Sindh govt partners with Google to teach digital courses in schools

The Sindh government, in partnership with Google and Tech Valley, has introduced over 30,000 scholarships for Google Career Certificates aimed at public sector universities in the province, intended to equip youth with globally recognized digital competencies.

This initiative was formalized during a meeting at CM House attended by Education Minister Syed Sardar Shah, Chief Minister’s Secretary Raheem Shaikh, HEC Sindh Chairman Prof Tariq Rafi, School Education Secretary Zahid Abbasi, IT Secretary Noor Samo, U&B Secretary Abbas Baloch, vice chancellors from 30 public sector universities, CEO of Tech Valley Pakistan Umar Farooq, and several other stakeholders.

The Chief Minister oversaw a meeting to finalize the initiative with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at CM House.

The Chief Minister noted that the goal of the initiative is to arm students with essential digital skills in areas like Artificial Intelligence (AI), Cybersecurity, Digital Marketing, IT Automation, and Project Management, ensuring their readiness for the shifting job landscape.

Murad Shah mentioned that after the success of the 2024 Google Career Certificates Sindh Programme, which achieved a 100 percent success rate for 1,500 students from 10 universities, the 2025 expansion reinforces the government’s dedication to digital transformation and workforce development.

Murad Shah asserted the significance of the programme, stating, “This collaboration reflects our ambition to turn Sindh into a center for innovation and skill enhancement.” He further remarked that with the provision of over 30,000 scholarships, the government is investing not only in education but also in the future of the youth and the economic advancement of the province. Designed by Google experts, the Career Certificates programme allows for flexible online learning, enabling students to obtain industry-recognized credentials within three to six months, even without a conventional degree.

Regarding success stories and career advancement, CM Murad Shah shared that the previous group saw graduates landing jobs and internships at top-tier companies, earning salaries between Rs70,000 and Rs1.6 million monthly. “One notable success story is Leena Kumari, a student from the University of Sindh, Jamshoro, who completed the Google AI Essentials course and obtained a project internship at Evolution,” he stated, adding that her story was showcased by Google, highlighting the tangible impact of this program.

Kyle Gardener, Google’s Government Affairs and Public Policy Lead, emphasized the significance of this initiative, asserting that “Google is dedicated to providing individuals with the digital skills essential for success in today’s market. Through this partnership, students throughout Sindh will access high-quality training, opening doors to new career prospects and stimulating economic growth.”

IT Secretary Noor Samo briefed the CM, indicating that the 2025 programme intends to enhance inclusivity and accessibility by ensuring that at least 30 percent of participants are female, thereby promoting gender inclusion. It will also target marginalized and underserved communities to guarantee fair access to education.

To broaden its reach, the programme will partner with 30 public sector universities across Sindh. Participants will receive training in nine specializations, including the AI Essentials Course, along with two new offerings: Prompting Essentials and Agile Essentials. Furthermore, the Soft Skills and Career Kamyabi Sindh Programme, which was launched last year, will continue to provide instruction in CV writing, interview techniques, and communication skills, all aimed at improving employability, according to the CM. Education Minister Sardar Shah remarked that by offering over 30,000 scholarships, Tech Valley is not only providing skills but also shaping futures and nurturing a talent pool that will drive the digital economy of Sindh ahead. With robust collaboration between government and industry, this initiative is poised to transform digital education in Sindh, ensuring students are equipped with the necessary skills to compete in the global digital economy and contribute to the province’s socio-economic development, the CM concluded.