Internet Basic and Search Techniques Training to Members of the Ethiopian Parliament

Following the Internet Basic & Search Techniques Training held in March 2007, the Information Resource Center (IRC) at the Public Affairs Section gave similar training on May 30 for ten leaders and members of Standing Committees of the House of Peoples’ Representatives at the Public Affairs Section.  Currently, the House of Peoples’ Representatives has 14 standing committees and the IRC staff worked with the Parliament Librarian to arrange this training to the committee chairmen and their deputies.
 
U.S. Ambassador Don Yamamoto, PAO Dr. Anthony Fisher and IO Bettina Malone met with the Parliamentarians during their training, and discussed the importance of the Internet for knowledge and communication.  In the United States, Members of Congress obtain information on a huge variety of topics via the Internet – everything from congressional proceedings and information on the status of draft legislation, to official government records, up-to-date news, and scientific articles on a myriad of topics – all of which support their decision making ability. 

The training sought to strengthen research skills of busy parliamentarians by enhancing their ability to use the Internet as a tool.  The training covered Internet basics, search techniques, useful resources and tips for evaluating information obtained via Internet.  In addition to the training, a documentary film from the Framework of Democracy series “US Congress – Government by Committee” was shown and selected IIP print materials were also distributed to the participants.