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Internet Access and Training Program (IATP)
IATP News from the Caucasus
May 2005
E-mail this pageGEORGIA
Minister George Khaindrava
dictates answers to
his assistant
IATP Organizes Web Chat with State Minister of Georgia
On May 26, the IATP access site at the National Parliamentary
Library in Tbilisi hosted an online chat with Georgian State Minister
George Khaindrava. IATP users from nine regions of Georgia joined Minister
Khaindrava to ask questions about conflict resolution in Georgia. Some
of the participants were refugees from war-torn regions of Georgia. One
such participant asked for the minister’s opinion on how long these
internal conflicts will continue. Minister Khaindrava answered that, “It
depends on how active Georgians will be, and it is very important to understand
that we won’t use any force and take revenge.” Participants
from Kutaisi expressed their concern that Russian troops are still stationed
in Georgia, to which Minister Khaindrava replied that the Russian and
Georgian governments have agreed to remove all Russian troops from Georgia
by 2008. Minister Khaindrava and the participants also discussed his vision
of Ossetians living in Tskhinvali, the formation of a Georgian-Russian
anti-terrorist center, and a recent meeting between the Abkhazia and South
Ossetia presidents. A transcript of the chat is available at: www.iatp.ge/en/.
AZERBAIJAN
Environmental NGO representatives
communicate with
one another via
an online forum
Ecological NGOs from Eurasia Meet Online to Discuss Biosafety
From April 29 through May 26, Irada Yakubova, the chairperson
of an Azerbaijani environmental NGO, organized an online forum to discuss
the biosafety with other NGOs. Thirty-three leaders of environmental organizations
from Russia, Kyrgyzstan, Ukraine, Georgia, and Azerbaijan participated
in the forum to discuss further collaboration with each other to promote
biosafety strategies in every country. They discussed the extensive use
and abuse of bio-technology in food, pharmaceutics, and agriculture, and
the negative impact it has on the environment. Throughout the month-long
collaboration, the representatives of Azerbaijani ecological NGOs were
able to familiarize themselves with the experiences of their counterparts
from other countries, to discover more about how they can better advocate
these issues to the public, and how they can cooperate with governmental
structures to help control the use of gene-modified products.
IATP staff demonstrates DL
websites to participants
of DL
seminar
Participants Learn About the Benefits of Distance Learning
On May 18, the IATP access site at Nakchivan State University hosted a
seminar on distance learning concepts. Eight college students, majoring
in foreign languages, art, and economics, participated in the seminar.
The IATP staff taught the participants about the different methods used
in creating efficient and reliable distance learning courses. The presenter
explained that there are various forms of distance learning, including
online courses, videotaped courses, correspondence courses, and live-interactive
courses, and provided the participants with examples. The IATP trainer
encouraged the students to explore online distance learning courses, including
the five courses posted to the IATP distance learning portal. IATP users
in Azerbaijan can participate in these courses, which range from organic
chemistry to NGO management, free-of-charge.
ARMENIA
Alumni Gain Project Management Skills at IATP Site
On May 14, Armine Karabekian (FLEX 97) organized a seminar for
alumni and other IATP users on the basics of project management at the
IATP access site in Yerevan. Karabekian recently completed a course on
project management fundamentals through California State University San
Marcos after receiving funding from the IATP Distance Learning (DL) Support
Fund. The DL Support Fund is a component of IATP, which helps IATP users
participate in DL courses offered by American universities. Since completing
the course, Karabekian, who is employed as a project assistant at the
US Embassy in Armenia, has been able to work more efficiently on her USAID-funded
project and wanted to share her newfound knowledge with other IATP users.
During the seminar, participants learned the fundamentals of project management,
discovered important tips on planning, implementing, controlling, and
closing a project, discussed how to become a successful project manager,
and brainstormed on how effective team building activities and conflict
management tools can be used in their projects. Participants not only
enhanced their project management skills, but also gained valuable information
about online resources on the subject and the ways to use them for professional
development.
This fashion design website can be
found at zaimtsyan.iatp.irex.am
Gyumri Students Create Website on Clothing Design and Fashion
On May 30, the IATP access site in Gyumri, Armenia, completed a four month-long
Web design course for a group of graduate students from the Clothing Design
Department of the State Engineering University of Armenia, Gyumri campus.
The students learned how to design Web pages, create basic documents,
and use graphic elements and animation. They also learned a broad range
of skills necessary in designing websites, from programming and graphics
creations, to color theory and website management. As a result, a team
of three participants created an English-language website on fashion and clothing design. The website showcases the students’
portfolios including their design of clothing, shoes, and accessories.
The Web design trainings have given these young designers an opportunity
to promote their work on a global scale.