In line with Microsoft's partnership with Caritas Lebanon that was announced two years ago, Microsoft Lebanon recently offered software licenses to Caritas' HOPE Center for children with learning disabilities. On this occasion, Caritas Lebanon held a ceremony at their HOPE Center in Beit Chabab in honor of Microsoft Lebanon attended by Caritas Lebanon President, Father Simon Faddoul, Microsoft Lebanon Country Manager Mrs. Hoda Younan, Caritas and Microsoft Lebanon staff, representatives from a number of Lebanese NGOs and members of the local media.
Under the slogan: "Together We Make A Difference", the partnership between Microsoft and Caritas aims at raising awareness on the importance of respecting the intellectual property of individuals and institutions, and at bridging the gap between the different social classes.
Father Simon Faddoul, President of Caritas Lebanon commented: "Hand in hand, Microsoft and Caritas are paving the way to promote the principle of mutual support and solidarity, not only between our two institutions, but also in the entire Lebanese community. Together, we will follow a path of cooperation with one goal in front of our eyes: reaching higher levels of performance using the best facilities information technology has to offer, all in the service of our cause, which is making the lives of our less fortunate brothers and sisters better and brighter".
This initiative stems from Microsoft's global commitment to create opportunities for youth through technology, training and experiences that empower them to imagine and realize their full potential in order to make a real impact for a better tomorrow. This entails a holistic transformation of learning that makes a real impact on educational outcomes and enables anytime anywhere learning for all.
From her side, Mrs. Hoda Younan, Microsoft Lebanon County Manager, said: "It is part of Microsoft's mission, globally, to serve the needs of communities through its technology, programs and partnerships. We realize that technology is capable of solving our most difficult societal issues, create growth and job opportunities, and boost our national economy; and it is our responsibility to help hone IT skills and professionals to pave the path for a better economic and social future in this country. Our support to the Caritas foundation builds on Microsoft's long-standing commitment to investing in technology that helps boost social reform".
Microsoft's mission to help people and businesses around the world realize their full potential, through their commitment to fulfilling their public responsibilities and to serving the needs of people in communities worldwide, has extended far beyond their products and services and has been amplified through their network of partners, including governments, nonprofits and other organizations.
Meeting the needs of local communities is one of the tasks undertaken by Microsoft Corporation globally, as part of the "Unlimited Potential" program. Microsoft is also currently working on building the first disaster and humanitarian relief center in Lebanon, through equipping four major NGOs, including Caritas, with the needed technology to enable them to better respond in times of crisis.
Microsoft has been cooperating with non-profit organizations and the public sector since 2000. To-date, more than 100,000 people and 30 non-profit organizations have benefited from Microsoft's support and training in the field of information technology and software.
