ICT Not-For-Profits To Boost Digital Fluency

Two ICT Not-For-Profits Team Up To Boost Digital Fluency Among NZ’s Youth

Computer Clubhouse New Zealand is pleased to announce that it has received $42,000 in funding from InternetNZ to assist its coordinating body – the Network of Aotearoa Clubhouses (NOAC) – to build its capacity and support the work of regional Clubhouses in Auckland, Hamilton, Wanganui, Whakatane and Wellington.

Filemoni Timoteo, Chairperson of the NOAC National Council will present Vikram Kumar, Executive Director of Internet NZ a certificate of appreciation from Computer Clubhouse New Zealand at the newly opened Naenae Computer Clubhouse, 25 Treadwell Street, Lower Hutt on Monday 19th July at 12.30 pm.

Mr. Kumar says the work of the Clubhouse is squarely aligned with InternetNZ’s objective to promote access to the Internet widely. “Technology and the Internet have now become an inextricable part of most people’s daily lives and the work of the Computer Clubhouse to enhance digital literacy and fluency benefits the entire community.”

“Whilst the Computer Clubhouses in New Zealand have other funding sources and sponsors in specific programme areas, our grant will provide operating expenditure to help cover NOAC’s administrative overheads,” says Kumar. “

Mr. Timoteo acknowledged the importance of operating funds for non-profit organisations.

“Even with capital funding or project-based funding from the government, private, and philanthropic sectors, in an increasingly tough economy, we are often handicapped by a lack of operational funding. This grant from InternetNZ is an example of how operational funding can help an NGO better access and utilise capital or project-based funding, and acquire the professional inputs required to sustain this vital initiative in our communities across New Zealand.”

Computer Clubhouse exposes youth from underserved communities across New Zealand to creative, computing, and Internet technologies. Youth use state-of-the-art technology and work with adult mentors to develop 21st century learning skills and build self-confidence.

“Computer Clubhouses in New Zealand are important community-based initiatives,” says Kumar. “We are delighted with this new partnership. The Computer Clubhouse has a strong and proven track record in helping to enhance technological fluency and narrowing New Zealand’s digital divide - objectives that InternetNZ fully supports.”

ENDS

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