Computer literacy for 400 poor Pakistani girls

During the last months, AWARD Pakistan’s Computer Literacy for Poor and School Dropout Girls program made significant progress in both scale and quality of learning. The program has expanded substantially, with total enrollment now reaching 157 students across the three operational IT Centres located at Chak # 3 JB, Chak # 246 GB, and Chak # 118 JB.  This increase reflects strong community trust and growing demand for digital education among poor and marginalized rural girls.

As part of academic monitoring and quality assurance, progress assessment examinations were conducted for the enrolled students. These assessments were carefully designed to evaluate learning outcomes through written, oral, and practical exams.  The written exams tested conceptual understanding of computer basics and applications, the oral assessments focused on terminology, confidence, and comprehension, while the practical exams evaluated hands-on ability to operate computers, use software, and perform assigned digital tasks independently. Overall performance indicated encouraging progress, with most students demonstrating improved confidence, accuracy, and practical competence compared to their initial learning stage.

Following the successful completion of assessments, new classes have now commenced,  allowing students to smoothly transition into the next phase of learning without interruption. The continued structure of daily lessons, practice sessions, and instructor-led guidance remains in place to ensure consistency and skill retention.

In addition to ongoing classes for previously enrolled students, a new batch of students has been inducted,  and fresh courses have been initiated for them. These new students have begun with foundational modules, including introduction to computers, basic hardware and software concepts, operating system familiarity, typing skills (English and Urdu), mouse and keyboard operations, understanding the desktop environment, and basic file management. Early sessions are focused on building confidence, digital familiarity, and reducing hesitation among first-time computer users.

For continuing students, the curriculum has progressed toward advanced MS Word practice,  while preparations are underway to introduce Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, internet browsing, email usage, and basic digital communication skills in the coming weeks. This phased approach ensures that students develop strong fundamentals before advancing to more complex applications.

Overall, the month marked an important milestone for the project, not only in terms of increased enrollment but also through systematic assessment and structured progression. The growing number of trained girls and the smooth transition into advanced modules highlight the program’s effectiveness in bridging the digital divide and empowering rural girls in Faisalabad with practical, future-ready computer skills.