Microsoft partners with Trevor Noah Foundation to bring Digital Skills to needy Youths in South Africa

Apr 21, 2018

Microsoft partners with Trevor Noah Foundation to bring digital literacy to under-resourced schools in South Africa 

Trevor Noah Foundation

Trevor Noah interacts with students as they demo the microsoft digital literacy content.

Microsoft has partnered with South African-based Trevor Noah Foundation (TNF) to provide digital skills to underprivileged youth in a Johannesburg suburb.

Under the partnership, Microsoft’s philanthropy arm will help incorporate technology into classrooms activities at New Nation School in Vrededorp. The government-owned school caters for orphans and children who find themselves outside of the traditional family structure.

Sensational stand-up comedian Trevor Noah recently founded the TNF which focuses on equipping orphans and vulnerable youths with education, life skills and social capital necessary to pursue further opportunity upon graduating high school. 

Microsoft partners with Trevor Noah Foundation

Trevor Noah speaks at his foundation launch event

“We hope to drive sustainable change that improves the lives of the most vulnerable youth in South Africa” says Mr Noah, who is also author of Born a Crime and host of The Daily Show on Comedy Central.

Microsoft’s philanthropy arm empowers people around the world by providing digital skills, knowledge and opportunity so they can achieve more. Currently it has donated over $1.4 billion in cash grants and technology, supporting over 200,000 nonprofit organizations around the world.

“My dream for many years has been to help underprivileged children get the education they deserve and with this initiative we’re taking the first steps.” – Trevor Noah 

Microsoft is Trevor Noah Foundation Technology partner  

Microsoft believes economies and societies are being rapidly transformed by technology, making the need for digital skills very essential to the jobs of today and tomorrow.

“One of the greatest challenges we face is ensuring everyone has access to the skills and knowledge they need to succeed.
As technology advances, we’re committed to ensuring people aren’t left behind.” – Microsoft 

Microsoft partners with Trevor Noah Foundation

Microsoft President, Brad Smith speaks during panel discussion

Microsoft President, Brad Smith, present at the launch to announce Microsoft’s partnership with the Foundation said;
We’re excited to be here today at this special school to support Trevor as he brings opportunity to South African children. We understand first-hand the important role that technology plays in education and we’re proud to partner with him by bringing digital tools and skills to schools like this.”

Every student deserves a bright future. Microsoft is proud to support the Trevor Noah Foundation as it opens doors for South African youth through skills, technology & great schools. – Brad Smith

The Trevor Noah Foundation will scale up the program after the current pilot across the nation. The foundation also believes that with Microsoft as the Foundation’s technology partner, under-resourced schools will have the opportunity to use technology as a tool to enhance the learning experience in classrooms. Beyond the classroom, digital literacy is a life skill that will continue to add value as the student transitions into further education, or their first job.

Speaking about the partnership Microsoft South Africa MD, Zoaib Hoosen said “A truly inspiring launch and approach. We are excited to be partnering to further drive Microsoft’s ambition to empower South Africa youths with the digital skills required for the modern workplace”