A two-year training course for print journalists kicked off in Egypt last week. Organizers expect the program to include 20 workshops and train a total of 600 journalists, with 30 journalists in each workshop.

The training is a joint project of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and the "Alexandria Society Now and Tomorrow". Journalists will study various writing techniques for opinion and investigative pieces, among others. Training will take place in three governorates: Alexandria, Matoruh and Al Bahriah.

Topics to be tackled in the training include selecting sources, choosing social and environmental issues, and how to conduct investigative reports. The training also includes the creation of a news Web site that will cover local issues in those three governorates.

For more information or to participate, contact elyoum_elghd@hotmail.com or telephone +125353700.