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Internet Access and Training Program (IATP)
IATP News for September 2006
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MOLDOVA
Petru Burdian helps Galina Gorbatiuc,
Speranta’s president, master computer
skills
IATP Helps Visually Impaired Citizens Use Technology in Chisinau, Moldova
From September 11 to 15, staff of the IATP Training Laboratory in Chisinau, Moldova, empowered four visually impaired citizens with internet skills for members of the Sansa Republican Athletic Club for people with visual impairments in computer basics. IATP Assistant Petru Burdian conducted the training to help participants connect to other organizations worldwide, and to help them use technology to organize athletic competitions for disabled people.
Burdian started the seminar with a presentation on IATP services for Moldovans and gave examples of how disabled people use IATP services for their professional and personal development. Then he demonstrated how to use JAWS (Job Access with Speech), a screen reader for visually-impaired computer users. JAWS is produced by the Blind and Low Vision Group at Freedom Scientific of St. Petersburg, Florida, and aims to make popular computer applications accessible for blind users. This software provides the user with text-to-speech access to the display, is compatible with Braille display, and allows more comprehensive keyboard interaction with the computer.
The participants realized they too could utilize computer technology, and signed up for IATP trainings on Internet basics to be held in October. IATP continues to present technology as a way to improve peoples’ lives, bring them closer together, and contribute to the further development of a strong civil society.
Artiom Taranu explains information
security basics to IATP users
IATP Users Explore Information Security Basics in Chisinau, Moldova
On September 22, IATP intern Artiom Taranu instructed six local residents on how to protect their computers from viruses during a seminar on information security basics. The training was held in the IATP Training Laboratory in Chisinau, Moldova. The attendees learned how to protect their computers from viruses, which had previously harmed the operation of their computers and affected data integrity. The trainees learned about virus infection symptoms, noted how some computer viruses behave, and thoroughly examined the steps necessary to protect confidential information on their computers. Taranu then explained how antivirus software works and advised the trainees to closely monitor and scan viruses on their computers. Since information security can become an issue on the Web, Taranu further stressed the importance of seamless, comprehensive security elements on the Internet and demonstrated how to encrypt e-mail messages and files containing confidential information.
By the end of the seminar, IATP users had learned how to prevent computer infections, to check their computers for viruses, to update antivirus software, and to teach their colleagues to do the same. The participants also learned to protect their business and personal e-mail accounts against spam. The training was one of many aspects of IATP’s efforts to improve technology access and utilization in Moldova.
UKRAINE
Students listen to a presentation
about project planning at the IATP
access site in Ternopil, Ukraine
IATP Brings Together Alumni, Peace Corps Volunteers, and Local Students to Compose Community Development Proposals in Ternopil, Ukraine
On August 30, 24 local students learned the fundamentals of proposal writing and prepared their own proposals at the IATP access site in Ternopil, Ukraine. Yulia Pukhalska (FLEX 01), Olena Dolya (FLEX 05), and Peace Corps Volunteers (PCVs) Celeste Coleman, Kate George, Sean White, and Paul Mucciarone taught the students how to compile detailed plans and locate fundraising opportunities.
The trainers gave recommendations for developing a budget, building relationships with donors, and preparing complete proposal packages. They directed participants to a website containing useful hints and recommendations for both experienced grant writers and beginners. The ECA alumni shared their experience in organizing various community and charity drives, including the International Outreach Camp, organized by ECA alumni and Peace Corps volunteers in Ternopil, Donetsk, and Mykolaiv last July.
After the training session, the participants developed proposals for their own community projects. For example, Iryna Ambroz and Olha Zazuliak from the town of Kozova plan to organize extracurricular English classes for elementary school students; and Alina Tymchak from Ternopil intends to lead a series of workshops in communicative English for local orphans and children from single parent households with PCV Paul Mucciarone. IATP supports the efforts of ECA alumni and PCVs, who are instrumental in encouraging youth to work for the benefit of the local community and society.
