Brieg Powell facilitated a summary of todays activities by posing questions to the entire group:

How realistic is it that everybody will have access to the web?  And those that do have this access or availability, are they really using it to engage in projects; constructive development; or even making a change outside their environment?

What about the digital divide?  Over the years the availability of computers at affordable prices have increased in the North Afirca and Middle East, however there still remains a digital divide within these areas as costs are increasing, however the knowledge is not.

What about working with our existing NGO’s?  They may be a potential partners however there remains an issue arond the funding; who’s going to finance development?

Participants - Isn’t the purpose of this workshop to look at the pratical use of technology?  Yeah, sure but who will benefit from this, as ICT’s are elitest by their very nature.

Who are we engaging with? What do we want to say? What kind of dialogue will take place?

One practical example: Nabyl (featured earlier) from Morocco told the group about building a school. It is staffed by volunteers and was funded through music gigs and festivals.

Whatever happens, any final project established at the end of this event will certainly ICT’s with face to face interaction.

It seems likely that the group will look at some form of web based system to facilitate true interaction between one another. The ‘target audience’ will likely be our peers!

Marouen Mraihi, Telecoms Engineer, Tunisia, taking notes during the event:

It’s all very well talking around the issues, but what does this translate to in practical terms. Here, Ben Ryder, student, Oxford University outlines a few thoughts from his group.

He makes a clear point about the power of ICT’s in awareness raising / promotion when trying to attract publicity / funding for real life projects!

Click to download his short audio summary here.Download ben_ryder_edit_mp3.mp3

Individuals have started to really explore ideas of where they feel there are gaps with existing structures.  For example, sharing cultural experiences through an ‘e-zine’; training other young people in practical IT skills.

There still remains a need for the groups to think more practically - we all want to make the world a better place, but the journey of a thousand miles starts with one step.

Are we exploring things that other organisations are dealing with?  Can we actually do things better than them, even though we’re such a small group?

Lucinda Duxbury, student, Oxford University, summarised the thoughts of her group in this short audio excerpt. Download lucinda_duxford_mp3_edit.mp3

In group skills include:

- Language translation, enthusiasm.

Skills wanted:

- Technical skills for media production, Structuring the written English word.

Following a presentation from each group on the role of international and local organisations, discussion proceeded to address individual experiences, as Nader’s contribution illustrates.

The other interesting factors that have been highlighted were the ‘real’ obstacles individuals face when trying to implement change, for example teaching computer literacy when you have no computers for individuals to learn on; the solution is ‘draw it on the black board’. 

The worry is that even though governments are implementing change programmes, they have not really thought it through.  With providing the financial support and official leverage, governments also are responsible for the implementation and that it’s done in a positive way. 

Not all government initiatives are reaching the people most in need, there are a number of projects in Africa which have been run to help develop a country’s infrastructure however this does not neccesarily answer the local issues.  For example government decisions take place in the corridors of power, yet it takes upto five years before some people in rural areas have electricity - why?

Other individual experiences of dealing with international organisations were menitoned, including intercultural networking in deprived areas in the UK.

Participants illustrated links with religious organisations active in society, with the possible benefits, limitations and problems of such interaction addressed.

To the right is an example of challenges to development which was created by one of the groups.  Click here for larger version.

Click on the images to enlarge!

Later in the morning, groups discussed which organisations have a stake in development work. Those listed as making differing contributions included:

British Council, United Nations, Junior Achievement International, EuroMed, CSV (Community Service Volunteering, CCRP (Centre for Conflict Resolution and Peace Building), Red Cross Youth Movement, Muslim Council of Britain, IndyMedia, and more.

One of the groups felt that developmental organisations’ effectiveness was influenced by their composition, agendas, funding, community reach, amongst other factors.

One participant, Nader Houella, Red Cross, Lebanon, had a few words on his own work. Download nader_houella_mp3_edit.mp3

The opening session was a review of developments since November 2005 and concentrated on issues and themes that have arisen individuals’ personal perspective.

Nabyl Guennouni, journalist, Morocco summarised one aspect of his groups thoughts in a short audio recording.

Click this link to Download nabyl_morocco_mp3_edit.mp3 .

It’s 10am.

Pukul Rana introduces the event:

Followed up by Peter Skelton, country director, who brings some context to the proceedings.