Digital literacy project launched in rural areas

LAHORE:The National Rural Support Programme (NRSP) on Friday announced the launch of the ‘Internet Dost and Internet Zabardast’ initiative, a groundbreaking digital literacy project funded by Google.org and implemented through an NGO.

According to a press release, the two-year project is set to transform digital literacy across Pakistan by reaching 103,500 underserved women, youth, parents, teachers, and children in 48 districts, including Gilgit-Baltistan.

The initiative aims to address these disparities through two key programmes: Internet Dost, which employs a 'train-the-trainer' model to equip women in rural areas with essential mobile phone and internet skills, thereby enhancing their access to information and improving their quality of life; and Internet Zabardast, which offers a comprehensive educational curriculum to support underserved youth in becoming safe and responsible digital citizens.

Guest speakers at the launch included Dr Muhammad Amjad Saqib, Chairman of Akhuwat Foundation, who emphasised the importance of digital and financial literacy, stating, ‘Equipping our communities with digital and financial skills is crucial for their socio-economic uplift,’ and Syeda Kulsum Hai, who spoke on the digital literacy of women and decent labour, highlighting the significance of bridging the gender digital divide to empower women in rural areas.