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 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 by planning and running school holiday workshops for City of Yarra Vacation Care participants over two days.
These youth leaders 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.
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.”