View* the Tajikistan Global Connections and Exchange newsletter.

The Project Director and Ministry of Education officials celebrate the opening of an internet center in Tajikistan

The Tajikistan Global Connections and Exchange Program promotes civic education, cross-cultural collaboration, and computer literacy through the operation of 26 Internet Learning Centers (ILCs) in secondary schools across Tajikistan. The program increases global dialogue and educational opportunities by installing modern computer equipment with Internet access in schools, as well as implementing training and learning projects for teachers and students. By providing training to teachers, state of the art computer equipment, and facilitating online collaborative learning projects between American and Tajik students, this program enhances interactive learning and international cooperation.

With its linked network of ILCs throughout Tajikistan’s Khatlon, Sugd, Gorno-Badakhshan and Central regions, the Tajikistan Global Connections and Exchange activities include:

• Training educators on using computers and the Internet in classroom teaching.
• Partnering with U.S. schools on student-centered civic education projects and teacher exchanges to the U.S. and Tajikistan.
• Providing public access and programs for community members and disadvantaged groups.
• Developing sustainable practices for schools and communities.

Through a professional Teacher Exchange, and monthly collaborative activities between the US and Tajikistan, students and teachers in both countries benefit from their interactions:

• Students and teachers become part of an international classroom, working together on substantive, curriculum-based, learning activities.
• Teachers share best practices and new teaching methods.
• Teachers and students improve their technology skills while learning about civic education and other cultures.
• ILCs empower communities, offering their resources to disadvantaged groups, such as orphans, refugees, and disabled people.

U.S. schools interested in participating in this program should contact Amy Nelson at nelson@ri.org