On September 10-11, the ISOC team visited schools of Issyk-Kul region for the presentation and mounting of devices IlimBox.
Category: News
The electronic library “Ilim Box” in the southern part of Issyk-Kul region
On September 10-11, 2019, the ISOC team installed the electronic library “Ilim Box” in secondary schools in the southern part of Issyk-Kul region. The device allows you to access all educational resources without an Internet connection, in other words offline. Moreover, it is worth noting that all data is stored in the device itself, and only the power supply and the box itself are needed for connection. The uniqueness of the innovative project is that students can access educational resources at school without an Internet connection.
Preparation for the trip took more than two weeks, because in addition to the presentation, the team has developed a new logo that reflects the essence of the project “Ilim Box”. Identification marks were made for the trip: branding boxes, roll-ups, spiders, t-shirts, stickers.
The choice of schools was due to several factors: no access to the Internet for students, lack of books, as well as the number of students exceeded the permissible maximum, thereby increasing the likelihood of poor performance in schools without a network connection, as well as the choice of educational institutions influenced the list of proposed schools by the Ministry of education and science of the Kyrgyz Republic.
The devices were donated:
School № 10 Manas (Balykchy)
School №7 (Balykchy)
School B. Alakhov (Kara-Taala)
School R. Jangaziev (Kara-Koo)
School Erkinbaeva (Bar-Bulak)
School-gymnasium №11 (Karakol)
School Esimbekova (Tegizchil)
School D. Turebekov (Boz-Bulun)
In these schools was held a presentation of the project “Ilim box” then testing the device with students and teachers and handing the device. During the conversation, the importance of education and self-education were touched upon. Our visit to these schools has caused positive responses from the school administration, as none of them have access to the Internet for students, and most of them stressed the problem of not completing books in both Russian and Kyrgyz languages. It should be noted that in most of the rural schools it is forbidden to use a mobile phone on the territory of the educational institution, as teachers notice children’s gaming preferences during lessons. We showed the guys that with the advent of “Ilim box” smartphone can be used exclusively for educational purposes, and all this can be fun through video lessons.
In Kyrgyzstan, there are more than 2,000 schools, among which there are those that do not have access to the Internet and do not have enough books. Accordingly, it affects the level of quality of education. In 2018, Kyrgyzstan declined to participate in the PISA world school rankings, as it was ranked last 65th in previous competitions.
Innovative solutions to two pressing problems such as the lack of books and the lack of Internet can be seen in the project digital library for schools and public libraries “Ilim Box”, which contains Wikipedia in Kyrgyz, Russian and English, Khan Academy in English, thousands of video lessons, audio and e-books. All these digital learning materials are available offline, in other words does not need Internet access. Access to Digital libraries will be carried out through smartphones, tablets, computers and any other personal devices with Wi-Fi technology.
“Ilim Box” will allow Kyrgyzstan to increase the level of education in the regions”, – said the Chairman of ISOC – Talant Sultanov, at the digital forum of Kazakhstan.
Thus, visits to schools helped to identify several important points: need to develop a training manual on Kyrgyz language for better perception of information is needed in the formation of a database of electronic books, the materials should be in Russian and Kyrgyz languages, there is a need to create a list of the most useful books, and download online tests for the preparation to ORT. The goals and objectives of the project “Ilim Box” coincide with the five-year strategy of digital transformation “Digital Kyrgyzstan 2019-2023” and contribute to the achievement of target indicators for the component “development of the digital state” and “development of digital skills”.
The project is funded by Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund 2018 (AEIF) as part of innovative solutions to global challenges and by program
Beyond the Net ISOC.
The project previously had various names “Internet in a box”, “Bilim Bulagy”, “Spring of Knowledge”and is not related to the World Bank project “Bilim Bulagy”.
The traffic exchange point in the Ferghana valley (FVIXP) – successfully implemented
The traffic exchange point in the Ferghana valley (FVIXP) is successfully implemented by our team project. The Fergana valley, located at the crossroads of three countries, is the most populated area in Central Asia, the center of regional inter-ethnic tensions related to water and land.