Oleksandra Kolesnyk created her
website as part of the TAG project
Tech Age Girls (TAG) Participants Create Online Resources in Vinnytsia, Ukraine
From August 23 to September 1, five new online resources were created by participants in the Tech Age Girls (TAG) project at the IATP access site in Vinnytsia, Ukraine. Extensive training in IT, Internet, and Web design began in August for the five local schoolgirls, who discovered how technology could improve their lives and their communities. TAG is an IREX project designed to equip Ukrainian girls from disadvantaged families and rural areas with technology skills to help them secure a brighter future.
IATP Trainer Oleksiy Yaschuk endowed the girls with basic computer skills, showed them how to communicate via the Internet, and how to search for job opportunities and university information online. Finally, they were instructed in basics of Web development, such as Web design, HTML, website structure, and visual website editors, and how to post resources onto the server. Yaschuk also gave recommendations on scanning and editing graphics and demonstrated the IATP Hosting Content Management System, used to facilitate Web development for users without detailed knowledge of HTML. Oleksandra Kolesnyk’s website is dedicated to Ukraine, its symbols, traditions, and prominent Ukrainians.
The TAG project, sponsored by IATP, is working to inspire girls to serve their communities, create new opportunities for themselves, and for their fellow classmates.
ECA alumni discuss consequences
of terrorist attacks upon the United
States at the IATP access site in
Lutsk, Ukraine
Eurasian Residents Discuss Ways to Overcome Terrorism in IATP Online Discussion
On September 11, over 80 ECA alumni, schoolchildren, employees of nonprofit organizations, and others gathered at IATP access sites throughout Eurasia to participate in an online discussion dedicated to the fifth anniversary of terrorist attacks upon the United States. The participants discussed their views on the causes and cures of terrorism, and agreed that the key tool for overcoming terrorism is international cooperation and mutual understanding.
IATP Online Event Coordinator for Eurasia Bohdan Mykytsey opened the conversation, entitled, “The World against Terrorism,” by inviting representatives from each country to make a presentation on the struggle against terrorism in their countries. Participants from Kazakhstan reported that their country signed a series of bilateral agreements and UN conventions for overcoming terrorism, including the International Convention for the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism. Then the participants discussed how people, institutions, and states could contribute to prevention of terrorism around the world. Andriy Maksymovych (UGRAD 05) from Lviv, Ukraine remarked, “To solve the problem of terrorism, we should use a comprehensive approach. This includes efficient preventive diplomacy. It also means interpersonal contact – intensification of cultural and youth exchanges with a country that poses some hazard as a possible source of terrorist attacks, effective work of non-profit organizations, and promotion of a peaceful, positive image of the country on the international scene.”
The participants also shared their points of view on the causes of terrorism, including lack of education, intolerance, low standards of living, and lack of opportunities for political expression. Schoolteacher Valentyna Ivanova from Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, relayed a consensus statement from her 12-year-old students: “We must not say, ‘It is not our problem, we have nothing to do with it.’ We live under one sky, the Earth is our common home and we must keep it safe.” Before and after the online discussion, Ukrainian ECA alumni participated in offline discussions on the topic during meetings of ECA Alumni Clubs at IATP access sites throughout Ukraine.
Lidia Safronova delivers a presentation
on the dangers of illegal work abroad
Schoolchildren Discover Danger of Illegal Work Abroad in Poltava, Ukraine
On September 15, 21 rural schoolchildren learned how to protect themselves from labor fraud and predatory employers during a mobile seminar entitled, “Human Trafficking Prevention.” The IATP access center in Poltava, Ukraine, sponsored the seminar, which was conducted by Lidia Safronova (TEA 02) at the secondary school of Nyzhni Mlyny village, Poltava district.
Due to a low standard of living and high level of unemployment in rural areas of Ukraine, young people often seek employment abroad and can become victims of human trafficking. Safronova introduced the attendees to the stories of Poltava residents who had become victims of trafficking and warned the schoolchildren about the pitfalls of illegal jobs abroad. Then she explained where to find trustworthy information about opportunities for work and study abroad, such as the official websites of foreign embassies in Ukraine, discussed tactics for reducing the risk of fraud, and provided contacts for embassies and other organizations that can help Ukrainian citizens abroad. Then participants explored online materials on the topic, including the website of the International Organization for Migration – an international organization working with migrants and governments to provide a humane response to migration challenges.
