IATP News

Local NGOs in Dnipropetrovsk Use Mobile Technology to Disseminate Important Information

The local NGO Tamarisk was among several local NGOs in Dnipropetrovsk, Ukraine, that launched pilot projects in cooperation with IATP using mobile phone technology to promote social change. At the beginning of 2009, IATP began conducting training for local NGOs on mobile technology and the use of FrontlineSMS, open source software developed specifically for the non-governmental sector.

Tamarisk serves as an information and resource center for similar organizations in the region. It manages an online portal on citizens’ initiatives in Dnipropetrovsk, runs a media center for NGOs, and regularly organizes training sessions, roundtables, and other events for representatives of local NGOs and media outlets. FrontlineSMS is thus a valuable resource for organizations, such as Tamarisk, to send important information to large numbers of people. Tamarisk staff found that FrontlineSMS might be helpful for contacting their target audience in Dnipropetrovsk, as well as surrounding rural areas. Having mastered the software, Tamarisk staff compiled an SMS mailing list with 50 mobile phone numbers of local NGO representatives, and sent SMS notifications on events. The staff was impressed by their ability to inform dozens of people in a few minutes instead of spending half a day to contact them by phone.

Tamarisk still uses e-mail to send the same information, but not all NGOs and citizen activists have access to e-mail, especially in rural areas. More people have mobile phones and are likely to read messages they receive immediately.

Disseminating information using FrontlineSMS has had a positive impact on Tamarisk’s ability to reach its target audiences. For instance, at an April 2009 event held at the NGO’s office, 60% of attendees heard about the event via SMS. Participants expressed their gratitude to Tamarisk for using a convenient form of outreach, allowing them to get timely information and facilitating their participation in what was an important event for the local civil society community.

Tamarisk is constantly adding new contacts to their SMS mailing list and plans to divide it into several sub-lists for NGOs working in different fields. The NGO’s President Tatyana Barashkova commented, “We started working with IATP less than a year ago. Since that time, they have introduced us to a number of new and useful technologies. First, we participated in a series of training on Web 2.0 applications, and organized other NGOs to take this training at IATP. Now we learned about a new opportunity to increase the effectiveness of our work through mobile technology. We are sure that the positive impact of IATP activities on our local community will be noticeable for years after IATP is officially closed in Ukraine.” IATP is graduating its centers in Ukraine to Independent Internet Centers in May, ending over a decade of programming in the country.

IATP Experiences Essential to Evolution of Sevastopol Children’s Library

The Central Sevastopol Library for Children (CSLC) in Sevastopol, Ukraine received its first computer in 1998. At the time, not one library employee had the training to use it. Now, however, CSLC is equipped with 54 computers, 18 printers, six scanners, and a number of digital and Web cameras. Most importantly, today’s CSLC employees, after IATP training, can put these technological tools to use.

In 2001, CSLC partnered with IATP to open a public internet access and training center. This center housed eight computers and was the first local center with high-speed internet access. Free internet rose rapidly in popularity, among both library visitors and employees. Internetadept librarians began accessing websites developed by colleagues in Ukraine, Russia, and other Eurasian countries. As the technical skills of library staff increased, the institution decided to become producers, not just consumers, of online information. They began work on a CSLC website to promote library activities and services. Today, the website offers CSLC news, online publications of local authors, a children’s page, information about CSLC partners, and an electronic catalogue, among other resources.

Beginning in 2002, CSLC librarians have been developing an ecological information Web portal entitled “EcoLogia. EcoTavrika. EcoLogika.” Developed with the help of IATP and Peace Corps Volunteer Betty Kelly, the portal was hosted on the IATP server. This project required the help of many partners, including state and local environmental organizations, university and school libraries, and several prominent ecologists. The portalprovides a list of ecological publications available in city libraries, materials about rare and endangered species, and a list of university ecological departments across Ukraine. In 2004, the Web portal was visited by over 20,000 people. CSLC staff regularly updated the site, provided information about important ecological developments and initiatives in the region, and posted photos of environmentally-focused events. In 2006, the Web portal won the Library Information Resources on Ecology and Environment Competition sponsored by the State Public Scientific-Technical Library of Russia. The Web portal is still evolving, regularly posting information about developing environmental issues.

