Otara Community Development Initiative

MEDIA RELEASE:
 
For immediate use 2 December 2009
 
Broadband Access and Digital Fluency Fuels Otara Community Development Initiative

Computer Clubhouse 274 is celebrating three years of significant progress towards delivering broadband access and promoting digital fluency among young people and their families in Otara.
 
Sir Stephen Tindall will be appointed Kairangi of the national not-for-profit group, the “Computer Clubhouse Network” at an induction ceremony on Thursday.
 
The title “Kairangi” or “Chief” is bestowed by the community in recognition of the commitment Sir Stephen and the Tindall Foundation have made to Computer Clubhouse 274 and the young people and their families who are the key beneficiaries of the project.
 
In February of this year, Computer Clubhouse 274 formally opened a state-of-the-art and purpose-built building on the campus of Clover Park Middle School and Te Whanau o Tupuranga to provide an after-school extended learning environment where youth, ages 10-18, work with mentors to explore their own ideas, develop skills, and build self-confidence through the use of technology and an award winning learning model.
 
The Tindall Foundation has invested in the community broadband infrastructure; free wireless network and purpose built low cost laptops for young people to use both at school and at home.
 
“The Computer Clubhouse operates as an incubator of talent among young New Zealanders who would otherwise miss out”, says Sir Stephen. “Access to such technology is not only reengaging young people with their schools,  it is already turning out graduates who will contribute to the success of New Zealand as a 21st century economy”.
 
The building, equipment and other support have been provided by a number of organisations and individuals who will also be recognised at the ceremony.
 
Computer Clubhouse 274 is part of the Intel Computer Clubhouse global network which, since 2000,  has invested  over $US 30 million, and grown to over 100 Clubhouses in 21 countries, reaching over 25,000 youth per year from under-served communities around the world.
ENDS
 
What:   Computer Clubhouse 274 Community Celebration
When:   3rd December 2009
Time:   10am
Where:  Clubhouse 274, 51 Othello Drive, Clover Park – Manukau City

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