Yulia Yurchenko remarked, “I have never heard about these problems at school, and outside of the school we saw only attractive advertisements and tales about high salaries. But nobody warned us against the possible danger. Now we see that this danger does exist, and we must think over and evaluate offers from different agencies.” Oleksiy Yakovenko added, “I think we should make our careers in our country.” By sponsoring this seminar, IATP equipped rural schoolchildren with the knowledge to protect themselves from fraud and helped prevent human trafficking in Ukraine.
TURKMENISTAN
Turkmenistani alumni post their
questions on forming of alumni
associations
Turkmen Alumni Prepare to Launch Nationwide Alumni Association after Online US Department of State Q&A Session
On September 21, seven ECA alumni agreed to build a nationwide association to contribute to and collaborate with IATP in pursuit of shared goals after an online discussion at the IATP center in Ashgabat. ECA alumni from Armenia, Russia, Africa, Belarus, Hungary, India, Ukraine, and Egypt, also took part in the official ECA Alumni Q&A session with Azerbaijani Alumni Association (AAA) Chairman Fariz Ismailzade. The Turkmenistani alumni learned best practices and success stories from AAA, one of the most active alumni associations in the world, and how they can improve and develop the alumni associations in their own country.
To begin the discussion, Ismailzade explained the mission, history, and activities of the alumni association. Ismailzade answered eight questions given by Turkmen alumni, including the importance of AAA in professional development of alumni, the benefits they get from membership, successful projects they have carried out, and lessons learned from their past experience.
Zulfiya Orazova (FLEX ’05) remarked, “An Alumni Association is the best way to unite people – to help each other and the community. Alone we cannot change the problems of society, but bringing [our] hearts and minds together we can achieve the goals that our programs proclaimed us to achieve.”
After the discussion, IATP Alumni Coordinator Myahrijemal Altybayeva noted, “Activating the Alumni Association in Turkmenistan and facilitating its integration with the local communities and problems is important. No matter how small our first steps, they will be a start to a great and better future for our countries. We must believe that things can be changed and improved, and it’s possible to find people who share the same ideas, and are ready to build a team and work together for a better future.”
After taking part in the online discussion, participating Turkmen alumni agreed to form the association, utilize and promote IATP resources, and conduct joint events that utilize their intellectual potential and experience they gained in the United States. The first alumni meeting devoted to launching and registering an alumni association in Turkmenistan will take place in October.
Sheker Muradova (BFTF 06) registers
new users during her day as site
administrator.
ECA Alumni Put their Training into Practice by Volunteering to Manage the IATP Center Mary, Turkmenistan
On September 20, Sheker Muradova (BFTF 06), president of the Alumni Advisory Council (AAC) in Mary, Turkmenistan, administered the Mary IATP center as part of Alumni Council Day activities. Muradova is an alumna of the Benjamin Franklin Transatlantic Fellows (BFTF) Initiative, an international policy issue–oriented program that focuses on US-European relations. Under Muradova’s guidance, four recently-returned ECA alumni and five other non-alumni members created the AAC, which contributes actively to IATP’s civil society development activities in Mary, Turkmenistan.
Muradova picked up the skills she needed during a daylong workshop on site management IATP sponsored for AAC members. She provided consultations to IATP users, registered 11 new visitors, and led a training session on Internet basics. Together with other AAC members, Muradova planned the calendar of alumni activities for the next two months. At the end of the working day, Sheker Muradova remarked, “Site management was an interesting, but at the same time-consuming experience. The work of access site administrators is not as easy as it may seem to outside observers, and I understood that this program plays an important role in information and the development of a civil society.” Alumni Council Day was launched to give alumni practical management experience and prepare them to contribute to the long-term sustainability of the center. The AAC members agreed to administer the IATP access site in Mary on the twentieth of each month.
