Google partners with Pakistan to build smart classrooms and digitally transform the education system
ISLAMABAD: Google and Pakistan’s Ministry of Education on Thursday announced a partnership to provide access to education to millions of students across the country, digitally transform Pakistan’s education system and build smart schools, state media reported.
According to UNICEF Pakistan, Pakistan has a staggering 26.2 million out-of-school children, the second highest number in the world.
Last month, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif declared a state of emergency on education in the country, hoping to ensure access to education and improve educational opportunities for out-of-school children.
Prime Minister Sharif met a high-level delegation led by Google for Education president Kevin Kells in Islamabad on Thursday.
“Ultimately, the collaboration between Google and the Federal Ministry of Education aims to drive a large-scale digital transformation of Pakistan’s education system, create smart classrooms, and foster a healthy learning ecosystem,” state-run Pakistan Press Agency (APP) said in a report.
According to state media, Google will work with the Pakistani government through its Google for Education in-country partner Tech Valley to set up a local assembly plant for more than 500,000 Chromebooks by 2026. It will also provide Pakistani students and teachers with access to digital tools and resources.
A Chromebook is a type of laptop or tablet that runs on Google’s Chrome OS operating system and is more cost-effective than a regular laptop.
“As part of the collaboration, Allied, the Australian manufacturer of Google Chromebooks, will set up an assembly line in Pakistan to assemble Google Chromebooks locally, making them more affordable for educational purposes,” APP said.
The ministry said the aim of the agreement is to ensure that all students in the country have access to “cutting-edge classroom technology” to enhance their learning experience.
“As per the agreement, teachers will be trained on how to effectively use technology in the classroom and develop and implement innovative technology-enabled learning programmes,” the statement said.
Pakistan’s Education Minister Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui lauded the development, describing it as an important step towards ensuring children’s access to education.
“We believe technology can play a key role in improving learning outcomes and preparing students for the future,” he said.
Farhan S. Qureshi, country director for Google Pakistan, said access to digital tools will help Pakistani children adapt to the digital economy.
“Also, assembling more than 500,000 Chromebooks locally will help grow Pakistan’s manufacturing industry and attract further investments in technology,” Qureshi said.
