Although computer science is thought of as a difficult, complicated subject, it's actually a basic aspect of everyday life. Now a programme has been initiated to give underprivileged and disabled youth a chance to access computer science education.
Microsoft's YouthSpark programme is a collaborative effort between Microsoft Thailand, the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (DE) and ChangeFusion, as well as the Redemptorist Foundation for People with Disabilities (RFPD).
This marked the fifth year of training that YouthSpark has run under the ongoing partnership with local organisations, said Supahrat Juramongkol, manager of Microsoft Philanthropies.
"The activity is one of many learning opportunities planned for underprivileged and disabled youth in 2018," she said.
RFPD has provided digital training to over 1,000 people with disabilities in Thailand since 2017. Through this YouthSpark grants, RFPD managed to introduce computer science education to the curriculum in eight schools in six provinces.
In 2018, with Microsoft YouthSpark, RFPD will provide even more opportunities to Thais with disabilities to get access to computer science through the "train-the-trainer" initiative.
Seventy-five additional youth trainers, comprising of RFPD staff and students, will not only empower young people with digital skills but also restore their dignity and encourage them to be more confident, she said, adding many of these people have already been employed by corporations.
Split into 25 groups by their respective hometowns, within a year, the trainers will manage and deliver training for 750 people locally, as well as for 75 young people from orphanages in remote areas.
Under the Thailand 4.0 plan, the country is undergoing extensive reformation in all socio-economic areas including promotion of technology, creativity and innovation. Becoming a value-based and innovation-driven economy is only possible through equipping Thais with the necessary skills to access and use information effectively, as well as ensuring digital literacy.
Through YouthSpark, in partnership with the Office of the National Economic and Social Development and ChangeFusion, Microsoft aims to train 1,200 young trainers by October 2018.
The training team comprises people of different backgrounds including Digital Community Centre leaders, members of local NGOs and schoolteachers, who will deliver digital literacy and computer science programmes to 18,000 unemployed, underprivileged youths from rural areas across the country.
RFPD vice-president Pattarapong Srivorakul said offering chances to persons with disabilities in Thailand has progressed considerably with the introduction of new laws.
"Thanks to support from Microsoft and the government, we now can reach people in remote areas. This provides opportunities to vast numbers of disabled people to upskill with computer science which now ranks among the most valuable skills in the job market."
Through these skills, they can pursue better career opportunities, foster self-reliance and achieve their lifelong goals in an era of ever-changing economic and social landscapes, said Pattarapong.
This year, Microsoft is offering 3 million baht in grants to the YouthSpark programme, reinforcing its commitment to equip young people with digital skills.
"We believe that every single young person in Thailand, regardless of their abilities and background, should have equal access to computer science education," said Dhanawat Suthumpun, managing director at Microsoft (Thailand).
According to a LinkedIn survey, 24 out of the 25 skills that companies need most in 2018 are computer-related, such as cloud and distributed computing. Having access to training is the only way for Thai youth to acquire digital skills and knowledge that are crucial to succeed in this tech-fuelled world.
Microsoft has also been working with the DE, which oversees the Net Pracharat project, to provide a broadband network to 24,700 villages nationwide and offer computer science learning to people in those areas.
"Under Microsoft YouthSpark, we continue to inspire and support people of all abilities to advance the future where the benefits of technology, and the opportunities it can open, reach those who need it most," Dhanawat said.
