August 17-31, 1998

The Leland Initiative's Strategic Objective 3 (SO3) promotes broad-based utilization of information technologies within USAID's development partner community to promote sustainable development. The Leland Initiative SO3 Internet end-user training is designed to enable USAID missions and USAID development partners to harness the potential of Internet technologies to further their development objectives. This training introduces participants to the information and communication resources available through the Internet. In addition to learning about the mechanics of Internet use, the training guided the participants through a planning process for effectively introducing the Internet into their respective institutional settings.

The Leland training in Cotonou, Benin was held at the computer training center of the Children’s Learning and Equity Foundation (CLEF) Project offices from August 17-31, 1998. The goal of the CLEF Project is to enhance the implementation of the Government of Benin's reform of the Beninese Primary Education System. Accordingly, the CLEF uses its computer training center to enhance the technical capabilities of education professionals.

The training introduced 112 participants to the Internet and the research and communication tools it offers. Participants were afforded time during the training for hands-on practice. Each participant of a two-day training session also created an action plan designed to guide the introduction of the Internet into his or her organization. The training sessions included two-day sessions for the USAID/Cotonou development partners working in the missions respective development sector programs, including health, education, and good governance. The training also included a three-day training of trainers session designed to enhance the skills of those who will be training others on the Internet in the future, and a one-day session for teachers participating in the U.S. government-sponsored GLOBE Program (www.globe.gov), in addition to CLEF Project education specialists. Three half-day tailored sessions for executives and trainers were also conducted, catering to the information needs of each audience with regard to their role in using and promoting the Internet.

USAID/Cotonou and the Leland Initiative have thus far played an integral part in developing the Internet industry in Benin. Using the Internet, the Beninese public is now able to access to information previously unavailable, and is more effectively communicating and networking with others throughout the world. With continued assistance from USAID/Cotonou and the Leland Initiative, Benin's development community will expand their effective and innovative use of the Internet and its applications to attain their organizational objectives.

Follow-up activities to this training by USAID/Cotonou and the Leland Initiative will provide important support to Benin’s nascent Internet industry and expanding user base. The recommended next steps outlined in this report include: