Coding ~ The Language of Tomorrow: Microsoft's WeSpeakCode Campaign

Computer Literacy and Skills have become increasing important!

Coding particularly has been identified as an item of special interest amongst our young. And this is understandable as coding is slowly becoming the language of the future! There is no denying that it is an important tool in our children's future careers, regardless of specialization.

 

Microsoft YouthSpark in partnership with Code.org, Microsoft Asia Pacific's #WeSpeakCode campaign aims to promote coding as a language for everyone.  The movement connects aspiring student coders of all skill levels with the tools, resources, and experience they need to turn their innovative ideas into reality.

 

 

I was very delighted to have been invited to attend Microsoft  #WeSpeakCode Philippines' campaign and my kiddos were equally excited. 

It was truly a fun learning experience for my boys, who are both so much into computers (yup, and gaming ~ Minecraft included)!

 

 

 

The children were given hands-on tutorials on basic coding, by young volunteers who were so eager to teach and inspire.

 
Who knew, writing computer codes and creating your own program  can be so simple and fun?

 

For more information, news and perspective from Microsoft Asia Pacific, you may visit the Microsoft Asia Pacific News Center at http://news.microsoft.com/apac.  

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Microsoft was founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq "MSFT") is a worldwide leader in software, services, devices, and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.

Microsoft YouthSpark in partnership with Code.org, Microsoft Asia Pacific's #WeSpeakCode campaign aims to promote coding as a language for everyone.  The movement connects aspiring student coders of all skill levels with the tools, resources, and experience they need to turn their innovative ideas into reality.  Please visit www.wespeakcode.net to find out more about this advocacy.

PRESS RELEASE: Creating a Benchmark for Volunteerism and Social Responsibility: The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf

The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf has long been committed to social responsibility and volunteerism. 

In 2008, in their “Give In, To Giving, 12 Cups with The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf” campaign, they started sharing this corporate mission to its loyal customers.

"It began by taking something that was relevant to customers at the time - the "planner craze," if you will - and creating something more meaningful that could be an extension of our commitment as a brand to giving back.  What spurred out of this intention was a Commemorative Notebook that became a medium  for us, and our patrons to support advocacies in need and share their blessings.  It was and continues to be the only journal that encourages more purposeful action towards ones' social responsibility," explained Paulo del Rosario, VP for Marketing of The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf.


Customers were asked to collect 12 stamps and choose from any of the 12 advocacies and organizations that The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf was supporting. These ranged from women’s groups, to children, animals, the environment, indigenous people or those with disabilities and illnesses. Completing all 12 stamps meant the customer could bring home the commemorative notebook that featured artworks from contemporary Filipino artists and proceeds collected went to each customer’s chosen organization. The original artworks featured in the covers of the Commemorative Notebook were also auctioned and were donated to the charities

The entire campaign was such a success that not only was it well received by loyal patrons; it also won numerous awards.

The following year, The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf® introduced its follow up with “24 Cups of Goodwill”, where proceeds from the campaign were given to its 24 partner organizations. In 2010, for “Changing Lives with Every Cup”, they shifted their focus on sending scholars to school by partnering with Real Life Foundation and their Adopt-a-Scholar program, where the company was successfully able to send 8 scholars to university.


In 2012, they continued their efforts with the “iBuild” campaign, which helped raise sustainable housing solutions for impoverished families. And by 2014, they introduced the “Brew Your Best Year” campaign, which evolved their efforts into giving back to their loyal patrons by helping them give back to themselves as well. Through this initiative, they hope to help each person in their journey towards becoming the best version of themselves.


Their efforts through the years prove how a brand can become meaningful in addressing social change. 


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Companies today, locally and worldwide, are putting more focus on developing a culture of volunteerism and social responsibility—recognizing how working together can make a real difference in the community, while at the same time opening up opportunities for learning, cooperation and leadership within the organization.


WHAT makes The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf®’s efforts stand out however, is the sincerity that drives their initiatives, where they have managed to uplift the true essence of what it truly means to care.

Consistently, The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf® brings people together to participate in various community outreach events. “We place great effort into putting such events together not only for the sole purpose of helping the community, but also to encourage our own Customers and Team Members to spend meaningful time bringing joy to others in an impactful and sincere way,” explains Nella Lomotan, Engagement Marketing for The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf®.


These pocket initiatives, held monthly, are part of the Caring Cup series. And whether it’s a simple story telling event in a hospital, a physical fitness session with public school students, a tree planting project, an art workshop for children with disabilities, each event is designed to foster the spirit of volunteerism and giving among its participants.

In fact, last February 14, The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf® made sure to create an avenue to give love and receive love as they mounted the “Paint the Town Red this Valentines’ event”. Volunteers spent the day of love giving love to children with disabilities at AIME home via a t-shirt painting activity with the intent of giving kids something that they will always remember.

 

“The Caring Cup is a way for us to expand and uphold a vision that we have long established for the company, where we hope to cultivate the spirit of volunteerism in our Community. We strongly encourage everyone who wants to be a part of something that impacts the life of others in a meaningful way to visit our stores and sign up for our next events.” ends del Rosario.

Follow The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf's social media pages and subscribe to www.brewyourbestyear.com to stay updated on their Caring Cup events.


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