Intel launches third computer clubhouse in Soweto

Intel has launched its third Computer Clubhouse in Phefeni in Orlando West, Soweto to provide education and training in IT for disadvantaged people, particularly the youth, in the area. The new facility joins two others which were established by Intel earlier, the first in Newtown, Johannesburg and the second in the township of Etwatwa in Ekhureleni.

Established in partnership with a number of major sponsors including Adobe Systems, Macromedia and Autodesk, and special pricing from Hewlett-Packard and IBM. Datacentrix provided the installation and tech support, and has committed to facilitate training to clubhouse staff.

The new Computer Clubhouse features 14 multimedia workstations equipped with Intel`s Pentium 4 processors, fully networked and with access to the Internet. A wide range of software is available to the users covering more than 30 titles in a number of categories including animation and multimedia; electronic publishing and graphic design; three-dimensional design; robotics and science exploration; Web design; computer programming; and electronic music and video editing.

In addition, the clubhouse features a fully equipped music and video-editing studio featuring two high-end server systems, keyboards and sound-mixing system, digital video camera and video editing suite. In addition to its technology donations, Intel has provided financial backing for the clubhouse over the next four years to enable it to become self-sustainable.

Says Parthy Chetty, Intel`s Education Manager who has spearheaded the establishment of the Computer Clubhouses in SA: "The Computer Clubhouse concept is not new. It is based on a learning model developed in the early 1990s by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Media Lab and the Museum of Science in Boston."

The proven track record of success of these clubhouses in the US has translated well in the South African context by fundamentally transforming the lives of the youth in underserved communities. They provide a safe after-school learning environment where they can work with adult mentors to explore their interests, develop skills and build confidence through the use of technology.

Intel also worked in conjunction with the South African Association of Youth Clubs (SAAYC) in identifying those communities which would benefit the most from the Computer Clubhouse concept. Established in 1967, the SAAYC provides services to youth, youth clubs and associations, professionals and youth workers on a national basis. Its core function is to improve the quality of life of SA youth by implementing effective programmes and advocating for youth issues.

Says Chetty: "The enthusiasm shown by learners visiting the clubhouses is proof of their success in the communities in which they have been established."

By exposing young people in disadvantaged areas to technology and providing training and education in a relaxed environment, new possibilities for employment are opened up for them as they master skills that many South Africans take for granted.

"While the Computer Clubhouse in Soweto represents the last of Intel`s commitment to the project, we have laid a solid foundation based on a proven learning module," adds Chetty. "We offer other South African companies that are looking to fund similar programmes access to our model and advice on setting up their own community-based IT learning facilities."