120 NZers Graduate from the Microsoft UPLIFT

News Release

120 New Zealanders Graduate from the Microsoft UPLIFT Programme

Over 4000 Kiwis increase their ICT skills as a result

WELLINGTON, New Zealand — September 13, 2007 — Thousands more New Zealanders have come closer to reaching their IT potential as a result of 120 community Information and Computer Technology (ICT) skills-based trainers graduating tonight from the Microsoft New Zealand Unlimited Potential Learning Foundation (UPLIFT) programme – a partnership between Whitireia Community Polytechnic, Department of Internal Affairs, State Services Commission, an advisory group of community Digital Champions and Microsoft New Zealand.

The programme, delivered by Whitireia Community Polytechnic in Porirua, Auckland, Wellington and Dunedin, provided a ‘train the trainers’ course for community-based tutors across New Zealand. It increased their ICT skills and capacity, enabling them to return to their community organisations and teach computer skills to others. The 120 graduates have already trained an additional 4,450 people and it is projected that in the next two years a further 1,000 people will benefit from the UPLIFT programme as graduates expand their centres or geographic coverage.

The graduates will receive their qualifications at a ceremony in Wellington tonight, attended by Community and Voluntary Sector Minister, Hon. Luamanuvao Winnie Laban.

”The UPLIFT programme recognises, values and delivers community learning. This one-time series of training courses will have a ripple effect in our communities, helping thousands of New Zealanders reach their ICT potential," says Winnie Laban.

“The ability to understand and utilise ICT is of huge importance to New Zealand’s communities. The opportunity to take advantage of ICT technology should be available to everyone, regardless of where they live, their level of access, or their skill level. UPLIFT courses are amazingly successful because they provide trainers with the ability to meet the unique requirements and situations of their respective communities,” she says.

Chris Brice, Microsoft New Zealand Public Sector Director believes ICT can help address New Zealand’s skills shortage, currently one of New Zealand’s key challenges to achieving increased productivity and sustainable economic growth.

“We are proud to be a part of the UPLIFT programme. It's about helping individuals and communities fulfil their potential through relevant, accessible, and affordable technology and training,” he says.

He says Microsoft strongly believes public and private sector partnerships similar to the approach taken during the UPLIFT programme are a critical success factor for New Zealand’s ongoing development as a knowledge economy.

“ICT has a tremendous ability to connect communities but technology alone is not enough. By forging strong partnerships with business, government, and local leaders, Microsoft New Zealand is striving to transform education, foster local innovation, and enable jobs and opportunities to help create a continuous cycle of sustained social and economic growth for New Zealanders.”

“Communities, government and industry all have a role to play in ensuring all New Zealanders have the capability and confidence to make the most of future opportunities open to them,” says Mr Brice.

Don Campbell, Chief Executive of Whitireia Community Polytechnic, says Whitireia was selected as the training provider for UPLIFT because of its reputation for listening and responding to the needs of communities.

“In designing the UPLIFT Course with the Community Advisory Board, we added increased value to the Unlimited Potential Curriculum by drawing on our expertise in adult learning and teaching and sustainable business processes to create an action-packed four day course. It has been a great success with exciting potential.”

About Unlimited Potential Learning Foundation (UPLIFT)

In May 2005, Microsoft Corp. awarded the New Zealand government a grant of more than NZD $350,000 to help fund the establishment and first two years of the New Zealand Unlimited Potential Learning Foundation. Additionally, Microsoft New Zealand is donating more than NZD $2 million of software to help Community Technology Learning Centres (CTLC) deliver the Unlimited Potential Learning Curriculum to CTLC trainers. The Government has also contributed to $100,000 in support of the initiative.

About Unlimited Potential

Microsoft Unlimited Potential is a global programme that focuses on improving lifelong learning for under-served young people and adults by providing technology skills through community-based technology and learning centres.

Microsoft believes that by providing the necessary training and tools, it will help create social and economic opportunities that can transform communities and enable people to realise their potential. More information can be found at www.microsoft.com/nz/unlimitedpotential

About the New Zealand Government’s Digital Strategy

The Digital Strategy was launched on 16 May 2005 and is about creating a digital future for all New Zealanders, using the power of information and communications technology (ICT) to enhance all aspects of our lives. More information can be found at www.digitalstrategy.co.nz

About Whitireia Community Polytechnic

Established in 1986, Whitireia Community Polytechnic is known for producing work-ready graduates in New Zealand and overseas and is a wholly owned entity of the Crown. The Polytechnic provides over 130 full-time and part-time programmes of study and also offers short courses of community interest. The programmes range from foundation level to certificate, diploma, degree and postgraduate with strengths in nursing, applied arts, business, service industries and trades as well as international students.

Whitireia has a total of four campuses, with the main campus in Porirua, and other campus sites in Kapiti, Wellington City and central Auckland. The UPLIFT Course in Dunedin was hosted at Otago Polytechnic.

About Microsoft New Zealand

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT”) is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realise their full potential.

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ENDS

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