E-Teacher Online Scholarship Program 2018 alumnus Dr. Ali Ahmad, Associate Professor of English at COMSATS University Vehari Campus, is using his exchange experience to help young people in South Punjab strengthen practical digital communication, civic information, and local journalism skills.

Through the PUAN Grant project “Community Digital Expression & Civic Information Lab: Adapting U.S. Civic Tech and Local Journalism Models for Rural Development in Pakistan,” Dr. Ali and his team have worked with students and community members in Vehari to explore how digital tools can support responsible communication, access to reliable information, community engagement, and local storytelling.

The 16-week project, was developed under the theme of Free Expression, Open Information & Digital Innovation. Its design draws on U.S. civic technology and community journalism approaches and adapts them to the local context of Vehari.

Bringing Digital Skills into Practice

The closing ceremony at COMSATS University Vehari Campus brought together 220 participants at the Main Auditorium for a session focused on digital expression, civic information, civic technology, and local journalism.

During the event, Dr. Ali shared the journey of the project, including its major activities, learning experiences, and progress. He highlighted the importance of giving students opportunities to develop practical digital skills and gain experience with tools and platforms that can support communication, information sharing, and community participation.

Students also shared their own experiences from the project, discussing how the activities helped them strengthen their digital skills and better understand the practical uses of digital platforms.

Remarks from the PUAN representative, Campus Director, and Chief Guest further emphasized the value of equipping young people with relevant digital competencies and encouraging them to apply technology constructively within their communities.

Adapting U.S. Civic Tech and Local Journalism Models

The project was designed to introduce participants to practical approaches drawn from U.S. civic technology and community journalism models.

Its broader goal is to help youth and community members engage responsibly online, access reliable local information, and participate constructively in community dialogue.

The project design references models such as Code for America and City Bureau, adapting elements of civic technology, community journalism, digital storytelling, and online information tools for use in Vehari.

Rather than treating digital platforms only as spaces for social interaction, the project encourages participants to explore how they can also be used for local storytelling, sharing useful information, discussing community issues, and developing content that responds to local needs.

Creating Opportunities for Youth in Vehari

A central part of the initiative has been creating opportunities for students and young people to learn through direct participation.

Training and project activities have focused on areas including digital literacy, responsible online expression, content creation, civic storytelling, and the use of accessible digital tools. The project also envisioned a community digital information hub and structured dialogue activities as ways to continue sharing useful information with a wider local audience.

The strong participation observed during the COMSATS University Vehari Campus event reflected students’ interest in learning new digital skills and applying them beyond the classroom.

Their feedback also provided a practical indication of how the project was translating its objectives into learning experiences, with participants describing improvements in their understanding and use of digital tools.

From Exchange Learning to Local Action

Dr. Ali completed the E-Teacher Online Scholarship Program in 2018 through Arizona State University and brings 15 years of teaching and research experience to his work in South Punjab.

Through this PUAN Grant, he is applying his academic background and exchange experience to an initiative that connects digital innovation with practical learning opportunities for young people in Vehari.

The project demonstrates how U.S. exchange alumni can adapt ideas and professional practices encountered through their programs to local needs, creating opportunities for students to develop relevant skills and participate more effectively in the digital information space.

As the project moves toward completion, its focus remains practical: giving young people the skills, tools, and experience to communicate responsibly, access reliable information, and use digital platforms in ways that contribute to their communities.