Google-backed tech education centre inaugurated

Islamabad:A high level delegation led by Kevin Kells, managing director, Google for Education, called upon the Minister for Federal Education and Professional Training Dr. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui on Thursday.

The delegation included Farhan Qureshi, country director Pakistan Google, Aron Saether Jackson, CEO Allied, Umar Farooq, CEO Tech Valley amongst other senior officials of Google. The meeting was also attended by senior officials of the education ministry led by Secretary Education Mohyuddin Ahmad Wani.

Dr. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui welcomed the diverse Google delegation that comprised of officials from seven different countries including USA, UK, Australia etc. Federal Minister said that we aim to transform the entire education system of Pakistan. He pointed out the high number of out of school children and the adverse impact it is having on our society and said that under his leadership, Ministry of Education is working tirelessly to bring this number down. He said that this crisis has been given the highest priority.

Federal Minister said that the delegation can provide expertise and knowledge that can help us chart future plans that can enable us to resolve this issue. He urged the delegation to expand their scope of work with special regard to education in Pakistan. Dr. Khalid assured the delegation of full support of the Ministry of Education. He said that optimum use of technology is the only way to bridge the enormous gap of resources needed. He said that Pakistan is at a critical juncture where every effort needs to be in the right direction.

Dr. Khalid said that as all of the tech companies will expand their presence in Pakistan, it will lead to more development, growth and investment which is the need of the hour. He reiterated his resolve of increasing the number of skilled workforce in Pakistan. He said that cities like Karachi have huge population and through proper technological investments its people can become more productive.

Federal Minister assured the delegation of full support from his office and said that without technological advancements our education crisis cannot be resolved. He thanked the delegation and hoped that short, medium and long term investment plans will be implemented forthwith.