CSLC Director Svitlana Kapranova said, “We believe that creating websites and Web portals expands the information offered by our library and creates a positive and modern image. Now that we have our own level of experience, we’re ready to share it with our colleagues. We’re open to collaboration and hope to expand our network of partners and friends.” Since the Sevastopol IATP Center opened in 2002, over 200 librarians from the city and region have benefited from free internet access or training.

Librarian Uses IATP-Taught Internet Skills to Win Professional Internship in France

Since 2006, Dnipropetrovsk Central City Library (DCCL) Foreign Literature Department Director Elena Stepanyuk has completed a series of IATP-sponsored training courses for librarians. Using her new skills, she learned about Courants du Monde, an internship program for librarians administered by the Paris-based House of the World Cultures (www.mcm.asso.fr). Stepanyuk applied online, was selected in a competitive application process, and became the first librarian from the Dnipropetrovsk region – and the third from all of Ukraine – to take part in the two-week internship in France. Upon returning home, Stepanyuk used her new French-language experience to improve the quality and productivity of her department at DCCL.

Stepanyuk’s technical knowledge has had other benefits for her institution. She has used skills that she developed at IATP to find materials for a number of cultural exhibitions and promote such events to the community. Recently, Stepanyuk proposed to DCCL management that the library use the internet to obtain free books about the European Union and Ukraine’s potential integration into the EU. She developed this concept after discovering via internet research that libraries can order certain books distributed by EU online stores at no cost. These books discuss topics including EU legislation, history, ecological issues, regional tourism, and European geography. DCCL management quickly embraced Stepanyuks idea. To date, the library has already received nearly 150 such books.

Stepanyuk believes IATP support was essential to the gains she and her institution have made, saying, “Without the internet and all the training courses I took at the IATP center, I could hardly even dream of the success and professional development I have achieved. Many thanks to IATP and its employees for their hard work and the help they provide to librarians in Ukraine.” Since beginning its partnership with DCCL in 2006, the Dnipropetrovsk IATP Center has trained 30 DCCL librarians in computer skills, internet research, Web design, and Web 2.0 communication (www.library.dp.ua). The training was conducted both in person at the IATP center and remotely through IATP’s distance learning portal. Since their coursework, these librarians have successfully promoted their institution’s services, grown professionally, and attracted more users, particularly youth and those with advanced IT knowledge. Since 2006, the Dnipropetrovsk IATP Center also taught technical and professional skills to over 120 librarians from other institutions.

Ukrainian NGO Employs SMS Technology in Battle Against HIV/AIDS

A March 2009 pilot project spearheaded by IATP and the NGO Doroga Zhyttya (Road of Life) in Dnipropetrovsk, Ukraine is helping 20 patients better adhere to their tuberculosis and HIV/AIDS treatment regimens. This progress not only serves the health of the individuals involved, but also contributes to broader public health.

Doroga Zhyttya, part of the USAID-partnered All-Ukrainian Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS (network.org.ua), encourages and empowers patients to stick to their treatment schedules. Many of their clients are involved with drugs or the criminal justice system, populations especially susceptible to poor adherence. The Ukrainian government provides treatment free of charge, but medicine, whatever its cost, cannot be effective if it is taken improperly or insufficiently. In response to this problem, Doroga Zhyttya applied a mobile technology-based community outreach tool developed in Africa and brought to Eurasia by IATP. With IATP support, members of the NGO created a project plan to send SMS messages to the mobile phones of a 20 client test group. To implement this operation, the NGO needed only a laptop, a cell phone and FrontlineSMS – free software available to community-focused development NGOs. Now clients receive coded messages three times each day, anonymously reminding them to take their scheduled dosage.

In May, the NGO plans to expand their SMS outreach to 200 clients. In anticipation of this advance, Doroga Zhyttya is developing a grant proposal with IATP to take over full implementation and broaden the project’s scope.

IATP is currently assisting two other NGOs from Dnipropetrovsk implement SMS projects. One is creating an anonymous 24-hour HIV/AIDS question-and-answer service. The second is developing informational SMS-listserv for an informal homeowner’s association. Through these projects, IATP empowers civil society actors to use advanced, inexpensive, and practical technology in meeting their goals.

