Eldis Website & CD-Roms

I have only recently learnt about AidWorkers.net and can't believe such a service has passed under my radar for so long. Opportunity to make up for lost time, I think!

I'm working for a development information network called Eldis, but in the past I've worked in Malawi as a teacher and volunteer with vulnerable children, a number of whom had travelled across the border from Mozambique in flight from the dangers of the then civil war.

Due to ill health I'm now working from a very remote distance, but I like to think still contributing in a small way to the endless fight against poverty and humanitarian turbulence.

I just wanted to introduce Eldis to those who may be interested, or who haven't heard of us before. Basically Eldis provides access to a range of development-related research and publications. Although our focus is on policy-level material, we also have a large section on manuals and toolkits which is aimed at civil society organisations, NGOs and aid workers as a tool for practice in the real world!

More interestingly, we have a community site in which readers can contribute to or comment on discussions relating to development issues as they arise. This will soon be re-launched as a site providing access to personal spaces which readers can create and thereby prompt discussion themselves.

We've also just produced a CD-Rom of around 850 papers on a variety of subjects, which is being distributed free of charge mainly to those with little or no internet access. This is our first off-line service and I think we're delving into a really important market in trying to secure better access to information for those who would be otherwsie denied it. If you're interested in receiving the discs, just drop me a line at: l.thassim@ids.ac.uk and I'll get some out to you.

I'm currently compiling a second disc dedicated entirely to practical "how to" guides which I hope will be a useful source for those undertaking projects in a range of development areas. I'd be really grateful to hear from anyone who can advise me on particular areas of focus or need. Also any sources of info or resources you think would be good for inclusion would be graciously received!