Mongolia

Harnessing ICT for Sustainable Livelihoods in Mongolia
UN Volunteers collaborated with UNDP to acculturate students and the educated workforce in Mongolia to using ICT for solving real-life problems. This Mongolian project has a regularly updated website that provides information about the project's ongoing ICT for Development activities. One International UN Volunteer (IUNV) served as a Content / Electric Publishing Specialist and was responsible for passing on his expertise of content creation. Another IUNV served as Network Specialist, responsible for building capacity of national technicians in designing, establishing and managing computer networks. Yet another IUNV served as ICT Education Policy Specialist, responsible for helping Mongolia expand its ICT for Education policies. In December 2001, these International UN Volunteers held their first learning session as part of their continued efforts to strengthen the network of ICT experts and practitioners, both local and foreign, working in Mongolia. It was attended by twenty enthusiastic participants from both the private and government sectors.

 

Teaching Networking Skills
In December 2003, a National UN Volunteer (NUNV) in Mongolia began a one-year assignment with the Cisco Networking Academy Program (CNAP), a comprehensive, e-learning program, which provides students with the Internet technology skills essential in a global economy. The Networking Academy Program delivers web-based content, on-line assessment, student performance tracking, hands-on labs, instructor training and support, and preparation for industry-standard certifications. This NUNV received training at a Cisco Academy before going on to become a Volunteer. He went on to assist the primary instructor in recruiting new students and publicizing the academy. He targeted students possessing practical knowledge but lacking a consistent theoretical background, as well as students lacking the financial means to study.