Microsoft invests in NGOs becoming tech-ready

Microsoft, in collaboration with Sarvodaya Fusion, recently conducted a seminar for local NGOs on the importance of adopting digital technology to improve efficiency and better serve their beneficiaries. The briefing, ‘Tech4good 2016’ focused on preparing and enlightening NGOs on the digital transformation that the world is currently facing. The seminar demonstrated how local NGOs can benefit from moving project data stored on hard copies to the cloud and how they can utilise the digital world to engage in fundraising activities amongst others.

Delivering the keynote speech on ‘Digital Transformation in the NGO Sector’, Nishan Fernandopulle, Advisor to Minister Harin Fernando, Minister of Telecommunication and Digital Infrastructure commented, “Microsoft and Sarvodhaya Fusion are determined to help us move technologically forward as a nation. As a developing society some of the challenges we face today include an ageing population, differently abled individuals impeded from employment and female empowerment becoming a growing dynamic. With digital transformation at hand, it is not a distant dream to become a technologically advanced nation; it only requires combined dedication to bring about this change. The Ministry of Telecommunication and Digital Infrastructure and Microsoft recently initiated a program to aid 5,000 students in rural areas with computer science knowledge. NGOs play a vital role in training rural communities to be ready to embrace the digital future and Government is committed to bring all necessary technologies, infrastructure and opportunities to take Sri Lanka forward.”

Participants at the forum witnessed a live Skype presentation from an Indian NGO who recently transitioned to the Office 365 cloud and were educated on how to apply and register for software donations from Microsoft. The discussion regarding software donation is aligned to the Microsoft Philanthropies announcement of a commitment to donate $ 1 billion in cloud computing resources over the next three years to 70,000 non-profits and NGOs worldwide. Resources include Microsoft Office 365 which comprises email, online document editing and storage, video conferencing through Skype for business and Yammer the instant messaging platform uniting project teams. Easy access to board reports and grant applications anywhere, anytime, with online storage and remote file sharing and a steady security framework is also part of the package.

Sarvodaya General Secretary Dr. Vinya Ariyaratne commented, “Throughout Sarvodaya’s 58 years of operation we have found that change starts with the individual and the endpoint is the world. This forum ‘Tech 4 Good’ is a great way to educate NGOs on the importance of adopting Microsoft technologies and the benefits they reap from Microsoft. Currently, Sarvodaya is adopting technology in 26 district centres, 8 development education institutes, 4 multipurpose community centres, 11 legally independent centres and focuses on technology in the Sarvodaya Institute of Higher Learning.”

Wimalasooriya, Director – Registrar of the National secretariat for Non- Governmental Organisations also addressed the gathering and stressed on the importance of access to technology to enhance the lives of the people. Microsoft’s Azure cloud computing platform can aid NGOs with the successful creation, deployment, and management of high-level projects. Microsoft and Sarvodaya focus on social enterprise which foster digital literacy, digital access and digital benefits. The session also briefed participants regarding financial support from offered via Crowd Island and other crowd funding resources.

“Microsoft’s mission statement aims to empower every person and every organisation on the planet to achieve more. I urge all NGOs to make use of the Microsoft offers as it will help to engage beneficiaries, empower employees, optimise operations and transform services,” Janakie Karunaratne, communications and community lead for Microsoft Sri Lanka further commented.

“Microsoft provides donations and discounted products and software to eligible non-profit organisations. Local Microsoft philanthropies also arrange economic learning opportunities through training programs to equip non-profits with the right skills and knowledge to use new technology to increase efficiency and add value. All local NGOs can check if their eligible for sponsorship from the ‘Microsoft Product Donations’ website,” she concluded.