Laid-Off Journalist Finds New Outlet with Web 2.0

Inga Esterkina was once the editor-in-chief of a Zaporizhya, Ukraine, newspaper’s cultural section. When the newspaper went out of business, Esterkina decided to create her own online cultural community resource.

Esterkina began acquiring ICT skills through IATP in 2008. She went on to attend specialized instruction for mass media representatives, and in February, completed IATP’s Web 2.0 training. When Esterkina lost her print outlet, she started a blog entitled “Creative Journalism.” Available at ingaesterkina.blogspot.com, she keeps her readers and colleagues abreast of Zaporizhya’s latest cultural news, just as she did for the newspaper. Esterkina hopes her Web 2.0 knowledge can help create an online community that will organize and promote cultural projects in the city and keep her readers and partners engaged in cultural life. Thanks to IATP training, Esterkina’s work as a journalist continues.

IATP User Promotes Awareness of Genetically Modified Organisms

Active IATP user, lecturer, and rights activist Maksim Shirnin hosted an international online forum on the ecological and health risks of genetically modified organisms (GMO) at the IATP center in Vinnytsia, Ukraine.

Thirteen participants from Ukraine, Moldova, Turkmenistan, Poland, and Russia discussed the controversial topic on February 11.  During the online discussion, Shirnin shared his knowledge of European and American research, explained the difference between genetic engineering and genetic selection, and gave examples of genetically engineered food. He also discussed the potential environmental effects of GMO and the potential risks of GMO to humans. 

Along with other Ukrainian scientists and doctors, Shirnin has been raising awarness about GMO since 1998.  Shirnin commented, “Our rights in consuming GMO are not protected as there is little or no labeling on the products…it is crucial to inform the general public on these issues, especially through online chats and forums.”

 All of the forum participants agreed that the topic was important and that they would share the valuable information they gained with their peers.  The participants also agreed to continue online discussions on the same or related topics in the future.

Lawyer Promotes His New Legal Services Business to International Clients Online

A lawyer from Dnipropetrovsk, Ukraine, Nykolai Tsyglin, expanded his clientele both in Ukraine and abroad due to a bilingual website he developed at IATP.  An active IATP user since 2002, Tsyglin has taken advantage of many IATP-provided opportunities to learn new skills. In 2007, he opened his own company, Albus, providing legal services to residents around Eurasia.

 Striving to promote his business and reach more clients, Tsyglin developed his website (http://www.tsyglin.com) after pursuing IATP Web design training in 2007.  The site contains information on Tsyglin’s educational background, areas of expertise, professional achievements, a list of partners, and his contact information.  Later, he developed an English-language version of the site to reach out to clients from other countries.  Although Tsyglin already had international clients, until he developed his website, he had no formal, professional way to market his services in the international field. A few weeks ago, an immigrant from Ukraine living in Germany contacted Tsyglin through his website, asking him to represent her in court in a law suit concerning her property in Dnipropetrovsk.

Tsyglin commented, “IATP training courses helped me not only raise my profile, but also made my clients treat me with more respect when they see the website link on my business card.” Currently, Tsyglin is looking forward to learning Web 2.0 skills at IATP, seeking to enhance his ICT skills and work more efficiently.

Disabled Journalists, Veterans Improve Productivity, Communication

Members of disabled communities from Moldova, Ukraine, and Kazakhstan are able to work, communicate, and become more socially integrated as a result of IATP events. In Moldova, a former beneficiary of IATP training is utilizing her skills to assist the disabled.

