Information Technology is a great leveller for the underprivileged. Firstly, it provides the opportunity to empower people to self-educate, learn a new skill and gain employment. Secondly, it breaks down geographic barriers and allows individuals to work remotely from their villages. Thirdly, it provides access to services. The key service is information – weather reports, prices of agricultural produce, knowledge of available grants, ability to communicate cheaply with friends and family.

The multi-billion dollar software market and the multi- billion dollar services markets have been subject to outsourcing over the last decade. Enabling the developing world for the digital age provides an excellent opportunity for them to empower the population into employment by engaging these outsourcing markets. For example, in Madagascar, TVF is working with the Ministry of Health to provide computing education over a 5-year period. This project will touch over 1 million people.