Embassy News

The United States and Turkmenistan Open an Internet Center at the Supreme Council on Science and Technology

PAS No. 220
October 15, 2008

USAID Country Director Ashley Moretz and Deputy Chairwoman of the Supreme Council for Science and Technology Akjeren Allanurova officially cut the ribbon to open the center

Ashgabat, October 15, 2008 – An Interactive Multimedia Learning Center was opened by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the International Research and Exchanges Board (IREX), at the Maktumguly Language and Literature Institute of the Supreme Council of Science and Technology under the President of Turkmenistan on October 15, 2008.  The center will help prepare educators and specialists to use computer technologies and the Internet in the classroom, furthering their professional development.  The new center is one of five in Turkmenistan and over 40 such U.S.-supported centers in Eurasia that are administered by IREX under the USAID-funded the Internet Access and Training Program (IATP).

Education and technology development is a priority for the Government of Turkmenistan, which has called for computers and Internet to be available in every school across the country.  The USAID-funded IATP program provides technical assistance in integrating information and communications technologies into education.  The program trains over 100 Turkmen citizens per month; its network of multimedia learning centers has already provided computer and internet services to over 15,000 in Ashgabat, Turkmenabat, Dashoguz, and Balkanabat.

USAID and IREX equipped the new multimedia learning center with nine computers connected to the high-speed Internet through the Virtual Silk Road network, as well as various cutting-edge educational technologies.  IREX will train the Supreme Council members and staff, as well as Turkmen educators at all levels, to use computer-based technologies and interactive, student-centered methods in the classroom.  Trainees will have the opportunity to create digital lessons, join online discussions, and learn how to connect students with their peers in other countries over the Internet.

The multimedia center is one of the many activities, supported by the American people through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), one of the largest development partners with Turkmenistan.