Microsoft partnership with SOS Children

Using computers in Lumbini, Nepal after Microsoft provide high-speed broadband internet

SOS Children’s Villages International has made a strategic alliance with Microsoft that builds on our commitment to providing young people with access to quality education.

The partnership strengthens Microsoft’s YouthSpark, an initiative designed to empower 300 million children worldwide through the provision of education, employment and entrepreneurship opportunities.

Teachers and children in developing countries will be empowered as a result of a digital access initiative. Tackling education inequality by providing access to digital technology is the objective of this three-year partnership that involves far more than just the transfer of technology.

“Helping young people realize their full potential, is an ideology we have in common with Microsoft,” said Richard Pichler, Secretary General of SOS Children’s Villages. “From our respective experiences, we know that a holistic approach, based on partnership and leadership at local level brings positive social and economic change. Providing access to technology that helps open the minds of a young generation is great. Addressing educational inequality is equally admirable. But, this solution stands apart because it provides educators with the means to engage in and encourage others to innovate. It allows more people in developing countries to not only access technology, but to capitalize on their entrepreneurial talents in a way that was not previously possible.”

A solution that stands apart

The initiative is part of a strategic alliances between Microsoft and six of the world‘s leading organizations who share a common objective. Through this partnership they help ensure that teachers get the digital training they need and that students gain critical skills vital to finding employment, starting their own businesses and contributing to their local community’s economy.

“Today’s young people face an opportunity divide — a gap between those who have the access, skills and opportunities to be successful and those who do not,” said Anthony Salcito, vice president of Worldwide Education for Microsoft. “We firmly believe in the power of technology to help close this gap. But we can only achieve our ambitions with the help of these kinds of partnerships. Together, we can help bring digital access to youth and support to educators in developing countries worldwide.”

Giving children the technological tools they need is essential to helping strengthen their education and employment opportunities. A computer for a classroom may not seem like much, but for a child in need technology can provide a gateway to a better life.