Microsoft have generously sponsored Connect Africa with US$18K worth of software through their Unlimited Potential (UP) program www.microsoft.com/unlimitedpotential . We all look forward to putting some very valuable tools to good use. Thanks specifically to Chose Choeu and Themba Mdlalose at Microsoft South Africa who were instrumental in securing us this contribution. Here’s what they said:

“Microsoft and its employees have long recognized the importance of being engaged in supporting communities around the world. The Microsoft Unlimited Potential (UP) is a global program that focuses on improving IT skills for underserved individuals and communities through community technology centres or telecentres. By offering grants of cash and software, and making the Unlimited Potential community Learning curriculum available in multiple languages, we can partner to create social and economic opportunities that can change peoples’ lives and transform communities.

Ultimately, Microsoft seeks to broaden digital inclusion for a quarter of a billion people by 2010. While the majority of the company’s community investments are made in support of Unlimited Potential, we are pleased to donate the software your organization needs.”