The 2010 earthquake in Haiti took Emmanuella Stimphat’s mother, her home, her church, and her school. She thought she was left with nothing, without hope, without a future. In the midst of devastation, loss, personal tragedy, and destroyed dreams in the aftermath of

the earthquake in Haiti, Microsoft partnered with NetHope to offer hope.

Microsoft and NetHope Partners to Build Hope in Haiti

Out of the ruin and devastation, Microsoft and other partners joined forces with NetHope to form the NetHope Academy in Haiti. NetHope Academy is a school that provides NGOs the technical talent they require, while giving young Haitians the hope of a much needed career opportunity. It’s a free six-month program that teaches students IT skills in the classroom in addition to on-the-job internship training experience. Students also receive highly-valued Microsoft Certifications from Microsoft Learning.

I’ve watched this video of Emmanuella’s story at least a dozen times. Every time I watch it, I get a chill rush of joy. It is indeed profound what technology and working together can do. Emmanuella’s story beautifully and powerfully illustrates why The Patterson Foundation partners with NetHope. As lead communications strategist for The Patterson Foundation, I believe in the power of communication, technology, collaboration, and working together in partnership to transform lives when all appears lost.

Does your corporate social responsibility aim to turn tears of despair into smiles of a bright, exciting future? Perhaps the right public-private partnerships is the answer to making your corporate social responsibility initiatives a reality.

Do you belive in the magic of what you can accomplish with the right partnership?