KARACHI: Google has committed 44,500 scholarships by the end of 2023 for Pakistanis wanting to learn in-demand digital skills.

The scholarships will enable students to learn courses part of Google Career Certificates (GCC). The programme was launched last year.

The announcement was made at an event on Tues­day which was also atten­ded by IT and Tele­com­mu­nication Minister Syed Aminul Haque.

“Through initiatives such as GCC and scholarships, Google helps create more equal opportunities for people from different groups and backgrounds to gain access to digital skills and job opportunities,” the company said.

Google Pakistan Country Director Farhan Qureshi said Google was committed to helping build an inclusive digital economy in Pakistan through its programmes, products and services.

“As the number three freelance economy in the world, digital skills are highly sought after in Pakistan,” he added.

We want to help people get qualifications online for jobs that are in demand, high growth, and well paying.“

The search engine giant has also added three more courses — Business Intelli­gence, Advanced Data Ana­­­lytics and Cyber­secu­rity — to the programme.

Addressing the event, Mr Haque said his ministry fully supported Google’s efforts to equip Pakistanis with digital skills through GCC programmes.

“This initiative aligns with our vision of creating an ecosystem that enables the potential of the digital economy and provides equal opportunity to all Pakistanis. We especially are appreciative of Google’s focus on distributing 50pc scholarships to women.”

Sharing her experience, Iqra Malik, who completed the Data Analyst certification from GCC said it transformed her life and provided her with valuable new skills, helping her become a freelancer and move towards financial stability.

Saif Ullah, a digital marketing graduate from Lahore said Google Career Certificates had a significant impact on his life, both personally and professionally.

“It helped me identify a clear roadmap for my future career path,” he said. “I have been able to secure a job as a performance marketer in a software house and opened doors to income generation through freelancing.”

Published in Dawn, May 10th, 2023