Projects to enhance computer literacy approved

ISLAMABAD: The Board of Directors of Universal Service Fund (USF) on Thursday approved important projects worth billions of rupees to enhance computer literacy especially among young girls.
The Universal Service Fund Company (USF Co) 41st Board of Directors Meeting was convened in the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecom, Islamabad here on Thursday.
Minister Mrs. Anusha Rahman chaired the meeting in which an overview of the main efforts and development of telecommunication services in un-served and under-served areas throughout the length and breadth of the country by USF was taken.
On the recommendation of USF co, USF Board of Directors in this meeting approved award of Rural Telephony and e-Services Project encompassing Sibi, Loralai, Killa Saifullah & Barkhan districts. This Project has a subsidy value of Rs3,195 million-benefitting an un-served population of around 500,000 covering 505 un-served Mauzas and an un-served area of 23,617 sq kms.
The Board of Directors also approved award of special project for the establishment of computer labs in 12 Baitulmal Sweet Homes orphanages for facilitating underprivileged children.
Considering women and young girls a very important segment of society, sanother special project to use ICTs to empower young girls was approved. This project focuses on computer literacy and computer programming ICT skills to be imparted to young girls in un-served and underserved areas for which Computer Labs will be established in the Women Empowerment Centers run by the Pakistan Bait-ul-Maal. The training content will be prepared in collaboration with the Virtual University.
Other Board members including the Secretary IT; Mr. Azmat Ali Ranjha, Member Telecom; Mr. Mudassar Hussain , Chairman PTA; Dr. Syed Ismail Shah, CEO & President PTCL; Mr. Walid Irshaid, representative of Consumer Association of Pakistan, Mr. Kaukab Iqbal were also present.