This year, the Alice Middle East curriculum, established by a research team at Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar (CMU-Q), will be implemented in a number of Pakistani schools.
Even if students are unfamiliar with programming languages, the curriculum uses graphics and animation to teach basic computing concepts.
Dr. Saquib Razak, a Pakistani-born computer scientist, has been a key member of the Alice Middle East team since its inception more than a decade ago. During this time, he has witnessed the growing demand for Computer Science education. When speaking with faculty members and the media about the program, he said:
“During this pandemic, we’ve seen how technology and creativity can link children and teachers, employees and employers, and physically separated friends and family. As the next generation considers their future studies and jobs, computer skills will be needed in almost every area.”
Dr. Razak is the Associate Area Head of the CMU-Q Computer Science Program and an Associate Teaching Professor of Computer Science at CMU-Q. He also manages the Alice Middle East program as Co-Director of the Hamad Bin Jassim Center. Around 10% of CMU-alumni Q’s are from Pakistan, and many have returned to seek careers in their home country.