KAZAKHSTAN
Children browse websites containing
information about terrorism at the
IIC in Semipalatinsk, Kazakhstan
Children in Semipalatinsk, Kazakhstan Commemorate Victims of Terrorism
On September 26, eight elementary school children, including four orphans, learned about the tragedy of terrorism from the Independent Internet Center (IIC) in Semipalatinsk, Kazakhstan. The three-hour workshop was dedicated to the UN International Day of Peace (September 21) and commemorated the September 11 terrorist attacks on the United States. The event, entitled “There Shall Be No Terrorism,” was initiated by IIC Administrator Aliya Khalijanova and Liubov Popova, a librarian at Orphanage #8.
The participants honored the victims of 9/11 attacks, browsed related websites and expressed their opposition to terrorism through posters and paintings. Khalijanova and Popova delivered an educational multimedia presentation on terrorism as a global phenomenon, the most wanted terrorists, and notorious recent attacks in the world, including 9/11 and Beslan. The children were taught how to browse English and Russian websites, including the September 11 Digital Archive, the World Trade Center Photo Collections, and Terrorism.ru.
The seminar concluded with a group discussion on the basics of tolerance and intercultural understanding. Janar Kurmangalieva, a student from Orphanage #8, commented, “I have no parents due to family issues, but many other children lost their parents because of terrorism. I wish children would not suffer in the world. I wish there was no terrorism, as it makes people suffer a lot, including children.” Thanks to Khalijanova and Popova’s workshop, the children were able to use newly-acquired computer and Internet skills, and learned about a challenge facing the world around them.
Bebko (right) explains to Gribovskaya
how to download a ready-to-use exercise
at the IIC in Petropavlovsk, Kazakhstan
Educators in Petropavlovsk, Kazakhstan Learn to Use Online Educational Resources
On September 27, nine teachers and scholars from local educational institutions were shown the benefits of online educational resources at the Independent Internet Center (IIC) in Petropavlovsk, Kazakhstan. IIC Administrator Marina Bebko led the training for local high school teachers who lack access to up-to-date resources, including books, new teaching methodologies, and multimedia materials, and lack the tools to include a technology component in their teaching. The teachers also explored and discovered a wide spectrum of online sources of information for their curriculum, including Online English, History Resources, and Russian Philology, where the professors found practice tests and games, tips on interactive teaching and in-class activities, and other resources.
Russian teacher Olga Gribovskaya remarked, “I believe using online resources will improve my curriculum. I already downloaded an exercise that I plan to use in my next class. I will be visiting the IIC to learn more about Internet resources and use them in my work.” Bebko has already conducted three similar seminars for over 30 educators, high school students, and librarians since January. IATP trains more than 1,600 residents of Kazakhstan every month in the basics of computer and Internet use, Web design, and specialized topics.
TAJIKISTAN
Jovid Pisarijev (rear) demonstrates
to Tojinisso Alidodova, head of BRMC
Human Resources Department, how
to work with electronic spreadsheets
at the IATP access site in Khorog,
Tajikistan
Military Representatives Learn how to use Technology to Support Efforts to Secure the Border with Afghanistan in Khorog, Tajikistan
From September 11 to 16, civilian management staff of the regional military office on the border with Afghanistan learned how to use technology to streamline their work at the IATP center in Khorog, Tajikistan. Private Jovid Pisarijev from the Badakhshan Regional Military Commissariat (BRMC) conducted a five-day technology training course for five staff members of the BRMC, so that they might utilize technology to support the military’s efforts to secure the troublesome border with Afghanistan, one characterized by conflict, terrorism, and drug trafficking.
Pisarijev has been an active IATP user since the access site first opened its doors to the public in October 2003 and author of a website about the Pamir region. He was hired at BRMC last year as a computer specialist thanks to skills acquired at IATP, and was invited to serve his conscript obligation as a computer trainer at BRMC. With a month left before his dismissal, Pisarijev passed along the skills he learned at IATP to another generation of military support staff. He taught the trainees basic skills from how to use a mouse, to word processing, to creating electronic spreadsheets. During the training, the group learned how they could replace their paper files and use spreadsheet filters and diagrams in their reports.
