On February 9, 2013 high school teachers, engineers and high schools students in Goychay learned first-hand the power of the internet to connect people and ideas throughout the world.  The training was organized by IREX and its partner Regional Cooperation and Community Development Center (RCCDC). The participants – new bloggers – stepped boldly into the blogosphere after learning to register blog addresses, upload pictures and videos. Very soon they discovered that dozens of online internet users in other parts of Azerbaijan and far flung places like Germany and the USA were already viewing their new websites.

New blogger Asly Teymurova marveled at the quick confirmation that the newly created websites already had audiences, recognizing the potential for sharing ideas and changing lives, noting that “Through a blog we can really make a difference, and to change the world! It takes just one person.”

Ulvi Yahyayev likewise was pleased to apply the newly learned skills. “I'm sure I can develop an interesting and attractive blog" said Ulvi.

IREX and its NGO partners offer regular new media training in 20 Community Information Centers across Azerbaijan. These centers were set up with USAID's support under the Azerbaijan New Media Project (ANMP). The training topics also include multimedia, social media strategy, entrepreneurial reporting, and website design and management.

The Azerbaijan New Media Project is a three-year (2010-2013) project supported by USAID. It works with journalists and others to improve multimedia reporting skills and build cooperation between media, civil society and citizens.