14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft has indicated a strong commitment to driving the evolution of education systems across EMEA on more occasions than one. The vision fueling the Redmond company's initiative is connected with the necessity of building an IT-literate workforce ready to tackle the challenges that come inherent with the positions in modern companies across the world. In Bulgaria, the Redmond company's efforts were applauded with the “Investor in the future.” The general manager of Microsoft Bulgaria, Ognian Kiriakov, received the award from Deputy Minister of Education Kircho Atanassov at the National Panorama of Vocational Schools, an event reserved for Bulgarian education leaders.
The “Investor in the future” awards is an acknowledgement designed to applaud comprehensive investments as well as efforts to contribute to advancing Bulgarian education. The Bulgarian Minister of Education has made it a tradition to single out the companies that are investing in the future on the local market with the award each year.
In 2009, it was the turn of Microsoft Bulgaria to be celebrated in front of an audience of 100 local education leaders at the gala diner. Atanassov explained that the award was set up to recognize Microsoft Bulgaria's efforts of educating the workforces of tomorrow. “Because Microsoft shows how business and education should work together in practice, not just by desire,” Atanassov explained.
But essentially the “Investor in the future” award is designed to highlight the partnership between Microsoft and the Ministry of Education south of the Danube for the 2008-2009 school year, with a focus on advancing Information Communication Technology skills for students.
As far as Microsoft is concerned, its efforts on the local market were related to better support and resources offered to teachers through the Microsoft Innovative Teachers Network, and the Microsoft Partners in Learning program. At the same time, the software giant has opened up the Live@Edu free communication services program, but has also helped support national competitions, and has offered training via IT Academy. Of course that DreamSpark, a collection of software offerings provided for free by Microsoft to high school and college students worldwide, was also a factor in nicking the company the “Investor in the future” award.