Tojinisso Alidodova, head of the Human Resources Department, commented, “Until today we had no idea about how to use computers, although we have some in our offices. Thanks to our trainer and this center, now we can work with different types of electronic documents, edit text, create and conveniently manage essential files on our computers.” The newly obtained computer skills will help participants create and manage an electronic database of draftees and military hardware as well as prepare official reports and forms. IATP empowers local people with information technology skills to help them contribute to civil society and economic development in their country.
Yusuf Nosirov (left) and Saifullo
Safarov (right) field participants’
questions online from the IATP
office in Dushanbe, Tajikistan
Citizens Honor International Day of Peace with Ambassadors for Peace Online
On September 25, IATP brought together more than 40 citizens at seven access sites across Tajikistan to discuss the progress of peace initiatives at home, in neighboring Afghanistan, and around the world. Students, representatives of NGOs, academic institutions, and journalists conversed online with Professor Yusuf Nosirov, chair of the Committee on Peace and Accord in Tajikistan, and Professor Saifullo Safarov, chair of the Center for Protection of Peace in Asia. Nosirov and Safarov, both holders of the Ambassadors for Peace title from The Universal Peace Federation.
The moderators started the discussion by giving an overview of achievements and continuing conflicts around the world, the importance of strengthening dialogue of civilizations and religions in the global community, and international efforts, including Tajikistan’s impact in promoting peace and stability in all regions. When UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan was in Tajikistan in 2002, he cited Tajikistan’s example in ending civil war with a peace agreement as a model for, and influence on, neighboring Afghanistan and other countries.
Sunatullo Qurbonov, a student from Kurgan-Tube, asked the experts to comment on the situation in Afghanistan and whether they think that US forces can establish peace and order there. Safarov replied, “The situation in Afghanistan is gradually stabilizing, but even this causes a strong reaction among enemies of Afghan people. Its government has achieved some successes, but it should be supported more in order to strengthen peace and stability there as soon as possible. If its people don’t like the government, then it should be reelected in peaceful and civilized conditions.” By hosting this online discussion, IATP helped increase public awareness of developments in world peace, emphasize the importance of the unique peace-building experience in Tajikistan, and encouraged citizens to contribute to furthering stability and economic growth of the country.
AZERBAIJAN
Participants learn about human
rights at the IATP access site in
Ganja, Azerbaijan
Local Youth Learn about Human Rights Issues at the IATP Access Site in Ganja, Azerbaijan
On September 1, Tural Taghiyev and Ulker Kazimova educated 22 students and NGO representatives on fundamental human rights and how to protect themselves at the IATP center in Ganja, Azerbaijan. Taghiyev and Kazimova are members of Human Rights Club (HRC), a human rights discussion forum of young lawyers supported by the American Bar Association’s Central European and Eurasian Law Initiative (ABA/CEELI).
The three-hour seminar, entitled, “The Definition and Protection of Human Rights,” gave the participants a broad definition of the concept, summarized its historical evolution, and supplied an overview of domestic and international mechanisms of human rights protection. Participants in discussed legal issues specific to Azerbaijan, completed practical exercises, engaged in teaching games, and learned to search for legal information at online resources such as the Azerbaijan Legislation Database (www.qanunvericilik.az). The event provided citizens with useful information about human rights and its protection mechanisms that will allow them to better defend their own rights and those of fellow citizens.
ARMENIA
Gohar Gabrielyan (rear) and Tatev
Baghdasaryan (front) participate in
an online discussion from the IATP
access site in Gyumri, Armenia.
Armenian Citizens Gather Online to Start the Journey towards an American Education
On September 15, 22 Armenians met online to discuss educational opportunities in the United States and prepare to apply to American universities. Students, teachers, lawyers, volunteers, and ECA alumni at the IATP centers in Gyumri, Yeghegnadzor, Kapan, and Spitak, talked with Hasmik Harutyunyan, director of the Educational Advising Center (EAC) in Gyumri, Armenia.