FVIXP is the installation of an Internet traffic exchange point (IXP) in southern Kyrgyzstan, in Osh, which significantly reduced the cost and accelerated the Internet for all residents of the Fergana valley. FVIXP opens up opportunities to build a digital silk road. Connection to the Internet traffic exchange point allows to establish peer-to-peer interaction between participants with lower costs and greater efficiency regarding the organization of pairwise physical joints. IXP efficiency increases with the number of connected participants. With the junction with China, new junctions with Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, Osh is becoming a key city in the development of digital infrastructure. The project is aimed at expanding regional cross-border cooperation, as well as increasing the availability of the Internet by reducing tariff plans up to 3 times, multiplying the growth of Internet traffic exchange in the region, increasing the level of Internet penetration.
The goals and objectives of the project coincide with the five-year digital transformation strategy “Digital Kyrgyzstan 2019-2023” and contribute to the achievement of target indicators for the component “development of the digital state” and “development of digital skills”.
ISOC General Assembly
May 23, 2019 a general assembly of members of the Public Association “Kyrgyz Chapter of the Internet Society” (ISOC) was held, where they talked in detail about current projects and plans for the coming year. The meeting was attended by: ISOC Chairman – Talant Sultanov, ISOC co-founder – Aziz Soltobaev, Erzhigit Imamov, Isabek Asanbaev, Begaim Bekbolotova and new members of ISOC.
It was said that at the country level, the organization adheres to the basic mission of the Internet Society, and aims to assist in providing all citizens of Kyrgyzstan with high-quality and affordable Internet access. In the 21st century, Internet access is an integral part of modern life and in some countries is already recognized as a human right at the constitution level. The Internet allows one to access information and knowledge of all mankind, gives one the opportunity to get a quality education, improve one’s own potential, broaden one’s horizons, participate in e-commerce, and improve one’s own economic well-being, thereby making a contribution to the prosperity of the whole country.
Members shared news about their activities: on April 25, they organized a seminar on Community Networks and on April 27 a seminar on Internet Traffic Exchange Points. In September, we launched our first projects in these areas. On May 15 of this year, a round table was held in conjunction with the Osh city administration for educators, telecommunications and subordinate departments, and also organized a presentation for Osh residents interested in digitization of the country.
They told about trips abroad. In March 2018 Isabek Asanbaev visited the European Chapters Meeting in the capital of Bulgaria, Sofia. In 2017, this meeting was held in Spain, and Bermet, one of the founders of our Chapter, went. In November 2018 Isabek and Erzhigit flew to India, where they participated in a seminar on building Community Networks. For Erzhigit, this was the second ISOC visit to India on the subject of Community Networks. This year, Erzhigit participated in the ISOC conference, which was organized in the capital of Romania, Bucharest.
The meeting ended with a discussion of ISOC’s plans for the upcoming 2020 year. We talked about possible projects with new members of the community. The friendly atmosphere of the meeting allowed not only to get better acquainted with the participants, to feel the desire of everyone to make their contribution to the development of the country’s digitalization, but also to involve everyone in the upcoming projects.
Round table with local activists of Osh interested in digitization of the south of the country
May 15, 2019 ISOC organized a second meeting in Ololo House Osh with local activists interested in digitalization and the development of the south of the country.
With invited participants, we discussed innovative ways to connect remote regions to the Internet as part of the activities of the Kyrgyz Chapter of the Internet Society (ISOC).
The evening meeting with civil activists were no less productive, and the project “Suusamyr Net” was of great interest. This initiative contributes to the improvement of the quality of the Internet, and also allows communities together with the local aiyl okmotu to make the Internet accessible to all local residents. This project is the first of its kind in Central Asia. The construction of a public Internet provider in the village of Suusamyr also made it possible to gain experience in connecting remote areas and helps to identify obstacles to the creation of public providers. It is worth noting that we shared practical tools, materials and documents. We have analyzed in detail the algorithm for the implementation of the project, and the possibility of implementing such an initiative on the ground. As a result, there are people who are ready to repeat the experience of Suusamyr Net and wish to make their contribution to the development of digitalization of the regions.
After the presentation, we provided iftar for the fasting. In such a friendly atmosphere, the discussion continued at the dinner table with Aziz Soltobaev, Talant Sultanov, Erzhigit Imamov, Isabek Asanbaev.
We express gratitude to the business association JIA for assistance in informing their members about this event.
Round table in Osh within the framework of digitization of the country
As part of the “Year of Digitalization and Development” in Osh on May 15, 2019, a round table was held where innovations were discussed on ways to connect remote regions to the Internet in line with the activities of the Kyrgyz Chapter of the Internet Society (ISOC).
