Microsoft, ORYX GTL & QITS enhance computer literacy skills for women in Qatar

Microsoft project helps teach computer skills to women at the Qudurat Center in Al Khor

Doha, Qatar - April 18, 2012

As part of Microsoft Qatar's efforts to promote digital learning in Qatar and in line with the country's 2030 vision, a digital literacy program targeting women was launched in association with ORYX GTL and the Qatar Independent Technical School (QITS).

Through the program's digital literacy curriculum, women at the Qudurat Center in Al Khor were trained on basic IT concepts, Microsoft word, Microsoft Excel, Windows 7 operating system, and were also provided with courses to give them a general understanding of computer security and digital privacy.

"At Microsoft we are committed to driving local development by supporting the human foundation of knowledge-based economies through access to technology, training programs, public and private sector partnerships and education initiatives," said Microsoft Qatar Country Manager Naim Yazbeck. "We're very proud to be supporting the women of Qudurat Center together with our partners ORYX GTL and QITS and hope to help them develop their computer literacy skills in order to be better equipped for future job opportunities."

ORYX GTL, took on the task of identifying the needs of the community as part of the company's corporate social responsibility program. The global leader in the GTL (gas to liquids) industry also supported the program by providing hardware to the Qudurat center that was used for training during the women's courses.

"We are constantly looking at ways to give back to the community that we operate within," said Sami Al-Shammari ORYX GTL IT & Telecom Manager. "Helping the women at Qudurat center is an excellent way to enable them to work towards a better future for themselves and we hope to continue to support the community with similar initiatives moving forward."

Eighteen women took part in the training courses which were conducted by QITS between January and February in two separate course levels depending on the participants' existing technology skills. The women who took part in the training courses were provided with certificates at a ceremony upon completing the program and learned the vital skills needed to progress in the job market.

"QITS is committed to developing academically-strong, technically-certified and socially-conscious students in a student-centered, safe, high-quality, innovative and culturally-sensitive secondary school environment," said Mr. Abdulla Shams, QITS General Manager "We were impressed with the drive and willingness demonstrated by the women who were enrolled in the digital literacy curriculum and hope that more companies will step forward and support the community by empowering them through technology skills development."

By supporting the women at Qudurat Center, Microsoft and its partners were able to facilitate access to technology skills, therefore giving these women vital skills that will offer more opportunities for advancement in the future in the hopes of contributing to the economic growth of the country.

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About Microsoft Qatar
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (NASDAQ:'MSFT') is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential. As part of Microsoft Gulf with its Dubai-based headquarters, Microsoft Qatar opened in Doha in 2003 with its offices located in Qatar Science & Technology Park. Microsoft Corporation's address on the World Wide Web is: www.microsoft.com. Microsoft Middle East's Web site is www.microsoft.com/middleeast

For more information
Miriam Farshoukh
PR Lead - Microsoft Gulf
Tel: +971508249774
Email: a-mifars@microsoft.com

Abdallah Mallo
Weber Shandwick Qatar
Tel: + 974 44364387
Email: Abdallah.mallo@ws-mena.com