October 2024

Tech Valley, Allied and NRTC presents first assembled Google Chromebook in Pakistan In a joint partnership between Tech Valley, a Google for Education Partner in Pakistan, Allied – Australian based manufacturer of Chromebooks & Gaming Devices, and National Radio Telecommunication Communication Pakistan (NRTC), Chromebooks will be assembled in Pakistan for the first time ever at NRTC’s facility Haripur. This collaboration is a significant step towards making quality education more accessible to everyone in Pakistan. Chromebooks are affordable devices that provide a safe and secure environment for students to explore technology. By getting Chromebooks into the hands of students, this initiative aims to enhance their digital skills at an early age, provide them with access to the same educational tools used globally, and promote equitable and quality education.

Jazz, MoFEPT, and Tech Valley Drive Digital Safar Forward: Expanding Access to Digital Skills Oct 10, 2024 -Islamabad: Jazz, the Ministry of Federal Education & Professional Training, and Tech Valley gathered today to celebrate the success of Digital Safar, a program launched in 2023 in collaboration with Google to equip young minds across Pakistan with essential digital skills and online safety education through Google’s Be Internet Awesome and CS Firstprograms. As the official connectivity partner, Jazz is providing free internet connectivity to 50 schools under the Federal Directorate of Education, enabling students and educators to access critical digital resources, explore new learning opportunities, and develop essential digital skills. During the event, Jazz also handed over internet devices with free monthly data bundles, reinforcing the initiative’s goal of promoting digital literacy and inclusion in underserved communities. Fatima Akhtar, Head of Communications & Sustainability at Jazz, expressed her support, stating: “Our commitment to bridging the digital divide and ensuring online safety in Pakistan is at the heart of this initiative. By offering free internet access and devices, we are empowering students with the tools and skills necessary to benefit from Digital Safar, contributing to a digitally literate and connected youth, which is vital to the vision of a Digital Pakistan.”   To date, the program has trained over 100,000 students in early-age coding and digital safety, helping them navigate the digital world securely. With a new target of reaching 200,000 students, the initiative aims to further close the digital divide by equipping schools with robust digital infrastructure, fostering a future where both students and educators can confidently embrace the opportunities of the digital age.

Tech Valley Partners with Sindh Education Department and Higher Education Commission to Empower Students with Google for Education Tools Karachi, Pakistan – October 14, 2024 – Tech Valley Pakistan, a Google for Education Partner, has partnered with the Sindh Higher Education Commission (SHEC) and the Information Science and Technology Department (ISTD) of Sindh to equip universities with the essential digital tools needed to thrive in today’s modern workforce. This collaborative effort aims to transform education in Sindh and prepare students for future success. This landmark collaboration was signed in the presence of Vice Chancellors of 32 universities of Sindh and Chief Minister Sindh, Syed Murad Ali Shah, who endorsed the initiative and emphasized the importance of adopting globally recognized tools to elevate the quality of education in government universities. “I am delighted to witness this partnership between Tech Valley Pakistan, the Sindh Education Department, and the Higher Education Commission,” said Syed Murad Ali Shah, Chief Minister Sindh. “This initiative aligns perfectly with our government’s vision of transforming education in Sindh. By equipping our students with the latest digital tools, we are empowering them to compete on a global scale and contribute to the development of our province.” This partnership empowers universities under the jurisdiction of SHEC to leverage Google for Education tools, a suite widely used by 75% of the global workforce. Through Google Workspace for Education, students, faculty, and staff will gain access to powerful communication and collaboration tools like Gmail, Drive, Docs, Sheets, Slides, and more. This not only fosters a more efficient learning environment but also connects these universities with broader global opportunities as they utilize the same tools and resources employed by leading institutions and businesses worldwide. “This collaboration is a significant step towards equipping our students with the digital skills they need to thrive in the 21st-century workplace,” said Noor Ahmed Sammo, Secretary of Information Science and Technology, Sindh. “By providing access to Google for Education tools, we are not only enhancing the learning experience but also opening doors to global opportunities.” “We are excited to partner with Tech Valley Pakistan and Google for Education to transform education in Sindh’s universities,” said Professor Dr. Tariq Rafi, Chairman of Sindh Higher Education Commission. “Google Workspace for Education offers a comprehensive suite of tools that will empower our faculty to deliver engaging lessons and prepare our students for success.” “We are thrilled to be a part of this initiative,” said Paul Hutchings, Regional Head of Google for Education for Greater Asia, who was present during the signing ceremony. “Google for Education tools have the potential to revolutionize education by fostering collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking. This partnership with Tech Valley Pakistan and the Sindh government is a testament to their commitment to providing students with the best possible learning experience.” “Tech Valley has a proven track record of working with schools, colleges, and universities to provide access to Google resources for students of all ages,” said Umar Farooq, CEO of Tech Valley Pakistan, a trusted Google for Education Partner. “We are confident that this collaboration with the Sindh government will equip students with the digital skills they need to excel in their academic pursuits and future careers.”

Google for Education and Tech Valley Join Forces with Ministry of Federal Education to Tackle Out-of-School Children Crisis 10 October 2024: Islamabad, Pakistan – In a groundbreaking collaboration, Google for Education, along with its partner Tech Valley, has presented a comprehensive report to the Ministry of Federal Education, outlining concrete solutions to address the pressing issue of out-of-school children (OOSC) in Pakistan. This report proposes leveraging digital technologies and establishing non-formal learning opportunities to enhance literacy, numeracy, life skills, and social well-being among OOSC. The report was presented by the Regional Head of Greater Asia, Google for Education, and builds upon the success of the Out-of-School Children Design Thinking Workshop held in Islamabad earlier this year. This workshop brought together donor agencies, development organizations, and stakeholders to yield valuable insights and actionable recommendations. The Ministry of Federal Education has expressed its commitment to addressing this critical issue, with the Secretary sharing plans with the Ministry of Planning & Initiatives and National Education Taskforce to share the report with relevant stakeholders to gather feedback and support.  This collaboration aims to execute the proposed solutions in 2025, transforming the education landscape for millions of out of school children of Pakistan. Read the full report here.