Google, in collaboration with local partner Tech Valley, is all set to establish 50 smart schools in Islamabad, Pakistan’s capital, as part of a comprehensive effort to enhance the country’s education sector.
These schools will be outfitted with 30,000 Google for Education IDs featuring AI-driven features such as practice sets and digital collaboration tools. Plans were presented to the Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training, outlining initiatives including teacher workshops, the creation of a public Google Reference School, youth training via Google Career Certificates, and potential collaboration on hosting an Edutech event.
In alignment with International Women’s Day, Google reaffirmed its commitment to empowering women in Pakistan, recognizing the pivotal role they play in fostering equality and prosperity. Initiatives like the Google Career Certificates program, launched in 2022, prioritize women’s participation, with at least 50% of scholarships allocated exclusively for them. In 2023, 44,500 scholarships were awarded, and an additional 45,000 scholarships are pledged for 2024, aiming to further empower learners and bridge gender gaps in economic opportunities.
Beyond education, Google is also investing in the empowerment of women in journalism through the Google News Initiative (GNI). Collaborating with local partners, GNI provides training opportunities for young journalists, particularly women, addressing accessibility issues in newsrooms and fostering diverse reporting perspectives.
These efforts underscore Google’s commitment to leveraging technology and partnerships to drive positive social change in Pakistan, with a focus on education and empowering underrepresented groups, particularly women, to unlock their full potential and contribute to a more inclusive and prosperous future.