Fitzroy Teens To Attend Global Summit In Boston, Usa

July 11, 2008 - PRLog -- 3 young ambassadors from Fitzroy will join nearly 250 others from 19 countries in Boston, Massachusetts, USA, on August 5th – August 10th   for the Intel Computer Clubhouse Network’s 2008 Teen Summit.

These three teens will represent a diverse Australia. All proud Australian Citizens, these members were each born in a different country, and combined, speak 4 languages fluently.
The Fitzroy teens were chosen by their Clubhouse Coordinator and Volunteer Mentors based on outstanding leadership skills, technical and creative ability, and contributions to the community. Attendees are Asghar Hussaini, 15, Misgana Yohannes, 13 and Keaton Okkonen, 13.

“The goal of the Teen Summit is to inspire Computer Clubhouse youth not only to build hands-on fluency in technology but also to become self-motivated, confident learners through collaborative experiences that spark their interest, expand life skills, and help them become global citizens,” said Tara Willersdorf, Computer Clubhouse Coordinator, “I am confident that as well as making the most of this once in a lifetime opportunity, our three members will continue to contribute to the Fitzroy Computer Clubhouse and wider community as leaders on their return.”

As part of their preparation for the Teen Summit, participants are working on their leadership skills whilst giving back to their community. During the school holidays, the members planned and ran school holiday workshops for City of Yarra Vacation Care participants over two days.

Youth leaders attending the Teen Summit from underserved communities worldwide will use their technology skills and imagination to create solutions for issues faced by their communities. From nearby New Zealand and as far away as Russia, Denmark, Israel and Brazil, young people, ages 13 to 18, will work together to address socially conscious challenges such as embracing diversity within different cultures and improving the environment.

The Teen Summit, which begins August 5th, and ends August 10th, is funded by the Intel Foundation, with additional support from Adobe Systems, the Equal Footing Foundation, MIT, the Boys & Girls Club of Boston, the Museum of Science, Boston, and Foróige, a youth services organization based in Ireland.

Attending Members
Misgana Yohannes, 13 – Misgana arrived in Australia with her family in 2001 from Sudan. She has been a member of the Fitzroy Computer Clubhouse for 4 years and is currently attending Melbourne Girls College. Misgana is continuing family tradition by attending the Teen Summit as her brother Abe, was chosen to attend in 2006. When asked how she thinks she makes a good leader, Misgana replied, “When I’m in a leadership role I feel that it’s important to make fair decisions and to be flexible. Sometimes it’s hard being a leader but I stay strong and never give up!”

Asghar Hussaini, 15 – Born in Afghanistan, Asghar has been a Fitzroy Computer Clubhouse member for just over 12 months but is already a leader amongst his peers. Asghar is a leader and advocate outside the Computer Clubhouse also. He is currently on the committee for the Youth Services Expo, which has a budget of $30,000 over three years. Asghar attended the Computelec ELH conference in 2007 where he met with vendors and educators from around Australia to talk about the Fitzroy Computer Clubhouse. Asghar says “I am really thankful for this opportunity, I will make the most out of the Teen Summit and come back and share the experience with others.

Keaton Okkonen, 13 – Keaton has been attending the Fitzroy Computer Clubhouse for 4 years. Mature and inclusive of all members, the Clubhouse Coordinator and mentors were very impressed when he submitted a video of a remote control robot in his application to apply for the Teen Summit – two projects in one. Keaton planned and ran a course in making Lego Robotics at the Fitzroy Computer Clubhouse in City of Yarra Vacation Care. The Computer Clubhouse has helped Keaton as he works to achieve his future goals, “Although I am young, I hope the Teen Summit will help kick start a potential career in IT.”

The Computer Clubhouse Model
The Intel Computer Clubhouse Network is a creative and safe out-of-school learning environment, now in it’s 15th anniversary year,  where young people from under-served communities work with adult mentors to explore their own ideas, build confidence, develop 21st century skills, and find pathways to success through the use of technology. Clubhouse members also learn to give back to their communities in ways that help them build self-esteem, teach them respect for others, and foster commitment to community service.
The Intel Computer Clubhouse Network has now grown to over 100 Clubhouses connecting youth in 21 countries across the world.
For more information visit http://www.computerclubhouse.org

About the Fitzroy Computer Clubhouse
The Fitzroy Computer Clubhouse is a project of the Fitzroy Learning Network and is the first of its kind in Australia.
The Fitzroy Computer Clubhouse provides a creative and safe after-school learning environment where young people from underserved communities work with adult mentors to explore their own ideas, develop skills, and build confidence in themselves through the use of technology.
The Fitzroy Computer Clubhouse has over 90 members at the Clubhouse from 17 different countries and numerous cultural backgrounds.
The majority of members (80%) reside at the Atherton Gardens Public Housing Estate and come from refugee or migrant backgrounds.
The Clubhouse operates 5 nights a week after school which includes a girls-only day, teenagers time and Adobe Youth Voices Program.
For more information visit http://www.fitzroylearningnetwork.org.au/cclub

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The Fitzroy Computer Clubhouse is a free design studio for all people ages 8-18 years old. It provides the opportunity for young people from underserved backgrounds, many refugees or migrants to create video, design, websites and more.