Computer Aid International, a British registered not-for-profit officially launched an innovative new partnership with local not-for-profit, E-ICT, on November 29 in Kigali. By providing an affordable solution to high cost computers, the partnership aims to increase access to ICT for schools and not-for-profits.

YouthNet, a program of Family Health International, is pleased to announce Youth InfoNet No. 11, a one-stop source for new publications and information on youth reproductive health and HIV prevention. You can read the newsletter online.

Since March 2003, La Benevolencija Rwanda has carried out a program based on the work of Professor Ervin Staub and Doctor Laurie Pearlman focusing on activities linked to reconciliation in Rwanda. Since the beginning of the program, Rwanda Reconciliation Radio (RRR) is implementing a unique combination of academic research methodologies, highly efficient communication techniques and down-to-earth grassroots activities. Visit their website for more information or use the email below to subscribe to their newsletter.

Delphin Manesa and Jean Kambamba, journalists with Radio Arc-en-ciel, broadcasting out of Kamako, were arrested on 28 December 2004 by a group of police officers acting under the orders of Mutombo Tshisala, the municipality's deputy chief of police. Kamako is located approximately 180 kilometres from Tshikapa, the second largest city in West Kasaï province, central Democratic Republic of Congo. (French and English version available)

Reporters sans frontières (RSF) has hailed a 24 December 2004 federal high court decision to reverse a 13-month-old government ban on the Ethiopian Free Press Journalists' Association (EFJA) as a "victory for the EFJA and a step forward for press freedom in Ethiopia." But the organisation warned that vigilance is still needed in Ethiopia as the situation of its news media continues to be very precarious. (Available in English and French)

From 20 to 24 December 2004, a group of 11 journalists from various Kinshasa-based, privately-owned newspapers carried out a mission to Goma, capital of North-Kivu province, to report on the armed conflict that rages in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The group also requested and was granted interviews with Rwandan authorities, including Foreign Minister Charles Morigande and President Paul Kagame. On their return to Kinshasa, however, the journalists, along with their editors, were summoned by the media regulation authority (Haute autorité des médias, HAM). (Report available in French and English)

This Email-Information Service helps you find the resources you need from amongst the vast amounts of information available for charities, non-profits, & NGOs on-line. The focus is on new funding information, and international and cross-boarder funding. Recent emails have been on the Asian Tsunami with a focus on 'HOW TO HELP'. Visit the webpage and click on Email Information Services.

The conference will gather South African CSOs to discuss and debate ICT issues in plenary and break-away sessions, and to participate in technology demonstrations and practical training sessions. More information is available by writing to the email address [email protected]

Tunisian authorities are blocking local access to the website of the main human rights organisation in the country as well as to many other websites that focus on human rights and politics in Tunisia. The official and quasi-official media observe a complete blackout on the organization's activities and statements. Tunis is scheduled to host the U.N.-sponsored World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS), billed as a global discussion of the impact of the digital revolution and how best to bridge the "digital divide" between rich and poor.

In 2003, together with more than 300 local partners, Alternatives launched a portal in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The project empowers local civil society groups to present and promote their activities and perspectives, which is particularly important in the current period, where civil society is taking an ever-increasing role in defending the principles that can support long-term peace in the region.

I recently returned from a journey to Sierra Leone where I met with NGOs and CBOs in the country dealing specifically with women and children's issues. I have a lot of information on the organizations. However, I do not have a lot of statistics on the plight of women and children to help "paint a picture of the situation."

I have just started ‘A Brighter Tomorrow for Africa’ - a charitable organization to raise awareness of and resources for the CBOs and NGOs with which I visited. I am a subscriber and have seen stories on Sierra Leone. I have not, however seen specific statistics relating to the plight of women and children in Sierra Leone? Do you have any or can you point me to an organization that might? I am looking for the following information:

- Education? The level for women and for children?
- Sexual Abuse Cases?
- Ex Combatants?
- Number of street children?
- Number of orphans?
- The health of women and children in Sierra Leone?

Any and all help would be GREATLY appreciated. ([email protected])

Six years have passed since newspaper editor Norbert Zongo and three of his companions were found dead in their car on a southern Burkina Faso road, on 13 December 1998. The investigation remains stalled and one of the leading suspects in the case, François Compaoré, President Blaise Compaoré's brother, has never been detained or charged. On 28 November 2004, a Reporters sans frontières RSF representative questioned President Blaise Compaoré about the case during the closing press conference of the summit of French-speaking countries, held this year in Burkina Faso's capital, Ouagadougou. "Total impunity appears to be the rule in Burkina Faso," RSF's representative said. "The judge is free to interrogate whoever he wants. It is not the president's role to meddle in judicial proceedings," President Blaise Compaoré replied. (French version available)

On 12 December 2004, policemen assigned to protect the governor of Oyo State (southwestern Nigeria), Alhaji Rashidi Ladoja, assaulted two journalists on the orders the governor's chief security officer. The targeted journalists were AbdulRazak Adebayo, of "Daily Trust" newspaper, and Tunde Sanni, of "ThisDay" newspaper. The incident took place in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, at a memorial prayer session held for the late Adisa Bakare, the father of former minister of works and housing Alhaji Abdulkarim Adisa, who died on 7 December.

The Media Monitoring Project Zimbabwe reports that The Standard has revealed the extent to which yet another bill will erode freedom of expression. The paper reported that the Criminal Law (Codification and Reform) Bill proposes a fine of $5 million or a jail sentence of up to 20 years for “anyone who publishes or communicates to another statements that are perceived to be prejudicial to the State”. The proposed law, the paper noted, “will make it extremely difficult for journalists to operate and will certainly be the most repressive piece of legislation in Zimbabwe’s Statute books”. Read in full the latest edition of the MMPZ update by clicking the link below.

Internews Network is currently seeking a Print Media Management Trainer to be based in Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire. The Print Media Management Trainer will mentor four or five of the independent newspapers in Cote d'Ivoire that are committed to improving editorial balance. The Trainer will work with owners and managers to understand the importance of balanced news and the impact of credible editorial content on advertising revenue and readership levels.

The New tactics in Human Rights Project has published "New Tactics in Human Rights: A Practitioners Guide." The 200-page book includes 100 stories on how practitioners are advancing human rights. The book also includes an introduction to tactical and strategic thinking for human rights practitioners and a series of practical worksheets to help organizations determine which tactics and strategies will work best for them.

The ICC Monitor is the newspaper of the NGO Coalition for the International Criminal Court. Published in English, Spanish and French, the Monitor is a critical tool for reaching a worldwide audience several times a year. Focusing on the International Criminal Court (ICC), it contains reports on developments around the world; information about new resources and upcoming events; and articles about topics related to the effort to ensure the International Criminal Court is fair, effective and independent.

Changemakers and Ashoka's Citizen Base Initiative (CBI) are inviting people to submit strategies for the Changemakers Innovation Award. The prizes will be given to the five best ideas for creatively generating resources from a diversified citizen base, comprising individual citizens and citizen organizations, businesses, and the media.

A new refereed e-journal has been launched: "International Journal of Education and Development using Information and Communication Technology (IJEDICT)". Articles in the first issue will be published early in 2005.

Black Looks is produced by an African feminist who describes herself as "a woman of a certain age who has travelled the world, the cities of Africa, the Americas, Middle East and Europe, now living in rural Spain under the guise of being an organic farmer. But still my heart is and always will be in mother Africa." Her blog contains commentaries about current issues in Africa such as Sudan, the Ghana elections and slavery, a variety of categories and an archives option. It also contains some recommended reading and links to other blogs and websites of interest related to African women and art.