The Kyrgyz Chapter of the Internet Society (ISOC) is a non-profit organization dedicated to the digitization of regions in the Kyrgyz Republic. Three major projects were launched: the Fergana Valley Internet Traffic Exchange Point, Suusamyr Net Community Network and Bilim Bulagy. Speakers were: ISOC Chairman Talant Sultanov, ISOC co-founder Aziz Soltobaev, Project Manager Isabek Asanbayev, Technical Manager Erzhigit Imamov.
The goals and objectives of the projects coincide with the five-year digital transformation strategy “Digital Kyrgyzstan 2019-2023” and contribute to the achievement of the target indicators for the component “Digital State Development” and “Digital Skills Development”.
In order to inform the public about projects and digitalization in general, a round table was organized in conjunction with the Osh city hall at the Next coworking center, where the local administration, education and telecommunication workers, as well as representatives of the nearest local self-governments were invited. The event was attended by 50 people who are not indifferent to the development of the southern regions.
The most interesting project for the public was “Bilim Bulagy”, since it belongs to the sector of education development. “During the meeting with the local population, the electronic library Bilim Bulagy attracted much attention. We received many useful comments and suggestions, ”Erzhigit Imamov notes. Another equally important part of the presentation was the ISOC grant opportunities.
Agreements were reached on cooperation with the local community of the Nookat district to build the community network, since the districts (hospitals, schools, municipal institutions) are not covered by the Internet. A decision was also made to promote the Bilim Bulagy project in the south of the country.
Thus, the productivity of the round table can be assessed as high, since people from different spheres and structures were invited, thereby contributing to the greatest coverage of the population.
Official registration of “Suusamyr Net” Community Network
We are glad to inform you that on April 24, 2019 we received the official seal and certificate of “Suusamyr Net”! You can congratulate us on the OFFICIAL REGISTRATION !!!
A little bit about the project “Susamyr Net”. “Suusamyr Net” – contributes to the improvement of the quality of the Internet, and also allowed localities to make the Internet accessible to all local residents by local ayil okmotus. This project is the first of its kind in Central Asia. The construction of a public Internet provider in the village of Suusamyr also made it possible to gain experience in connecting remote areas and helps to identify obstacles to the creation of public providers.
ISOC Kyrgyzstan Chapter launches internet exchange point in Osh
Bishkek, Apr. 22, 2019. /Kabar/. The Internet Society (ISOC) Kyrgyzstan Chapter launched internet exchange point in Osh city aimed to improve connectivity in the most densely populated region – Ferghana Valley, ISOC reported.
Internet connectivity in Kyrgyzstan significantly progressed over the last few years, but had distributed unevenly. While, most of northern provinces reaping benefits of high speed mobile and broadband Internet, southern regions are still suffering from expensive Internet tariff plans and connectivity time lags. Ferghana Valley Internet Exchange Point is providing critical infrastructure for internet service providers and mobile operators to prevail regional digital gap and help underserved communities to obtain affordable Internet access.
Ferghana Valley located at the crossroads of three countries of Central Asia: Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan are in top 10 regions with highest population density in the world. Over 14 million people (2014) reside in 22,000 square kilometers (approximately 636 persons per square km). The region is known for land and water disputes, inter-ethnic conflicts. There is a huge income disparity between administrative capitals of the Stans and regional dwelling communities in Ferghana Valley.
“Establishing IXP would greatly enhance the utility and value of the regional Internet and promote the growth of the digital economy”, said Talant Sultanov, Chair of ISOC Kyrgyzstan Chapter. According to Terabit Consulting, “Improvement in ICT infrastructure yields: Increased demand for the output of other industries (demand multiplier), New opportunities for production in other industries (supply multiplier), new goods and services for consumers (final demand). It also increases firms’ innovation capabilities and increases the probability of new products, innovations, and organizations.”
Internet Exchange Point is a physical location where different stakeholders who have ASN meet to exchange local traffic via a switch. Kyrgyzstan is one of the countries where Ferghana Valley is spread. There are several closed IXPs based in Bishkek (ISP, banks). Unlike present IXPs that could not be neutral and open for new members by Charter, Ferghana Valley IXP (FVIXP) follows principles of openness and neutrality by providing equal access to infrastructure to all stakeholders, including Government agencies, educational and healthcare institutions as well as commercial banks. IXP will help local small and medium ISP to minimize traffic costs, spend more on infrastructure rather than on internet traffic purchase.
