Matching Gifts from Microsoft YouthSpark To Provide Computer Training For African Youths

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. - June 17, 2014 - PRLog -- Innovative nonprofit, Develop Africa, will receive matching gifts on June 25 through a partnership with Microsoft YouthSpark.  Gifts will help launch a computer lab in Sierra Leone providing disenfranchised youth with training in computer proficiency as a means to improve quality of life.

The computer lab at the Develop Africa Empowerment and Training Institute (DAETI) offers an opportunity for at-risk individuals to learn the computer skills needed to be relative in today’s increasingly computer based society.  Technology skills give young people more options and open them up to better educational, job and business opportunities.  There is a dire need for this type of training, yet classes are prohibitively expensive and remain out of reach for much of Sierra Leone’s most marginalized citizens.  The DAETI will help to bridge this digital divide by providing free training in basic computer skills, office applications and internet usage.

After receiving training provided by Develop Africa, many youths have gone on to secure jobs and brighter futures. This training is transforming the lives of participants as it broadens their options and offers new opportunities. Youth and young adults become computer literate, and as a result they increase their viability in the market place. They have a chance to be independent and develop their careers.  They are empowered to take their place in society and make a meaningful contribution to the national development needed to lift help Sierra Leone out of dire poverty.

Beginning June 25 at Noon EDT until matching funds run out, donations made to the Empower Youth Through Computer SkillsTraining project will be matched dollar for dollar up to $1000 per donor.  Donations will be doubled by Microsoft Youthspark and can be made using the innovative and secure online giving platform, GlobalGiving.  All funding received will be put to work immediately to ensure that young people in Sierra Leone receive the comprehensive training they need to become successful in today’s computer driven society, establish meaningful careers and contribute to the improvement of the country.

You can help Develop Africa increase its impact through the Microsoft YouthSpark Bonus Day by making a donation from $10 to $1000.  Simply go to http://www.globalgiving.org/projects/2494 to make your donation on June 25.  We recommend that you do so as soon as possible after Noon EDT (for example between 12:00 Noon EDT and 1:00 pm EDT) to ensure that your donation is matched - as matching funds could run out quickly.  Just $15 will provide a training manual for one student, $25 will provide necessary computer accessories such as printer ink and mice, and $50 will cover the cost of one full day of training.  Your support in any amount will give youths the tools they need to break the chains of poverty and move toward safe, more secure lives.

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Develop Africa is a 501c3 non-profit organization empowering lives in Africa so that they can better themselves, their communities and their nations. This is accomplished through a range of programs supporting computer training, education, microfinance and small businesses, job skills and leadership development training.  Information can be found by visiting http://www.developafrica.org or via social media: http://www.facebook.com/developafrica or twitter.com/developafrica.