BIZ TODAY REPORT
KARACHI: Shahid Afridi Foundation (SAF) and Microsoft Corporation Pakistan (MS) have joined hands to jointly work for Youth Enablement and Empowerment through Information and Communication Technology integration and trainings. Under the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between both the organizations, MS committed for Capacity building of young individuals especially from less privileged community on ICT skills (Coding and Microsoft Technologies) and soft skills. MS to initiate their “Train the Trainer Program” for teachers from SAF schools on digital skills. Microsoft will share the digital skill curriculum for capacity building programs & promoting employment opportunities and enterprise development among youth in Pakistan under this collaboration jointly with SAF.
Global Chairman SAF, Mr. Shahid Afridi, Global CEO, SAF Mr. Zeshan Afzal and Country General Manager, MS Mr. Syed Abid Zaidi jointly signed and exchanged the MoU documents. Senior officials from both sides were also present to observe proceedings from the ceremony.
Mr. Zeshan Afzal, Global CEO – SAF spoke about SAF’s initiatives and this collaboration with MS:
“SAF has undertaken different initiatives in Health, Clean Water and Sports Rehabilitation with a special focus on its education project”
“This partnership with Microsoft would further speak about SAF’s resolve to empower youth especially from the less privileged community through information & communication technology integrations and trainings under this collaborative effort.
SAF aims to uplift the underprivileged communities in Pakistan with the help of corporate community and especially from MNCs under their CSR initiatives”
Mr. Shahid Afridi spoke in the concluding remarks of the ceremony and shared his dream and commitment towards this philanthropic career and said:
“I highly appreciate and thank the management of Microsoft for entrusting and acknowledging my pledge and strive for the cause.”
“I strongly believe that all the privileged community especially the corporate sector has to come forward and contribute their part to return back to the society for which I am very grateful to the Microsoft and its management for joining hands with Shahid Afridi Foundation.”
I would like to thank Microsoft to support SAF’s cause through empowering youth and also request Microsoft management to support SAF’s other initiatives especially in the field of Health and Clean Water”
And, finally, I would also like to thank the media for supporting and projecting my cause by providing coverage of our events and activities”
Earlier, Welcoming Mr. Shahid Afridi at their MoU signing ceremony at a local hotel in Karachi and highlighting Microsofts’ role as a responsible corporate entity, Country GM, Microsoft Mr. Syed Abid Zaidi spoke about Microsoft’s role in giving back to the society through their programs for the community development under their Microsoft Philanthropies program.
“He stressed upon the importance of educating youth of our beloved nation in the field information and communication technology. He also highlighted the support of MS to the NGO sector under their Microsoft Nonprofits programs whereby they provide free of cost or discounted products/solutions to the NGO sector. He further highlights the points of understanding with SAF for this collaborative effort and its objectives. He thanked Mr. Afridi for joining hands for this common cause of education and wish that all our collaborative efforts may produce desired results and brings betterment in the society.”
