Google for Education and the Federal Ministry of Education have announced a strategic partnership to bring digital transformation to millions of students in the country. This partnership will improve access to education for millions of students in Pakistan and help improve the digital ecosystem for learning.
Google, through its Google for Education Country Partner Tech Valley, will work with the Government of Pakistan to:
The collaboration between Google and the Federal Ministry of Education will focus on helping out-of-school children in Pakistan.
Last month, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif declared an “educational emergency” to address the problem of more than 26 million children not going to school.
The Prime Minister also promised to oversee a national program to re-admit these children to educational institutions and hoped that the provincial governments would also cooperate in achieving this goal.
As part of this collaboration, Australian Chrome Books maker Allied will set up an assembly line in Pakistan to locally manufacture Google Chromebooks to provide more affordable Chromebooks for educational purposes. can go
The initiative aims to ensure that every student in the country has access to modern classroom technology that can enhance their learning experience.
Primarily, Google’s collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Education aims to bring about a massive digital transformation in Pakistan’s education system, creating smart classrooms and promoting a healthy learning ecosystem.
The two partners will also work together to empower teachers and students with a focus on skills development, training and building resilient smart classrooms.
Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif emphasized the need for such initiatives, saying, “The work Google is doing in the education sector is highly commendable, and we are here in Pakistan to support its efforts.”
He also expressed keen interest in expanding cooperation between Google and the Government of Pakistan and requested the Ministry of Education and Vocational Training and the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecom to identify mutually beneficial synergies. Work together.
Federal Minister for Education and Vocational Training Dr. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui said, “Partnership with Google for Education is an important step in our efforts to provide quality education to all children in Pakistan. We believe technology can play an important role in improving learning outcomes and preparing our students for the future.”
Farhan S. Qureshi, Country Director, Google Pakistan, said, “This collaboration can be a revolutionary step towards improving the education system in Pakistan, which will give access to education and digital tools to millions of students and enable them to learn and be better. It will help prepare for the digital economy.
In addition, local assembly of over 5 lakh Chromebooks will pave the way for further investment in technology and development of Pakistan’s manufacturing industry.”
Kevin Kells, Managing Director, Google for Education, says: “Google for Education offers powerful tools that can help learners develop certain critical skills.
These skills include basic literacy, advanced digital and artificial intelligence skills.
We are proud to support the government’s mission and help provide high-quality educational opportunities to Pakistani youth, including out-of-school children, in a safe manner.
Additionally, Google Classroom and Workspace for Education will help teachers make the most positive impact on their students.”
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Interview with Dr. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, Federal Minister for Education and Vocational Training
Interviewer: Welcome, Dr. Siddiqui. Thank you for joining us today to discuss the exciting new partnership between Google for Education and the Federal Ministry of Education. Can you share your thoughts on this significant collaboration?
Dr. Siddiqui: Thank you for having me. This partnership is a monumental step forward for education in Pakistan. Our primary goal is to ensure that all children, especially those out of school, receive access to quality education and modern technology. Through this collaboration, we aim to create a more inclusive educational environment and bridge the digital divide.
Interviewer: The Prime Minister has declared an “educational emergency.” How does this partnership address the challenges posed by such a declaration?
Dr. Siddiqui: The “educational emergency” reflects our urgent situation, with more than 26 million children currently out of school. This partnership facilitates a comprehensive national program to re-enrol these children. Google’s technology and resources, combined with government initiatives, will help us tackle this issue head-on.
Interviewer: You mentioned the local assembly line for Chromebooks. Can you elaborate on how this will impact students and schools?
Dr. Siddiqui: Absolutely. By establishing a local assembly line for Google Chromebooks, we can produce affordable devices specifically for educational purposes. This not only reduces costs but also enhances accessibility. Every student will have the opportunity to engage with modern classroom technology, making learning more effective and interactive.
Interviewer: Empowering teachers and developing skills is vital in this initiative. What specific measures are being put in place?
Dr. Siddiqui: The collaboration emphasizes training for teachers to ensure they are well-equipped to use digital tools effectively. We will focus on developing not only their technical skills but also modern pedagogical approaches that encourage active learning. This will nurture a generation of educators ready to embrace the future of education.
Interviewer: Lastly, what is your vision for the future of education in Pakistan through this partnership?
Dr. Siddiqui: My vision is to transform the education landscape in Pakistan into one that promotes equity and innovation. This partnership with Google is just the beginning. We aim to create smart classrooms, foster a healthy learning ecosystem, and ultimately ensure every child has the opportunity to succeed. Together, we can pave the way for a brighter future for our youth.
Interviewer: Thank you, Dr. Siddiqui, for sharing your insights. We look forward to seeing the progress of this transformative initiative.
Dr. Siddiqui: Thank you. It’s an exciting time for education in Pakistan, and we are committed to making a lasting impact.
Interviewer: This sounds like a transformative initiative. What specific skills and training will be provided to teachers and students through this partnership?
Dr. Siddiqui: Great question. The partnership will focus on upskilling teachers to effectively integrate technology into their classrooms. This includes training in digital literacy, advanced IT skills, and utilizing platforms like Google Classroom and Workspace for Education. For students, we aim to cultivate critical skills such as basic literacy and competencies in areas like artificial intelligence, preparing them for future job markets and the digital economy.
Interviewer: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has expressed strong support for this initiative. How vital is government backing in ensuring its success?
Dr. Siddiqui: Government backing is crucial. With the Prime Minister’s commitment and the directives for collaboration across various ministries, we are creating a united front. This ensures that our goals align seamlessly and resources are optimized to make the most significant impact possible.
Interviewer: Dr. Siddiqui, how do you envision this partnership shaping the future of education in Pakistan?
Dr. Siddiqui: I envision a future where every child in Pakistan has access to quality education and the tools necessary for success in a digital world. This partnership is more than just an initiative; it’s an investment in our youth and our nation’s future. By empowering students and educators alike, we can build a resilient educational ecosystem that adapts to our evolving society.
Interviewer: Thank you, Dr. Siddiqui, for sharing your insights. We look forward to seeing the positive changes this partnership will bring to Pakistan’s education system.
Dr. Siddiqui: Thank you for having me. Exciting times lie ahead!
