PESHAWAR
A Chinese proverb wisely states: “If you are planning for a year, sow rice; if you are planning for a decade, plant trees and if you are planning for a lifetime, educate people.”
In the heart of Punjab, near the 2×660MW Sahiwal Coal-Fired Power Plant, this philosophy is taking root in the form of sustainable community transformation.
Huaneng Shandong Ruyi (Pakistan) Energy (Private) Limited (HSRE), a pioneer in Pakistan’s energy sector, is channeling its corporate social responsibility (CSR) vision beyond electricity production.
Through the establishment of the Huaneng Pakistan Vocational & Technical College (HPVTC), the company is fostering hope, opportunity, and empowerment.
One of the standout initiatives of HPVTC is its dedication to women’s empowerment—a major step in a country where girls often face steep social and financial barriers to education.
In January 2025, HPVTC launched a free IT training course titled “IT Fundamentals & Applications”, exclusively for young women from surrounding communities.
The program, executed on April 7, 2025, proved to be life-changing for many participants, offering them not just skills, but dignity, confidence, and access to new futures.
Among the graduates was Ms. Zunaira Shafqat, who delivered an emotional speech, sharing how the training gave her more than just computer skills.
The success of the IT course was marked by a heartfelt graduation ceremony, where key figures like Mr. Wu Xiaolong (Head of HPVTC), Mr. Chen Dapeng (Director HR, HSRE), and Mr. M. Haroon from the Trade Testing Board (Government of Punjab) honored the graduating students.
“This training didn’t just teach us about computers,” she said, “it gave us a meaningful learning experience and helped us build confidence.’’
HPVTC has removed all major barriers to access. Students benefit from free tuition, registration, study materials (books, notebooks, stationery), pick-and-drop transportation, and nutritious lunches, along with free affiliations with the Punjab Skills Development Authority (PSDA) and the Trade Testing Board (TTB).
HPVTC’s commitment to inclusive, free education echoes another timeless Chinese proverb: “Give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish, and you feed him for a lifetime.” These initiatives are transforming lives, particularly for young women, whose empowerment ripples through entire communities.
HPVTC is setting a new benchmark. The IT course, in particular, has been praised as a revolutionary step towards promoting gender equality in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Mr. Wu Xiaolong noted: “It is heartening to see so many young women confidently stepping into the world of technology. HPVTC is proud to be part of this transformation.”
Echoing this sentiment, Mr. Chen Dapeng added: “We don’t just build power plants, we build people. When girls learn IT, they don’t just change their own lives; they uplift entire communities.”
Currently, HPVTC offers four short courses formally registered for the 2024–2025 session: Electrician, Welding, Chinese Language, and IT Fundamentals & Applications. As HSRE’s CEO Dr. Li Xin aptly stated: “The light we provide through electricity is temporary; the light we provide through education is eternal.” Indeed, through its cultural exchange, community uplift, and dedication to lifelong learning, HPVTC stands as a powerful bridge of progress between Pakistan and Pakistan.
