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 utilize 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 US$ 1 billion in cloud computing resources over the next 3 years to 70,000 non-profits and NGOs worldwide.
Dr. Vinya Ariyaratne, General Secretary of Sarvodaya 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 centers, 8 development education institutes, 4 multipurpose community centers, 11 legally independent centers and focuses on technology in the Sarvodaya Institute of Higher Learning.”