June 30, 2006
By Thuli Ntuli
TWO Randburg youngsters will be sharing their creative computer skills at the 2006 Computer Clubhouse Network Teen Summit in Boston in the US.
Sharon Rangaka and Boitshoko Mosweu, members of the international Intel Computer Clubhouse Network, were selected "based on their creativity, consistence and leadership skills".
The two attend the Randburg Techno Centre, managed by the City's regional department of social services.
In addition to teaching information technology, the centre also serves as an after-school centre for children.
The centre, which opened its doors in September 2004, is run as a club where children are encouraged to explore their own ideas, develop skills and build confidence through the use of technology, says co-ordinator, Sandile Mlambo.
"The children do not only learn computer programmes, they do poetry and whatever tickles their fancy," said Mlambo. "Recently we decided to start a newsletter for inspiring young writers."
Besides the computers, there is a music and video studio for the use of the 400 registered members. On joining, children are given forms to fill in and give to their parents.
The club has links to the Boston Museum of Science, which was involved in setting the standard and guidelines. Mlambo also attended a week-long workshop in Boston.
Rangaka, who is in Grade 10, aspires to be a hip-hop producer, singer and sound engineer. She has used the computers and programmes at the club to design CD covers and posters, and record and edit music. Rangaka, who has produced a CD called Lyrical Dioxide, will be taking her designs with her to Boston.
"I produced everything myself that's why I'm so proud of it," she added.
The annual international summit will be held from 18 to 23 July and teenagers from around the world will present projects they have created at their computer clubs.
"I reckon I can put the club on the map and show them that South Africans are creative," Rangaka added.
Teaching life skills
The Randburg Techno Centre is one of 106 clubhouses around the world. There are also clubhouses in Newtown in the city CBD and Phefeni in Soweto.
In keeping with standards set for members globally, the walls of the centre are a powder blue and purple. A green table stands in the centre and the lights are not harsh. "This allows for creativity, calmness and a welcoming atmosphere," says Mlambo.
Everything in the clubhouse has a meaning: "The green table is for collaboration and the sharing of ideas and has to be in the centre."
The techno centre in Randburg
Four mentors are on hand to support the youngsters. They come from a range of industries. Recently a mentor from the advertising industry showed the youngsters how an advertising campaign he was working on was made. The campaign will be shown on TV soon.
"The aim was to inspire them," said Mlambo. "This is how we usually introduce the members to the different careers that are available."
The clubhouse, along with Region 3's department of social service, also holds life skills workshops for street children and domestic workers.
Topics tackled include the importance of education, skills development, the need for sport and alcohol and drug abuse. "We ask them to choose what they like and encourage them to be the best in what they do," said Busisiwe Nkosi, the project facilitator for Region 3's department of social services.
The club also works with three shelters: The House in Hillbrow, Twilight Shelter and Rhema House.
"I love it a lot here. You do not pay to get into the studio and can come anytime – especially when I feel inspired," said Mzwakhe Ntente. "I do music and one day I will be the best producer in the world."
In addition to computer literacy, domestic workers are taught about their rights, including issues related to unfair dismissals. Discussions are also held on domestic abuse.
"I wish to spread this project to all the regions, as domestic workers do not know much about their rights," said Mlambo.
The computer club, which was officially launched in November 2005, is sponsored by the City of Johannesburg, the Intel Corporation, the Motorola Foundation, Ford Foundation, and the Boston Museum of Science.
With the motto "Game players of technology, 2030 here we come", the Randburg Techno Centre is determined to play its role in Johannesburg's vision of being a world-class African city by 2030.
The clubhouse, at 22 Selkirk Avenue, Blairgowrie, is open from Monday to Friday from 1.30pm to 5.30pm for school children.
The programme for street children runs on Wednesday and Thursday from 10am to 1pm, and domestic workers are welcomed on Saturday from 9am to noon.
For more information, call Sandile Mlambo on 011 787 4845.
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