Int. network partners with kids in Otara

International network partners with hard working kids in Otara

An after-school programme is challenging Otara youth to develop creativity and problem solving skills.

The Computer Clubhouse Trust is launching two high tech innovations to New Zealand, the first Computer Clubhouse that is part of the world wide Intel Computer Clubhouse Network, and an online Virtual Clubhouse that will connect kids in communities through out New Zealand and the Pacific.

The Intel Computer Clubhouse Network is an after-school program that provides kids ages 10 to 18 accesses to high-tech equipment, professional software and adult mentors to help them develop self-confidence and enthusiasm for learning skills needed to create new opportunities.

Kids who visit the Computer Clubhouse learn by doing. They create digital artwork; produce their own music CDs; film, write and edit their own short movies as part of digital story telling; design Web sites and craft computer integrated robotics.

The first Clubhouse will be a purpose built facility in Otara and will be show case the best technology and learning tools for the whole community to be involved in. The Trust & community have the responsibility in raising the funds for the Clubhouse building.

Sir Barry Curtis Mayor of Manukau City and Patron of the project will launch the Trust and says “together we can bring the latest most innovative approaches to learning to children, youth and families right here in Manukau and beyond” says Sir Barry.

Ann Milne, Clubhouse Trustee and Principal of Clover Park Middle School, says “the major difference is that the Clubhouse, by its very philosophy, is about young people being able to be creators and inventors. Students don’t come to the Clubhouse to play games; they come to construct new learning together through self motivated hard work”.

The Clubhouse is not about hand outs, but rather providing children and young people who would otherwise miss out access to opportunities that evolve into tangible and meaningful skills. This is recognised by an International scholarship programme sponsored by the Intel Computer Clubhouse Network that supports students from the Clubhouse to take on tertiary education.

The Intel Computer Clubhouse Network is based on the Computer Clubhouse learning model created by the Museum of Science, Boston, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technologies (MIT) Media Laboratory. The Intel Computer Clubhouse Network, based at the Museum of Science, Boston, serves as the centre of innovation and technical expertise. Together with the MIT Media Laboratory, the Museum provides technical assistance, ongoing support and programmatic guidance for Computer Clubhouses around the world. Intel provides financial, technical, career, and volunteer mentor support to proliferate the Intel Computer Clubhouse Network globally.

In addition, Adobe Systems Incorporated, which provides the largest software donation, Autodesk, Corel, Macromedia and Procreate have committed a total of more than $10 million in software and services to the Intel Computer Clubhouse Network. Other organisations involved include the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and LEGO. Students at Clover Park Middle School have been given a one week challenge by LEGO Education New Zealand to build and computer programme a dancing robot using LEGO Mindstorms. Their results will be revealed at the official launch of the Clubhouse Trust on Thursday.

Launch of the Computer Clubhouse Trust

When : Thursday 19 August, 2.00pm

Where: Clover Park Middle School, Otara (51 Othello Drive, Otara Manukau)

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