IREX
International Research & Exchanges Board

USAID

Internet Access and Training Program (IATP)

Program Overview

Administered by IREX since 1995, the Internet Access and Training Program (IATP), funded by USAID since 2007, provides free Internet access and training in 10 countries throughout Central Asia, the Caucasus, and Western Eurasia. From major cities to small communities, IATP encourages information sharing, network building, and collaboration among representatives of civil society. Until 2007, IATP was a program of the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs of the US Department of State (ECA), and administered by IREX.

KEY ISSUES AND OBJECTIVES

  • Leverage technology to build capacity and enhance the effectiveness of local civil society organizations

  • Provide tools for the development of viable community-oriented networks

OVERVIEW

  • Free services available in 60+ cities throughout Eurasia, nearly all hosted by local partners

  • IATP centers log more than 700,000 visits and train 50,000 users annually

  • IATP servers host more than 8,000 local language websites

IATP'S TOOLS FOR CIVIL SOCIETY DEVELOPMENT

IATP provides civil society organizations (CSOs) and community leaders with essential tools that are otherwise either largely inaccessible or under-utilized. The resulting assistance and collaboration improves the effectiveness of local civil society initiatives, expanding their reach and allowing them access to the latest international expertise.  IATP provides:

  • 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 – CSOs 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 join online in virtual exchanges of ideas that bridge the technology gap between regions and capital cities, and give often isolated professionals and leaders first-hand access to expertise located distantly.
  • 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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