• After completing an IATP workshop in January, Maria Mescina of Chisinau, Moldova began training disabled children and adults who are members of the NGO Motivatia (Motivation). Motivatia was created in 2007 to unite people with physical disabilities, help them protect their rights, and provide them with legal and educational support. After learning about Motivatia through her employment at the national printing house, Mescina joined the organization as a volunteer, conducting a seminar in computer skills for 15 physically impaired children and adults from January 28 to February 2. Mescina commented, "My heart is filled with pleasure when I see how much they can accomplish after this course.” She continued, “This is a chance for them to change their lives. It helps them to overcome their illness and make others regard them as healthy people.” By bringing knowledge of information technology to the disabled Mescina is contributing to their personal growth and self-esteem and to greater social integration of the disabled in Moldova.
• Galina Ponomaryova, a blind journalist from Donetsk, Ukraine, is now more efficient and faster in writing articles for regional newspapers after attending IATP courses for visually impaired people in January. Using an old typewriter, in the past Ponomaryova had serious problems with meeting submission deadlines. “I couldn’t even imagine that one day I will find needed information via Internet, using new information technologies,” remarked Ponomaryova.
• Ten disabled veterans of the Voluntary Society of Veterans of War in Afghanistan are using their newly acquired skills to build and serve their community in Almaty, Kazakhstan following a series of IATP computer and Internet courses from February 4 to 16. “Our improved IT skills help to fulfill our mission for disabled people. Now we can interact between each other using email,” commented Sergey Turumkulovich Mahashev, head of the association. He added, “Using Internet resources, we manage to coordinate our work better and find useful information for our activities.”

Visually Impaired Journalist Gives Disabled Young People the Skills to Succeed

In November 2008, radio journalist from Zhytomyr, Ukraine Sergiy Cherevko began conducting ICT skills training for five visually impaired IATP users.  After participating in IATP’s Sense Online project in 2007, Cherevko, himself visually impaired, was impressed by the opportunities ICT offers to blind and disabled individuals.  When IATP’s trainer moved to another city, Cherevko decided to apply his knowledge and new skills to lead the project himself.

Through his own IATP training, Cherevko learned about specially designed voice tools that facilitate the social and professional integration of visually impaired people, such as the Job Access with Speech (JAWS) voice-activated interface and the MaxReader audio library.  Cherevko commented, “These programs helped not only in my life, but also with my profession.  I can edit and compile my radio interviews and news briefs more efficiently.”

One of Cherevko’s trainees, student Viktoriya Matviyenko, has successfully passed her winter session exams at Zhytomyr State University's Mathematics Department using her ICT skills.  Cherevko commented, “I am pleased to know that my trainees can work with computers and the internet.  They can create files and work with them, they can use the internet to search for books and other information, and they work with e-mail and make virtual friends.  I realize that everyday, the visually impaired are better able to integrate into Ukraine's civil society and my efforts are rewarded.” 

Sense Online (http://sense.iatp.net) is an IATP initiative designed to equip visually impaired Ukrainians with technology skills to help them secure a brighter future.  The specialized software with a synthesized voice allows blind users to employ their touch-sensory skills to increase their productivity and professional capacities.  This project is carried out in collaboration with the Ukrainian Association of Blind People (UTOS).  Sense Online encourages visually impaired people to take advantage of ICT in developing as professionals and protecting their rights.  Over 20 Ukrainians with visual impairments have learned ICT skills in the last year though the project.  The Sense Online project equipment and resources will remain at the Independent Internet Centers (IICs) of Ukraine to ensure that visually impaired individuals have access to ICT resources after IATP sponsorship ends.

ICT Skills Speed Up Administration, Facilitate Adoptions

After completing ICT training for government officials in January, Senior Officer of Zaporizhya, Ukraine Family Issues and Adoption Department Irina Voloshko is using new skills to streamline her workplace.  Earlier, the city administration asked IATP to train eight government officials as part of its e-Government initiative in Ukraine.  Voloshko was the delegate from Family Issues and Adoption, the office that cares for neglected or abused children and facilitates their adoption.

Once she incorporated ICT skills into her work, Voloshko’s department began working more efficiently, quickly compiling and sending reports to the main office in Kyiv.  Thanks to Irina’s efforts, the department accelerated adoption procedures, especially in cases involving adoptions by foreign nationals.  The process used to take six to twelve month; now it is between three and five.  Paper letters were replaced with email, facilitating communication with potential parents.  The office has a more productive relationship with prospective adopters from abroad who speak different languages because of online language resources that allow them to translate correspondence and documentation.

Currently, Irina is planning to develop a more advanced project with IATP.  She commented, “I am eager to create a website or a blog of the department’s activities to share information about our services among our clients.”  She hopes to use the blog to better promote department services and convey adoption procedures and regulations to families interested in adopting a child.  Powered by a sense of purpose and guided by IATP training, IATP, Irina aims to significantly streamline her work while improving the lives of orphans in Zaporizhya.