Monday, May 27, 2013

Microsoft partners PIN on free training, support for NGOs


Microsoft Nigeria and Paradigm Initiative Nigeria (PIN) have hosted the 2013 Microsoft NGO Connection Day Nigeria in Calabar.

The two-day networking and information-sharing event brought together non-profit organisations from across the state to an interactive Information and Communication Technology (ICT) capacity-building programme to enable participants to learn more about Microsoft’s technologies and opportunities for non-profit organisations.

Over 80 participants representing 42 NGOs from various part of the state attended the forum, including those who came from several parts of the state such as Calabar Municipality, Odukpani, Biase and Akampka.

Awawu Olumide-Sojinrin, Director Marketing and Operations Microsoft Anglophone West Africa, disclosed that this year, the Microsoft NGO Connection Day featured training sessions and technical demonstrations of Microsoft products such as Microsoft Office 2013, Windows 8 and Windows phone.

“There were also sessions on the Digital Literacy Standard Curriculum, Research Tools and Report Publishing, Internet Safety and Security, Social Media Tools and Website/Blog Development and Management,” Sojinrin who was there are the opening ceremony.

The director also noted that during the 2-day, participants had the opportunity to discuss technology use in their work, learn more about relevant technology tools and establish a faster online presence that helped make information regarding their services available to a broader audience.

“As part of the Access Pillar of the 4Afrika initiative launched in February this year, we know that access to technology alone is not enough. That’s why we’re committed to supporting NGOs by increasing access to IT services, solutions, and training to help them use technology to expand their reach, improve their services, and accelerate their impact.”

The Governor, Cross Rivers, Senator Liyel Imoke who was represented by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Civil Society and NGO’s Barrister Margaret Ebokpo commended Microsoft on her numerous achievements in ensuring technology diffusion.

“Let me again commend the vision of the initiators of this important programme- Microsoft and its partner, Paradigm Initiative Nigeria and to restate our goodwill. We will continue to welcome similar engagements that contribute to enhancing the progress and development of our society as we strive to offer knowledge-based and accountable Governance to our people” she said.

The Executive Director, Paradigm Initiative Nigeria, Mr. Gbenga Sesan, said the NGO space is changing as everything else.
“Since many of these NGOs work in rural areas or with underserved groups that could benefit by employing the use of cost-saving ICT tools, NGOs need to be equipped with the applicable technologies required to make their work relevant to and effective in the 21st century” he said.

The high point of the event was the launch of Microsoft Internet Safety, Security and Privacy Initiative for Nigeria (MISSPIN) documentary titled “Economic Cost of Cybercrime in Nigeria” which is in commemoration of the World IT day.


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