IATP Empowers Students in Turkmenistan to Become Community Leaders in Technology

University students Andrey Leskin, Kristina Puzarina and Madina Aliyeva are using their IATP training to help make a difference in their communities and in the lives of other young people in Turkmenistan. The three scholars are all studying abroad at the American University in Central Asia (AUCA) in Bishek, Kyrgyzstan, but haven chosen to spend their summer breaks and spare time sharing their knowledge and experience with their peers back home.

Leskin had some ICT skills before being introduced to IATP in 2007. He was soon to start his university career abroad, however, and knew he could benefit from more advanced computer training. Leskin completed courses in internet research and graphic design at the IATP center in Turkmenabat. During the course of the training, he also discovered online forums and became a regular participant in various international online discussions.

With a passionate interest in nanotechnology, Leskin decided to create his own online forum on the subject. Despite the niche topic, the forum attracted a strong interest both in Turkmenistan and abroad. In fact, many users at local IATP centers in Turkmenistan use the forum regularly to practice their ICT skills and learn something about the emerging field of nanotechnology. Leskin admits, “I’m a social person by nature, and I really enjoy communicating with people and discussing ideas even if it is done virtually. I really want other young people to have access to the latest global information such as nanotechnology, and I appreciate IATP centers providing us with the resources to do this.”

Kristina Puzarina and Madina Aliyeva first discovered IATP in their hometown of Turkmenabat while they were still in high school in 2005. They completed a series of training sessions on internet search skills, Web design, and graphics editing. Drawing on their ICT training, they applied online to universities abroad and explored options to fund their education using scholarship information they found through their research. Thanks to their efforts, Puzarina and Aliyeva were accepted into AUCA and both awarded academic scholarships.

Each summer they return to offer workshops to their peers through summer camps at the IATP center in Turkmenabat. As international relations majors, they selected European Studies as the theme of their August camp this year. Their interactive training sessions for 15 young people included PowerPoint and video presentations that the pair of veteran ITAP users created on European culture and art.

In one seminar entitled “A virtual trip to Europe,” Puzarina and Aliyeva guided students on computers through the process of browsing embassy websites, online tourism resources, and useful information on higher education programs in Europe for international students.

In a previous summer, Puzarina conducted a seminar for students on how to do their own graphics editing with Photoshop so that young people that need photos for university applications could prepare them on their own, rather than having to pay a studio to do the work for them.

Recently, both young ladies had a chance to reflect on how IATP has helped them achieve their goals. As Puzarina explained, “The IATP center in Turkmenabat helped give me a great start. Not only do I owe so much of my computer and internet skills to them, but they are giving me the opportunity to realize that I can be a trainer and leader in my own community. I feel it’s my turn to give back to my peers and I hope other people my age will be inspired to aim for their own success and achieve their highest dreams. Maybe some will even study abroad themselves one day.”

In a sign of how ICT training opens doors to young people in Turkmenistan, Puzarina and Aliyeva are also Future Leaders EXchange (FLEX) alumni who created websites to document their exchange experiences in the US. Aliyeva’s website even includes information about Turkmen Holidays. IATP has trained over 3000 students in Turkmenistan since June 2007.

Comments

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I was thinking of starting a travel agency that would set up trips for families wishing to go the all-natural way. In other words, I don't just want to STUDY nature, I want to experience it. I don't really want to study nature at all, just spread the word and get people outdoors. What do you think I should major in, though?

[excel classes]

Is a Computer information systems student the same as an information technology student? I'm trying to enroll and make the right decision.What is the difference is any?

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Merci à l'auteur de cet article ce qui est très utile pour me.I a des idées et des informations de ce poste.