Access Workshop on Basic Use of Internet and e-mail at Gujar Khan

February 27, 2001

An Access workshop was held at Gujar Khan on 27th February 2001, in collaboration with Silicon Valley's Computers and Youth Computer Centre.

A large number of people from different walks of life participated in the workshop, including lady teachers, advocates, businessman, journalists and students. The Resident Magistrate, Gujar Khan inaugurated the workshop, which was extensively covered by the local media.

Mr. Shahzad Ahmad presented an overview of SDNP during the inaugural session.  He explained the history and evolution of the Web, which was followed by a question/answers session.

Mr. Ashraf instructed the participants on the functions and usage of email; its configuration; composing, sending and receiving emails. Participants created their own web-based email accounts using online software like Yahoo, etc. In the hands-on session, Mr. Shahzad explained Internet browsing, effective searching techniques and introduced the participants to SDNP's Pakistan Development Gateway <www.sdnpk.org> (PDG) in detail; along with a few other informative sites. The participants evinced keen interest in the proceedings, and interacted actively with the resource personnel. After another queries session, certificates were distributed among them by Mr. Shahzad.

The participants requested SDNP to help the Gujar Khan population gain Internet access. Although women actively participated, they requested that another workshop be held exclusively for them. A section of people who came from the nearby town of Rawat also asked that a workshop on access be arranged by SDNP for them as well.