The Microsoft Unlimited Potential Program
Literally laying the building blocks of China’s meteoric urban growth, rural migrant workers are an influential demographic whose distinct needs can all too easily go unaddressed, whether they are still in their original areas of remote rural China, or in the cities where they are trying to settle down. The PlaNet Finance China team, along with Microsoft (China) Ltd (which sustains our efforts), believe that community education and skills training are critically important for reducing China’s economic polarization.
As can be seen from our list of projects, we have often put IT learning and microfinance together to teach basic IT skills to microfinance clients, or to invigorate the microfinance organization itself with IT capabilities. Using its project management expertise in partnership with Microsoft China, PlaNet Finance has helped establish and run seven Microsoft Community Technology Learning Centers (CTLCs) for migrant workers and their families in many of China’s largest cities. We also did a single rural project (Ansai, Shaanxi) based on a computer “mesh” idea, where computers spread through several villages were used, not for IT training as much as for finding online information vital to farmers, such as commodity prices, video presentations on best growing techniques, and veterinary information, etc.
In a partnership with Microsoft China, PlaNet Finance China operates the urban Community Technology Learning Centers (CTLCs) program, which provides free training seminars and short courses in a variety of fields: basic computer operating knowledge, internet skills, environmental protection, health care, basic laws and rights, social responsibility, etc.
In addition to migrant workers, the programs serve many women, adolescents, children, people with disabilities, urban community-based people who are out of work. The program has already conducted several sessions in Beijing, Shanghai, Chongqing, Fuzhou, Zhengzhou, Kunming and Xiamen. With periodic free trainings, the program strengthens career skills in disadvantaged urban populations and helps people discover their innate abilities. We believe that this kind of “box of skills” community-centre learning model has great potential, and we are now seeking more partners to replicate this kind of centre.
Most recently, PlaNet Finance, Microsoft China and the Poverty Alleviation Office （PAO）under the Chinese State Council have joined together to add IT learning to existing vocational training programmes run nationally by the PAO. This programme is associated with the national campaign known as the “Rain and Dew” programme, which seeks to target rural migrant workers from poverty counties for vocational training.
As one of PlaNet Finance’s principal urban programs over the last four years, the Microsoft CTLCs network has cooperated with government agencies, multi-national companies, and Chinese grassroots NGOs.
