November 16, 2005
By Tshepiso Seopa
SCHOOL children are able to join the information age at a computer clubhouse to be officially opened by Executive Mayor Councillor Amos Masondo on Friday, 18 November.
Aimed at teaching information technology skills to youngsters, it also serves as an after-school centre for children aged 10 to 18. It is at the Randburg Techno Centre, 22 Selkirk Avenue, Blaigowrie.
The clubhouse's doors have already opened, and there are more than 200 members, who have a safe and creative place to go to after school. The project was spearheaded by Region 3's department of social services, in partnership with Intel Corporation.
According to Vuyisile Gcaleka, Region 3's communications and marketing officer, "The aim of the clubhouse is to move away from the traditional after-school programmes that concentrate on homework and tutorials.
"The centre uses models based on supporting learning through design experiences, helping youth to build on their interests, to cultivate a developing community and to create an environment of respect and trust.
"Young people from under-served communities [can] work with adult mentors to explore their own ideas, develop skills and build confidence through the use of technology," Gcaleka says.
Initially it was planned to be open only to children from Region 3, but it was later decided to open the club to all children in Joburg.
At the official opening there will be exhibitions of programmes designed by learners at the centre.
"The learners have been taught to create their own games and start playing them. They have been encouraged to think of games that they would design and enjoy playing them with their friends," Gcaleka explains.
The centre's motto, "Game players of technology, 2030 here we come", is in line with Johannesburg's vision of being a world-class African city by 2030.
Wandile Zwane, Region 3's regional manager of social services, says, "We are committed to enlisting young people in learnership programmes. Information technology is one of the key industries identified in the 2030 vision strategy and the City is contributing significantly in this sphere to address the skills mismatch.
"In a practical way, we will be demonstrating that young people are gearing themselves up for the opportunities that come with the unfolding 2030 strategy."
At the opening, Dr Craig Barret, the chairman of Intel Corporation, will talk about the importance of accessibility of technology and its value to education.
Permission to use web site material
Publishers may use material from this site free of charge, as long as:
- Credit is given to either the "City of Johannesburg website
(www.joburg.org.za)" or to "Johannesburg News Agency
(www.joburg.org.za)";
- If the article is used online, a link is provided to the original
article on this website;
- The name of the article's author is acknowledged;
-
The webmaster is informed of how and where the material is used (fill
in this brief online form).
Johannesburg News Agency is operated by BIG Media at 011-484-1400 |