Harutyunyan delivered a presentation on the US educational system, public and private schools, their funding sources, degrees offered, and admission requirements. Harutyunyan noted the differences between the GRE and GMAT, and explained the required TOEFL examination. Anna Mikayelyan, a student from Kapan Branch of State Engineering University, asked, “How much is the cost of studying in a US college and how we can get funds for it?” Harutyunyan stated that the tuition is very high in the United States and it can vary from $5,000 to $35,000. Armenian universities, by contrast, normally cost about $1,000 per year. She gave details about different types of financial aid such as scholarships, fellowships, tuition wavers, grants, teaching assistantships, and research assistantships for master’s degrees or PhDs.
At the conclusion of the discussion, Harutyunyan invited participants to search the US State Department’s website and visit the AEC for more information and resources on study opportunities in the United States. As a result, the participants received the information they need to start the process of applying to universities, just in time for the autumn application process.
Anna Minasyan (left) and Penny
Porter (right) take part in the online
discussion from the IATP access site
in Kapan, Armenia.
Teachers Learn Effective Methods from Peace Corps Volunteer PCV
Penny Porter, a retired teacher from California, trained 15 educators and alumni in effective lesson planning and the communicative approach to teaching English on September 19. Participants at four IATP centers across Armenia gathered online to discuss innovative methods with Porter, who noted, “It’s very difficult for people to teach in a manner that is different from the way that they themselves learned; moreover, it takes courage and vision!” After the presentation, Porter fielded many questions from participants, delivering recommendations for how teachers can cope with a lack of quality textbooks. She noted that the Ministry of Education of Armenia is planning to publish a new series of English textbooks that will be localized with Armenian sites, names, and cultural features.
At the conclusion of the discussion, Porter provided her contact information and assured participants that she would recruit other PCVs from Spitak and Gyumri to visit IATP access sites to and conduct collaborative projects with local businesses. The online discussion helped participants learn more about effective methods of teaching English from an experienced American teacher and discuss challenges and progress in delivering quality English education in the country.
GEORGIA
Simon Janashia (front) answers a
question, while Shota Gvaramadze
(back) moderates the online discussion
at the IATP access site in Tbilisi, Georgia
Librarians Discuss National Library Reform and Sustainability Strategies with Government Official in Georgia
On September 11, more than 20 librarians and library administrators utilized IATP’s network of access centers in Georgia to become informed about national library system reform and to discuss strategies for improving services. Simon Janashia, head of the National Study Plan and Assessment Center of the Ministry of Education and Science, connected with users at IATP centers in Gori, Kutaisi, Telavi and Tbilisi for the event. The reform of the Georgian library system started in March 2004, and aims to renovate, computerize and equip schools and public libraries with all of the resources they need for the education and professional development of their users.
To start the discussion, Janashia talked about the role and importance of school and public libraries, especially in rural regions, where they must serve as information providers but desperately lack up-to-date materials. He added, “This year, we provided 560 school libraries with 120 new books for each; this is not a big number, but it is a good start.”
In addition, the library directors discussed the possibility of adding revenue streams by offering ancillary services on a paid basis. Janashia cited the example of a library in Zestaponi, a rural village, where a Peace Corps volunteer assisted in organizing a club for library patrons with a membership fee; the club launched a successful business, and the library is now using the revenue to renovate its facilities and purchase new books for the collection. The online discussion helped librarians and educational administrators use technology to keep abreast of library reforms and exchange ideas, a key aspect of the interoperability and coordination that the reform program seeks to achieve in Georgia.
Seth Landau (standing, left) speaks about
tourism in Georgia, while Tamar Basiladze
(standing, right) interprets
Peace Corps Volunteer Leads Seminar on Tourism Development in Kutaisi, Georgia
On September 15, Peace Corps Volunteer and environmental scientist Seth Landau provided resources and presented strategies to utilize in the development of the tourism industry in Georgia. He led a seminar entitled, “Tourism Development and its Prospects in Georgia” for 16 students, mostly economics majors, NGO representatives and journalists, at the IATP access site in Kutaisi. The trainees are keenly interested in the topic of the seminar, as many of them are either already involved in the tourism business or plan to get involved in the nearest future.
