Working with the Thomson Foundation, we became heavily involved in a five -year programme to strengthen civil society in the Arab world; training NGOs in computer and internet skills.

There were also workshops in advocacy and editorial skills; management; for young journalists in reporting social issues; and for NGOs and local government officials jointly though bridge-building seminars.

The programme began in Lebanon; Jordan and Syria were added in the second phase and later Egypt joined the programme.Over 460 people attended 31 workshops.

Snow in Jordan and a national emergency as war looms ... Julie McCreadie (right front) with workshop participants from Egypt and Lebanon.

NGO trainers coached to teach advocacy and website skills continue to benefit from custom-produced training manuals – one in Arabic, and the other in Arabic and English. The latter about website skills was produced by Julie McCreadie.

In March 2003, projects in the Middle Eastern countries – Jordan, Lebanon, Syria and Egypt – were put on hold because of the outbreak of the war against Iraq. But the programme resumed later in the year, and continued to early 2005 to cover a further 11 workshops.