350 female students representing schools from across the region took part in a one-day DigiGirlz programme hosted by Microsoft Oman in collaboration with the Omani Ministry of Education.

The event was held as part of its commitment to encourage young females to pursue careers in technology, a statement from Microsoft said.

The event is designed to provide high school female students with a better understanding of what a career in math, science and technology is all about. This year’s event featured a number of sessions focused on Windows 8 apps, Kodu (a new visual programming language made specifically for creating games) and Mathematics 4.0.

During the programme students interacted with experts from Microsoft to gain exposure to careers in business and technology; they were also introduced to various technologies through hands-on activities. The students attended interactive panel discussion that tackled the subject of “ICT for Women Entrepreneurship in the Sultanate of Oman”.

Issa Khalfan Al Anqoudi, deputy director, educational technology department, e-learning section, Ministry of Education, said: “I applaud Microsoft’s efforts in raising awareness about the importance of technology related fields. Technology is at the heart of all your daily activities and interactions, especially at work; creating an interest in IT amongst female students aims at providing them the skills to leverage technology to obtain information and transform it into knowledge.”

“Microsoft has a series of programmes to help develop young talents in technology and entrepreneurship in Oman, the region and around the world,” Sheikh Saif Hilal Al Hosni, business development manager, Microsoft Oman, said.

“We have been working closely with the Ministry of Education, our partner in learning, and we shall continue our joint efforts towards educational reform through the effective use of technology in the learning process.”

“DigiGirlz Day is an exciting event that provides young female students the opportunity to learn about the variety of opportunities available in the high-tech industry, get them excited about pursuing education in the business of technology and eventually help them explore future career paths. The response, over the years, has been overwhelming and we hope to reach out to more girls in next years’ DigiGirlz Day events,” Al Hosni concluded. – TradeArabia News Service