Google, the US tech giant, has unveiled new education initiatives, signaling the establishment of 50 smart schools in Pakistan’s federal capital, Islamabad. Teaming up with its local partner, Tech Valley, the Google for Education team recently engaged in discussions with the Secretary of the Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training to outline forthcoming plans for Pakistan’s education sector.
According to reports from the state news agency, these 50 smart schools in Islamabad will receive 30,000 Google for Education IDs. These IDs will incorporate AI-powered practice sets and a suite of digital tools designed to foster collaboration and boost productivity.
The meeting also delved into various upcoming initiatives, encompassing teacher workshops on Google for Education tools, the establishment of a public Google Reference School, training for 2,000 youths in job-ready skills through Google Career Certificates, and the potential collaboration on hosting an Edutech event with the Ministry of Federal Education in Pakistan.
Additionally, in March, Google reaffirmed its commitment to empowering women on International Women’s Day, asserting that by equipping women with essential skills and resources, the nation can unlock a future characterized by greater equality, inclusion, and prosperity for all.
Recognizing the significant potential, It is actively working to bridge these disparities by rolling out multiple programs aimed at fostering stronger equality and women’s empowerment in the workforce. One notable initiative is the Google Career Certificates program, which debuted in Pakistan in 2022.
Simultaneously, the program reserved at least 50% of its scholarships exclusively for women, aiming to bolster women’s access to economic opportunities and enable them to pursue their aspirations. Moreover, In 2023, the program awarded 44,500 scholarships and has committed to granting 45,000 new scholarships for 2024 to empower more learners.
Furthermore, through the GoogleNewsInitiative (GNI) and in collaboration with its local partners, Google has been training budding journalists, offering avenues for women to gain reporting experience, and addressing the accessibility of newsrooms.