Landau gave a virtual tour of tourism-related websites in different countries, explained what kind of information should be readily available for tourists, and suggested that the Georgian government follow a model successful in other countries, by creating an online tourist guide for international visitors. Then Landau shared his own assessment of the current condition of tourism in Georgia, and indicated possible ways for its development and attracting more international tourists. He described Georgia’s natural tourism resources, such as ancient architectural monuments and spectacular landscapes, but also mentioned areas that require major improvement before tourists will visit Georgia in large numbers, such as flexible and affordable hotel infrastructure and safety of visitors. After a short discussion and question and answer session, participant Ana Chakvetadze remarked, “The seminar enabled us to listen to a foreign visitor’s experience and his opinions on the current situation regarding tourism in our country and his vision for its possible development.”
KYRGYZSTAN
Tolipov (right) helps install linoleum
at the IATP access site in Nookat,
Kyrgyzstan
Partner Organization Prepares for Sustainability by Renovating IATP Access Site in Nookat, Kyrgyzstan
On September 16-17, the Civil Society Support Center (CSSC), IATP’s partner in Nookat, Kyrgyzstan, used funds earned from its sustainability program to complete a two-day renovation of the facility, demonstrating its viability as a future Independent Internet Center (IIC).
CSSC staff has undergone extensive training in order to prepare for full conversion of the site to an Independent Internet Center. IICs sustain themselves through low-fee paid services, but continue to pursue the goals of IATP without the need for ECA funding. Tolipov developed a sustainability plan in May 2005, which is moving the access site toward self-sufficiency while maintaining an educational focus. According to the sustainability plan, IATP Administrator Aida Ajibekova uses the facility to offer week- and month-long low-fee, high quality computer courses from 4 pm to 8 pm five days a week to Nookat residents. CSSC Director Abdilboki Tolipov and IATP Administrator Aida Ajibekova used 6000 soms ($152), consisting of revenue from paid courses and a donation from CSSC, to install an alarm system, whitewash the walls and ceiling, paint doors, windows, windowsills, and tables, and install a new linoleum floor.
Tolipov remarked, “I believe our users will be happy and feel more comfortable in the renovated room. I also plan to attract local alumni to offer English courses as a supplement to our fee-based services to increase revenue within the next two months.” Tolipov and staff will attract local alumni to work with him to manage the IATP center once US Government funding ends.
Tashmatov introduces colleagues
to interactive teaching
methodologies at the IATP access
site in Talas, Kyrgyzstan
Alumnus Introduces Colleagues to Online Educational Resources in Talas, Kyryzstan
On September 22, eight English professors of Talas State University (TSU) learned interactive and online methods, Internet navigation skills, and Web-based assessment tools from Abdimitalip Tashmatov (JFDP 06) at the IATP center in Talas, Kyrgyzstan. Tashmatov, who teaches English at TSU and is one of the most active users at the access site, volunteered to train his colleagues based on his knowledge and experience gained during his ECA-funded five-month fellowship at Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa. There, Tashmatov observed how American teachers used interactive methods to enable students to learn better through group work and interactive discussions, and learned how they incorporate online Web resources into their work plans.
The participants learned to use search engines, and browsed online educational resources such as Encompass – The Global Bookclub, Discovery Education, and free online language tests at English At Home. The faculty also discovered multilingual translation tools, such as the ABBYY online translator at www.lingvo.ru. Since his return from the United States, Tashmatov has already conducted two similar seminars for high school and college students along with faculty, and is eager to share his US experience with local residents. “I mainly used old books to teach English due to lack of up-to-date literature,” remarked English teacher Aigul Nuralieva. “Now, thanks to Abdimitalip’s seminar, I will supplement my teaching methods with an interactive component and use online tests as final exams for my students at the IATP access site.”
IATP and Web Content Development
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IATP servers currently host 7,659 websites in local languages, including Russian, Tajik, Kazakh, and Moldovan.
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Subjects include over 180 official government websites, 1,450 NGO websites, and nearly 200 news and independent media websites.
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An average of about 70 new websites are added to IATP servers each month.