders, namely, the government, customers, partners, employees and the greater community in which we live and work.

All this finds its basis in one simple but straightforward statement: that, through its Citizenship initiative, Microsoft seeks to empower many of the world's disadvantaged people to help them realise their potential and strengthen their communities. Through innovation and responsible leadership, our goal is to show our audiences that we seek common ground with policymakers on issues that affect our ability to do business.

Working in partnership with third parties, ranging from government officials to NGOs and other players in the industry, Microsoft Malta has had a range of initiatives aimed at re-skilling the Maltese worker and bridging the digital divide.

Some of these initiatives include re-skilling the unemployed and job redundant to re-enter the workforce through the Digital Literacy Centre set up within the Employment and Training Corporation, collaboration with councils to increase the level of ICT literacy among the people in their localities, assistance to people with mental health problems through software donated to the Richmond Foundation, a child online safety campaign (eInclusion) to enable the elderly and other disadvantaged groups to gain access and benefit from the use of technology in their daily lives, and a Community Day at Dar Qalb ta' Ġesù in Sta Venera, effectively the first project of corporate volunteering for Microsoft in Malta.

During this voluntary event two rooms were upgraded and are now in the process of being transformed into "digital libraries" so that the home's residents will be able to enjoy easy access to computers, the internet and printing facilities.

We truly believe that, through its Citizenship initiative, Microsoft is asserting itself not only as the leader and expert in digital inclusion that is committed to providing tools that help people realise their full potential but also as a technology innovator developing products and services that can help respond to social issues.

The digital divide can only be bridged when technologies are affordable and accessible for all members of the community. This is why Microsoft Malta's Citizenship initiative keeps us committed to those communities where technology has not fully integrated or has not caught on by focusing on digital literacy and usage.

This leads to a more employable society, hence to the constant reduction in unemployment, sharing in what has today become the government's top priority for 2010.

Ms Ellul Sullivan is Microsoft Citizenship lead for Malta and Cyprus.