Microsoft and VF expands STEP-UP parntership

Microsoft aids human trafficking victims
By Lawrence Casiraya
INQUIRER.net
First Posted 17:13:00 10/12/2008

MANILA, Philippines -- Microsoft is pouring another P12 million into a computer training program for victims of human trafficking.

The grant be used to establish at least 10 more learning centers under Microsoft's project called Stop Trafficking and Exploitation of People through Unlimited Potential or STEP-UP.

Started in 2006, the program has trained more than 10,000 people in 13 community technology learning centers (CTLCs) located in different cities including Manila, Cebu, Daet, Bacolod, Dumaguete and Davao.

These CTLCs are managed and operated by the Visayan Forum Foundation (VFF), a non-governmental organization that looks after victims of human trafficking.

Ten more STEP UP centers will be established through this latest Microsoft grant, which includes cash and software. Microsoft also partnered with various NGOs in managing these centers.

According to VFF, at least 3,000 of those trained by the program were able to find employment while most others chose to continue formal or vocational education after learning basic computer skills.

VFF "rescues" around 300 victims and would-be victims of trafficking, working with the Philippine Ports Authority. VFF operates centers in Manila, Batangas and Davao, considered trafficking hotspots.

Some of these trafficking victims manage to get out of the country via boat, usually to Malaysia, said Ma. Cecilia Flores-Oebanda, VFF executive director.

Most of the victims are women (sometimes children) from remote villages who are either illegally recruited or even sold by their families.

"But we would like to break the notion that trafficking victims usually come from provinces. There are those from Manila who end up in places as far as Zamboanga," Flores-Oebanda said.

In the Philippines, Microsoft also runs two similar programs called Tulay and Partners in Learning, which cater to families of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and teachers.

Read more about this event: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/pinoy-migration/10/10/08/microsoft-boosts-anti-trafficking-campaign-rp

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/infotech/view/20081012-166030/Microsoft-aids-human-trafficking-victims