Microsoft Corp. will provide computer training to more than 2,000 disadvantaged youths in rural Bangladesh over the next year, a news report said Wednesday.
The U.S.-based software giant will give a grant of $90,000 (74,820 euros) for software and training curriculum to the Bangladesh-based Learn Foundation to implement the program in northeastern Bangladesh, Saw Ken Wye, Microsoft's president in Southeast Asia, was quoted as saying by the Ittefaq newspaper.
With the help of Microsoft's Bangladesh subsidiary, the foundation will convert eight rural telephone shops in into Internet kiosks and computer training centers.
The centers will provide low-cost Internet service to villagers through wireless technology, the report said.
Saw Ken Wye said Microsoft wants to widen its social development activities in Bangladesh, according to the report.
In November, 2004 Microsoft launched a subsidiary office in Bangladesh to promote its products and services.