The document describes the Internet Access and Training Program (IATP), which is funded by USAID and administered by IREX. IATP operates 100 centers across 10 countries in Eurasia, hosting 8,000 websites and 700,000 visitors annually. IATP equips local communities with technical assistance and resources to find and share information online, create websites and content, and network through online forums and discussions. IATP prioritizes training civil society activists, government employees, journalists, and others to use information technology to improve their work and societies. Courses range from basic computer skills to web design and online forums. Tailored trainings are also provided based on specific needs and fields. The document highlights examples of

1. THE INTERNET ACCESS AND TRAINING PROGRAM The Internet Access and Training Program (IATP) is funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and administered by the International Research and Exchanges Board (IREX) Mark Skogen, Director for Eurasia (Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine & Uzbekistan)

2. INTERNET IN EURASIA Government intervention to support and hinder Between .5 and 30% of the population (no reliable statistics) use Internet regularly Limited local-language content Limited, poor-quality access outside capitals Lacking skills  Citizens and government not taking advantage of Internet’s potential

3. IATP CENTERS 10 countries 100 centers 8,000 websites 700,000 visitors/year IATP CENTERS

4. IATP EQUIPPING COMMUNITIES Technical assistance and resources for local citizen- and organization-based initiatives find and distribute information from the Web; create websites, Web logs, wikis, and databases; network through online discussions, forums, and portals.

5. IATP TARGET AUDIENCES IATP serves everyone, but gives priority to: Civil society activists, government employees, journalists, doctors, farmers, librarians, teachers, students and others interested in using Information Technology to improve society and their ability to succeed in it; Often these are constituents of USAID-funded programs

6. Courses ( number of hours) Computer basics (5) Word (2) Excel (2) Web design (12) PowerPoint (4) Internet search (2) E-mail (2) Online forums (2-10)

7. TAILOR-MADE TRAININGS Tailored modules: Advanced Internet for Journalists Computer Technologies for Government Officials Internet for Teachers IT for Hearing impaired Internet for NGOs Forum creation and administration

8. Web design (results-oriented) Need text typed Photos or graphics Plan for design Someone to maintain and update site

9. Professional networking Electronic presentations Public finds you online and discusses topics you choose Brochures and publications Store and retrieve information in databases Use electronic documents Efficient communication INCREASING PROFESSIONALISM WITH INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES You and your colleagues work more efficiently Website for organization

10. USERS FIND SUCCESS WITH ICT ACCESS AND SKILLS Woman in Moldova shares new knowledge of computers to her NGO’s constituents, who have physical disabilities. Female specialist in Georgia leads online discussion with young women across Group of small government branch create website Young woman in Tajikistan qualifies for job at cell phone company after completing computer literacy course. Young man improves his business services after finding new distributor information online. Woman defends her legal rights after discovering online database of legislation. Doctors in Kazakhstan improve qualifications after finishing distance learning course.

11. http://turkmenistan.WIKISPACES.com

12. Online forums

13. FORUM DISCUSSION

14. WHEN TO USE WHAT TECHNOLOGY? A government representative requests money for a computer and webmaster to create its website. Need to arrange a meeting or roundtable, but no travel budget for it or safety concerns. Want to unite healthcare specialists to jointly create an online resource. Government wants to help farmers, who are using greenhouses for the first time. You work on a youth development project and need to reach at-risk groups. Teacher has created after-school courses for ninth-graders and wishes to reach a wider audience with materials; Involve maternal healthcare specialists throughout Iraq to jointly create an online resource on keeping children healthy.