Computer Clubhouse opens for business - 18/05/2010

Wanganui’s new Computer Clubhouse opens for business on Monday, May 24.

The Computer Clubhouse gives youth, aged 11 to 18 years, the opportunity to work on creative and technology based projects with the support of mentors.

Open Monday to Friday, from 3.00pm to 7.00pm, the Clubhouse offers a free, safe place for Wanganui’s young people where they will have access to a huge variety of high-tech state of the art technology including 15 Mac workstations, 2 Mac laptops, a music studio, digital cameras and video, a telescope, lego robotics and a big screen TV.

Health and wellbeing information and services are available to all members through the Youth Services Trust. The mentors at the Computer Clubhouse are volunteers who are passionate about sharing their interests and skills in technology with young people while continuing their own learning.

Youth attending the Clubhouse must have permission from a parent or guardian. Information and permission forms are available from the Clubhouse, located at the Youth Services Trust, 7 Parks Place, Wanganui, or from the Davis Library and Gonville Café Library. Masina Kenworthy, Computer Clubhouse Coordinator is also visiting schools and youth groups to drop off permission forms.

“The Computer Clubhouse is a fantastic new facility for Wanganui’s young people” says Cr Danny Jonas, Chair of the Computer Clubhouse Governance Group.

“The technology provided will enable our youth to learn a huge range of skills through their self-directed projects. These could include music production, video and film creation, 3D modelling and game designing, animation, graphic and web design – pretty much if they can think it, they will be able to achieve it.”

At an informal opening on Friday, May 21, a blessing will take place by John Maihi and Jay Rerekura, followed by a morning tea for invited guests who have played key roles in establishing the Computer Clubhouse, which is the fourth in New Zealand. The Wanganui District Council was awarded funding through the Department of Internal Affairs Community Partnership fund for the establishment of the Clubhouse.

To celebrate National Youth Week, everyone’s invited to sneak a peek at the Computer Clubhouse at an open day on Saturday. Between 11.00am and 2.00pm, the Computer Clubhouse will be open for people to check out the variety of equipment and meet the staff. Anyone interested in joining the clubhouse or wishing to become a mentor can sign up too.

A grand celebration for youth and the wider community is planned for July this year, where some of the early success stories from the Clubhouse will be shared.

ENDS