Blogrel: Internet in Schools

February 11, 2005

Internet in Schools

This week HETQ has an article discussing IT programs in Armenia, specifically those funded by the U.S. Government and other international agencies.

The author makes a number of good points. One issue that he brings up is that most of the technology programs are rolled together with other issues such as civil society, community building, etc.

Having worked on these types of programs and related programs for the past few years, I believe that the reason for this is that there is no other way to justify utilizing American tax payers' money to put technology in the hands of the Armenian people. American tax payers probably don't care if little Samvel or Gayene is on par with American children. They do care about preventing hostile attitudes toward the U.S. though. And if their congresspeople can be convinced that building stronger civil communities is the way to prevent terrorism or other hostilities than so be it.

I am just happy that there is any funding for technology programs at all.

Posted by Katy on February 11, 2005 | TrackBack | Email to a friend

Comments

A good friend of mine spent a year in Spitak, and her own money to setup a computer lab for kids.
Check out the site: http://www.spitux.org/

Nothing glamorous, she didn't do it for a grant or a fame or a political reason, but simply because she felt it was a right thing to do at that moment.

It is still going strong, there is a nice little community that got developed, and the kids are getting some real skills and exposure that will help them later on.

Posted by: Tim at February 13, 2005 12:12 AM

Wow... they're using Linux in Spitak... :-)

Posted by: Onnik Krikorian at February 13, 2005 05:53 AM

I've really liked what spitux has been doing. I wish that there was more support for Linux in Armenia.

Posted by: Katy at February 14, 2005 12:14 AM

Katy,

Thanks for your informative articles and cogent analysis. This blog is one of my favorites!

Khoren

Posted by: Khoren at February 15, 2005 12:46 AM

Hi there,

I live in Sweden and I have a friend from Armenian who cant go back because of the military service, he is 22 years old. Do you have any ideas how to go back to Armenia for the purpose of getting a renewd passport and then return to Sweden again, WITHOUT getting caught and sent to military service?

This is a dilemma for him as he has everything in Sweden, education, girlfriends, friends and relatives. Anybody? Mail me or answer here?

Posted by: Emin Abdalian at February 15, 2005 11:40 PM

Emil, I think the border guards at the airport have a list of wanted people provided by the state prosecutors. If he is on that list, there is a possibility that he will be detained upon entry in the country.

One way to resolve this problem is to contact the e,mbassy that serves Sweden and inquire about the dismissal from the army service. Once the fine is paid, the embassy will provide with a document indicating so. With that document then it will be possible to travel to Armenia without problem.

Posted by: Hrair at February 17, 2005 06:39 AM

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February 11, 2005

Internet in Schools