Bridging the Digital Divide in Rural Communities
Faisal Khawar Butt
Sialkot :- Sambrial has officially become Pakistan’s second Smart Village, marking a significant step towards digitally connecting rural communities and improving the quality of life for residents. The initiative is a collaboration between the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the Ministry of IT and Telecommunication Pakistan, and Huawei, with TeleTaleem serving as the E-Education partner. and Baidarie NGO as Smart Village Center partner. The inauguration ceremony took place in Roras, Sambrial, and was attended by key stakeholders, including Minister of State for IT and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja.
This initiative is part of the Smart Villages of Pakistan program and aims to transform remote and rural communities by giving them access to digital services and Internet connectivity to enhance their quality of life.
The Smart Village project aims to bridge the digital divide by providing internet connectivity and digital resources to remote areas, empowering residents with access to improved education, digital skills and economic opportunities. The project builds upon the success of the first pilot Smart Village project in Gokina, near Islamabad, and demonstrates the commitment to expanding digital inclusion across Pakistan.
Addressing the Audience on Video link Ms. Shaza Fatima State Minister for IT& Telecom said The “Smart Village” platform leverages technology to provide rural communities with easy access to online education and healthcare. Residents can consult doctors and access medical services from home, while children can benefit from Islamic education and academic learning through online teachers.
Regional Director International Telecommunication Union Atsuko Okuda said, “The Smart Village Pakistan initiative in collaboration with Huawei promotes a complete government approach to bring the benefits of digital transformation in sectors such as health, education and agriculture to rural and remote communities”.
Khurram Sultan, Director Programs at TeleTaleem, highlighted the importance of collaboration, stating, “TeleTaleem is deeply grateful for the opportunity to partner with International Telecommunications Union and Huawei, a leading global provider of ICT infrastructure, on the Smart Village initiative at Government Girls High School Roras. Through this collaborative effort with ITU, Huawei, and the Ministry of IT & Telecom, we are bridging the digital divide and empowering students and marginalized communities with quality education and connectivity. This project demonstrates the power of partnership to unlock limitless opportunities for growth and create a more inclusive future through technology.”
Moreover Arshad Mehmood Mirza Executive Director Baidarie Sialkot added ;-Setting up of “Smart Village Roras, Sambrial” in District Sialkot is a great landmark in the developmental history of the area. The training to improve the digital knowledge and skill will have a game changing impact in shaping the future of the male and female youth who hitherto have been almost dimensionless with no option and hope for redemption except to haplessly experience the wastage of their potential, energy and efforts. The organization understands that Setting up of “Smart Village Roras, Sambrial” with the valuable support provided by the Ministry of Information and Technology, International Telecommunication Union, Huawei Technologies and Tele taleem is one of the most effective and tangible interventions it has made so far.
Ahmed Bilal Masud Deputy CEO Huawei Pakistan said This initiative is part of the Smart Villages of Pakistan program and aims to transform remote and rural communities by giving them access to digital services and Internet connectivity to enhance their quality of life. The Smart Villages of Pakistan initiative hopes to transform more isolated and rural communities in Pakistan and foster sustainable digital growth and development.
The Smart Village in Sambrial will offer a range of digital services, including the enhanced educational opportunities through digital classroom and virtual learning resources provided by TeleTaleem also Business and computer skills training programs for local youth at Smart Village Center setup by Baidarie
The launch of the Sambrial Smart Village marks a significant milestone in Pakistan’s journey towards digital inclusion and demonstrates the power of collaboration between government, international organizations, and private sector partners.