Karachi, May 12 2014: Engro Fertilizers inaugurated the first ever solar-powered computer lab in Noor Lakhan School, District Ghotki Sindh Pakistan.

This is the first unique project at ‘Katcha’ area (Riverinebelt of Indus) of Ghotki District., where 15 computers are now running on solar energy. Engro’s Katcha School program was initiated with the aim to provide quality education to the students from socio-economically deprived families in Katcha areas of Ghotki district. The Katcha School program currently enrolls more than 1,000 students in 10 primary and one middle school, providing these students their only access to education.

Speaking at the occasion, Inam Naveed Khan – VP Manufacturing Engro Fertilizer said, “With a low literacy rate of 46%, the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) literacy rate in Pakistan especially in the rural areas is negligible. Our aim is to use this computer lab as a stepping-stone towards improving learning methods, gaining knowledge and enhancing communication using the power of the digital world”.

Ahmed Ali Qureshi – DC Ghotki, Mahmood Siddiqui – President Sahara Welfare Society, senior management of Engro Fertilizers plant and various notable members of the local community were also present at the ceremony. The local community appreciated the efforts of Engro and said that the initiative would help their children change the mindset of community and ultimately improve the quality of life for themselves and their families.

The construction and establishment of the lab was funded by the Association for Development of Pakistan.