I want to stress on the necessity of implementing digital literacy programmes in the rural areas of Pakistan. With the current rapid pace of technology development in the digital world, basic computer/internet skills are of vital importance in education, job transactions and communication. Many people in villages in Pakistan are still oblivious to the availability of digital devices and/or how to use them. The digital divide has its most impact on students. While students in urban areas are attending online classes and using online resources, students in rural areas cannot.
Women in rural areas miss out on jobs and learning due to the neglect of the digital world. We need the government and the private sector to start some digital literacy programmes in rural areas. These programmes can include mobile training units, free workshops and internet access points. Programmes need to target women and young people in particular. Digital skills can open doors for many opportunities. Rural Pakistan should not get left behind.
Syeda Tatheer Zahra
Lahore