Over the last two years, ISOC Kyrgyz Chapter had been working closely with local stakeholders and community members to set up first of its kind peering hub in Osh city. Together with European Chapter of ISOC, local members conducted roundtables as well as trainings to help raise awareness about role of IXP and provide skills to administer it. Chapter members had been preparing physical infrastructure and regulations to make this project operational.
“We believe, that FVIXP will help local small and medium-sized Internet Service Provider reduce traffic costs, improve quality of connectivity and increase subscription base due to more affordable tariff plans”, said Aziz Soltobaev, project manager of FVIXP and ISOC Kyrgyzstan Chapter cofounder.
The Internet Society (ISOC) is an international organization dedicated to the development and accessibility of the Internet. The organization has more than 20 thousand specialists and more than 100 member organizations in 180 countries. The Internet Society provides assistance in the organization for a variety of other consulting and research groups involved in the development of the Internet, including the IETF and the IAB.
ISOC Kyrgyzstan Chapter is non-profit organization founded in April 2015 and officially registered on July 7, 2017. ISOC Kyrgyzstan Chapter obtain required licenses and permits for providing data transmission and peering services.
Connecting schools to Ilimbox aka Bilim Bulagy
On April 13, 2019, the ISOC team began installing the Bilim Bulagy electronic library. The device allows you to access all educational resources without an Internet connection, in other words offline. Moreover, it should be noted that all data is stored in the device itself, and only power supply and wireless modem are required for connection. The uniqueness of the innovative project is that students can access educational resources at school without an Internet connection.
The first schools where the trip was organized were the secondary school O. Isaeva (Kegety) and Chui boarding school (Tokmok) located in the Chui valley. The choice of schools was due to several factors: there is no access to the Internet, the number of students exceeded the allowable maximum, thereby increasing the likelihood of poor performance in schools without a network connection, as well as the choice of the above-described educational institutions was influenced by the interest Of the Association of young entrepreneurs “JIA” and the club of professionals “ProKG”, as they have a project “My school” with supervised schools.
For example, in high school O. Isaeva (Kegety) 511 students study, and the number of computers is equal to thirty-three, there is only one computer connected to the Internet. The second school is Chui boarding school (Tokmok), which has approximately the same performance. In these schools was held a presentation of the project “Internet in a box” then testing the device with students and teachers. During the conversation, the importance of education and self-education were touched upon.
The third school was in S. Boroldai of Kemin district of Chui region. The plan of the meeting was built in the same way. Since the school is Russian-speaking, the appeal of teachers was aimed at increasing the materials in Russian, which would greatly facilitate the process of knowledge transfer.
There are more than 2,000 schools in Kyrgyzstan, some of which do not have access to the Internet and lack books. Accordingly, it affects the level of quality of education. In 2018, Kyrgyzstan declined to participate in the PISA world school rankings, as it was ranked last 65th in previous competitions.
Innovative solutions to two pressing problems such as the lack of books and the lack of the Internet can be seen in the project “Bilim Bulagy” (Internet in a box) – a digital library for schools and public libraries containing Wikipedia in Kyrgyz, Russian and English languages, Khan Academy, thousands of video lessons, audio and e-books. All these digital learning materials are available offline, in other words does not need Internet access. Access to Digital libraries will be carried out through smartphones, tablets, computers and any other personal devices with Wi-Fi technology.
“Bilim Bulagy will allow Kyrgyzstan to improve the level of education in the regions”, – said the Chairman of ISOC – Talent Sultanov, at the digital forum of Kazakhstan.
Thus, visits to schools helped to identify several important points: it is necessary to develop a manual in the Kyrgyz language for better perception of information, there is a need in the formation of the database of electronic books, materials should be both in Russian and in Kyrgyz, there is a need to create a list of the most necessary books. The goals and objectives of the project “Bilim Bulagy” coincide with the five-year strategy of digital transformation “Digital Kyrgyzstan 2019-2023” and contribute to the achievement of target indicators for the component “development of the digital state” and “development of digital skills”.
The project is funded by Alumni Engagement Innovation Fund 2018 (AEIF) as part of innovative solutions to global challenges.
