US tech giant Google is poised to make significant investments in Pakistan's education sector. The company plans to establish 50 smart schools in the federal capital of Islamabad, along with launching teacher workshops, youth training via Google Career Certificates, and a public Google Reference School.
These initiatives were discussed in a meeting between the Google for Education team, its local partner Tech Valley, and the Secretary of the Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training. The 50 smart schools will be equipped with 30,000 Google for Education IDs, offering AI-powered features such as practice sets and digital tools designed to enhance learning experiences.
Google's commitment to Pakistan's education also includes:
- Teacher Workshops: Focused on training educators in the effective use of Google for Education tools.
- Google Reference School: Establishing a model school demonstrating best practices in technology-integrated education.
- Job Skills Development: Training 2,000 youths in job-ready skills through the Google Career Certificates program.
- Edutech Collaboration: Potential partnership with the Ministry of Federal Education to host an Edutech event.
Google's focus on women's empowerment is evident in its efforts to bridge gender gaps in Pakistan's workforce. The Google Career Certificates program, launched in the country in 2022, dedicates at least 50% of its scholarships to women, increasing their access to economic opportunities. The program's success is reflected in the awarding of 44,500 scholarships in 2023 and the commitment to providing 45,000 new scholarships in 2024.
The Google News Initiative (GNI) is also actively supporting young journalists in Pakistan, particularly focusing on providing more opportunities for women and ensuring greater accessibility in newsrooms.