IREX
International Research & Exchanges Board

USAID

Internet Access and Training Program (IATP)

Program Overview

In June 2007, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) began funding the Internet Access and Training Program (IATP). IREX has administered IATP since 1995. The program was initially supported by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA).

The program has brought free Internet access and training to over 160 cities in 11 countries of Eurasia. During its peak in 2005, IATP served over 35,000 individuals each month. As of November 2008, the program spanned 8 countries, operating in 46 communities.

In addition to ensuring users access to the free flow of information, IATP provides the public with the skills and resources to utilize information and communications technology (ICT) in meeting professional, educational, and institutional goals. Specifically, the program teaches users to create online content, websites, wikis, and blogs. These tools become resources relevant to citizens in their local languages, enhancing the public information environment and stimulating demand for the Internet as an information resource.

IATP centers are partnered with libraries, NGOs, and universities, whose belief in unrestricted, open access to information matches that of the program.  Typically a center has between six and fourteen workstations, along with an administrator who assists users and conducts regular courses for the public free-of-charge. Administrators specifically aim to bring in and teach those who have information to share, including journalists, librarians, NGO employees, teachers, government employees, and small business owners.

KEY ISSUES AND OBJECTIVES

  • Citizens are empowered to utilize free access to ICT for improved access to news, participation in government and civil society, and offerings of professional and educational development.
  • Civil society representatives develop networks with local, regional, and international partners and resources.
  • Targeted development projects are supported by trainings of select community members in the use of ICT solutions.

OVERVIEW

  • Internet access and technology training services provided in 42 centers across Western Eurasia, the Caucasus, and Central Asia
  • More than 8,000 websites hosted
  • More than 10,000 users visit IATP centers for Internet access each month.

Leveraging technology for development

IATP provides civil society organizations, journalists, and community leaders with essential tools that are largely inaccessible in the region. The resulting assistance and collaboration increases the effectiveness of local initiatives, expanding their reach and enhancing community development.

  • Internet Access –Free computer and Internet access available at IATP centers helps bridge the digital divide and provides new sources of information and knowledge.
  • Technical Training – A catalogue of over a dozen training modules including basic computer literacy, Web design, Internet research, blogging, and wiki creation can be tailored to meet the institutional needs of organizations and professionals attending courses.
  • Web Content Development – Community Service Organizations (CSO) and individuals create websites and resources after completing IATP courses. New web resources increase local-language content, making the Internet more accessible and useful to local users.
  • Online Forums –Stakeholders, experts, and decision-makers meet online in virtual exchanges of ideas, bridging the technology gap between regions and capital cities and granting often isolated professionals and leaders first-hand access to expertise.
  • Community Events – Citizens utilize the centers as neutral meeting places to organize community initiatives and use IATP-provided technology and expertise to strengthen their projects.

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