Hundreds of Jamaica's youths and young adults (particularly from Spanish Town and neighbouring communities) enrolled in the Children First programmes, will now have the access to acquire the skills they need to realise their full potential in the new information-based global economy.

Microsoft created the Unlimited Potential (UP) programme to improving lifelong learning for underserved youth and adults by providing technology-related skills through Community Technology and Learning Centres (CTLCs).

SKILLS

According to Marketing Communications Manager for Microsoft West Indies, Gregory Stewart, 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.

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.

The UP 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 says that its software donations are demand-driven, based on the requests of individual non-profits to meet their organisational needs.  Software donations are administered through Microsoft Community Affairs.

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