Microsoft Viet Nam, Centre for Marinelife Conservation and Community Development, and other stakeholders on Friday launched project “Enabling Boat” in the northern province of Quang Ninh.

The project aims to support disadvantaged youth in the coastal area get access to information, communication and technology (ICT), adapting to the digital era, improving their livelihood and increasing awareness about marine conservation.

In 2017, the project will target local youth of the resettled fishing villages and others who live in remote coastal areas without much access to learning facilities. The project is jointly implemented by a group of diverse partners working toward the benefit of the coastal community. Key activities include ICT and computer sciences training, organising events to raise awareness about marine conservation, environmental protection and climate change adaptation.

It is expected that 150 local trainers and NGO staff will be engaged in training. Some 200 youths will be trained and at least 2,000 people will be benefited through training and awareness raising events.

Moreover, 50,000 community members will be provided with access to information and learning opportunities via various communication campaigns.

Vu Minh Tri, general director of Microsoft Viet Nam, shared “With this project, Microsoft offers a new technology approach which is need-based through locally driven activities adapting to the situation of disadvantaged youth living in coastal fishing villages who do not have sufficient access to basic ICT education. Enabling Boat not only brings ICT education to underserved youths, but also connects them to the world.” — VNS