KARACHI: Google has committed 44,500 scholarships by the end of 2023 for Pakistani students wanting to learn in-demand advanced skills.
The scholarships would enable students to learn courses part of Google Career Certificates (GCC). The programme was launched the previous year. The announcement was made at an event attended by IT and Telecommunication Minister Syed Aminul Haque.
The company said, “Through initiatives such as GCC and scholarships, Google helps create more equal opportunities for citizens from different groups and backgrounds to gain access to digital job and skills opportunities.”
Farhan Qureshi, Google Pakistan Country Director, said Google was committed to helping build an inclusive digital economy in Pakistan through its programmes, products and services.
He said, “As the number three freelance economy globally, digital skills are highly sought after in Pakistan.” We want to help citizens get qualifications online for jobs that are in demand, high growth, and well paying.“
The search engine giant has added three more courses — Business Intelligence, Advanced-Data Analytics and Cybersecurity — to the programme.
Addressing the event, Haque said his ministry fully supported Google’s efforts to equip Pakistanis with digital and advanced skills through GCC programmes.
“This initiative aligns with the vision of creating the ecosystem that enables the digital economy’s potential and provides all Pakistanis equal opportunity. We especially appreciate Google’s focus on distributing 50pc scholarships to women.”
Iqra Malik, sharing her experience, who completed the Data Analyst certification from GCC, said it transformed her life and gave her valuable latest skills, helping her become a freelancer and move towards financial stability.
Saif Ullah, a digital marketing graduate from Lahore, said Google Career Certificates significantly impacted his life, professionally and personally.
“It helped me identify the roadmap for my future career path,” he said. “I’ve secured a job as a performance marketer in the software house and opened doors to income generation through freelancing.”
