Civil Society

Internet Access and Training Program (IATP)

Addressing a broad shortage of the free flow of information, the Internet Access and Training Program (IATP) is a versatile civil society-centered program that spurs community development by using access to the Internet as a tool for linking citizens to the outside world and by using information and communications technology (ICT) as a pillar to support local initiative. Funded by USAID and administered by IREX, better-informed and more efficient citizens use tools that facilitate the free exchange of information, build local and international associations, and improve communities. The program targets citizens in a position to generate positive change in their community, such as NGO employees, educators, journalists, and government or political representatives.

IATP centers typically have an administrator and six computers who provide:

• Internet Access - Free computer and Internet access available at IATP centers helps bridge the digital divide and provides new sources of information, opportunity, and knowledge.
• Technical Training - IATP's standard course list includes computer basics, Internet basics, blogging, Web design, wikis, graphics editing, and specialized ICT courses for government employees, NGOs, journalists, and teachers.
• Web Content Development - New Web resources resulting from IATP courses increase local-language content, making the Internet more accessible and useful to the local populations.
• Online Forums -Stakeholders, experts, and decision-makers join online in virtual exchanges of ideas that bridge regions with capital cities and often beyond borders.
• Community Events - Citizens utilize the centers as neutral meeting places to organize community initiatives and use technology to strengthen their projects.

IATP began operating in Azerbaijan in 1998 and within IATP centers operated throughout the country, which provided professionals and researchers with access to the Web, teaches them various computer programs, and organized Internet-based live conferences and forums. IATP helped governmental and non-governmental organizations to improve or establish a web presence.

Participating in step by step and advanced trainings youths achieved at their community projects and universities, applicants were able apply for university via online, teachers, doctors and professionals succeeded at work by being increased their position levels; unemployed citizens were able to find jobs. Realizing online forums, round table discussions, seminars and presentations for different target groups, IATP completed its mission and the program was successfully ended in May 2009.