<incom> Microsoft to open computer training centers for ex-combatants in Colombia

[Maja van der Velden]

from:
http://www.allheadlinenews.com/articles/7005244198

greetings, Maja

Microsoft To Open Computer Training Centers For Ex-Combatants In Colombia

October 20, 2006 11:40 a.m. EST

Shaveta Bansal - All Headline News Staff Writer

Bogota, Colombia (AHN) - Software giant Microsoft Corp. has agreed to 
donate more than $300,000 to teach computing skills to more than 2,000 
ex-combatants in Colombia. The move is aimed at reintegrating thousands 
of demobilized paramilitaries into nation's economy, who have otherwise 
turned to crime after relinquishing their weapons as part of a 2003 
peace deal.

Frank Pearl, Colombia's special envoy in charge of generating 
private-sector employment for the ex-combatants, on Thursday announced 
that the amount received in donation will be used over next three years 
to open eight training centers in former paramilitary strongholds.

The announcement comes nearly a month after Colombian President Alvaro 
Uribe met Microsoft chairman Bill Gates and requested him to help in 
country's peace process.

The donation - $234,000 in cash and $77,000 in software - was announced 
Thursday following a meeting at the presidential palace between Pearl 
and Jean-Philippe Courtois, president of Microsoft's international 
operations.

"The fact an American company is willing to support Colombia's peace 
process in such an enduring way sends a powerful message to Colombia's 
business community," Pearl, the former head of Valorem SA, the country's 
biggest holding company, said in a statement.

According to human-rights groups and the United Nations many of the 
paramilitaries have returned to crimes after the 2003 peace deal, noting 
that a lack of education and a violent past have hindered their 
deployment in civilian jobs.

The contribution by Microsoft will also be used to develop an employment 
database that will keep a record of career ambitions of former fighters 
and will match their skills with the needs of employers.

-- 
In a perfect world we'd all sing in tune
But this is reality so give me some room
(Billy Bragg - Waiting for the great leap forward)