The Fitzroy Computer Clubhouse is a program of the Fitzroy Learning Network and has a membership of over 150 young people from 17 cultural backgrounds.
Youth ages 10-18 have free access to technology to learn and develop their skills according to their interests.
The Fitzroy Computer Clubhouse is a member of the Intel Computer Clubhouse Network. The Computer Clubhouse is a project of Boston's Museum of Science in collaboration with the MIT Media Laboratory.
Mohamed is eleven years old and study in year four at Fitzroy primary school. He was born in MelbourneAustralia. He is of Somali background. He has been attending Computer Clubhouse three days week for the past two years. One of his favorite passions is mathematics. When he grows up he wants to be a mathematician.
Attending the Computer Clubhouse gives him an opportunity to practice and improve his math’s skills on a computer program. This will enable him to works towards and achieve his long term goals. Today, on the 4th of November 2010, he received a bronze certificate award in mathematics. At the Computer Clubhouse the kids are awarded gold, silver and bronze certificates for practical performance in various skills. This reward based initiative encourages the children to work harder and also increase their self esteem.
Hi my name is Ayan Warsame I study youth work at Swinburne University of Technology.I ‘m doing placement at Fitzroy clubhouse untill the end of semester and i’ll write an interview with the members at clubhouse.
Computer clubhouse
An interview with Jennet
Jennet is ten years old and was born in Australia. She is of Turkish heritage and has been attending clubhouse for about a year. She is in grade 4th at school.
Jennet enjoys coming to Fitzroy Learning Network at clubhouse .She is a very creative little girl and one of her projects was about zoo animals. She also designs an invitation for “Fitzroy computer clubhouse showcase”. She loves creating with Lego pieces.
When asked what she is looking forward to most about attending the Teen Summit it’s not the candy corns, overseas trip or even escaping the Melbourne winter for a US summer that Marie, 16 mentions, she says she’s “looking forward to meeting IT professionals, like from Google. That’s really exciting as I’m looking towards that kind of area for future work and that’s really exciting. Also meeting new people and using new software.”
Marie is one of three teen leaders who have been chosen to represent the Fitzroy Computer Clubhouse at the Intel Computer Clubhouse Teen Summit in Boston, USA. Hanna, 16 and Amina,16 were also chosen after taking part in a selection process which included creating a media piece on the theme of respect, making a speech in front of friends and family and taking part in an interview.
These three local youth leaders from refugee backgrounds are heading to Boston, Massachusetts, on Monday 25th July to join nearly 300 other young people, ages 13 to 18, from 20 countries, including Russia, Jordan, Israel, South Africa, Palestine, New Zealand, India, Brazil, and the United States.
The teens will be in Boston from July 27 – August 1 for the Intel Computer Clubhouse Network’s 2010 Teen Summit. The theme is: Mobilize, Act, Inspire! They will share ideas, learn new skills, and work together on projects that address socially conscious challenges such as reducing urban violence and improving the environment.
Amina, Hanna and Marie have been preparing for the teen summit by faciltating online discussions with other participants and collaborating with Australia’s only other Clubhouse to make a video on how they and their clubhouses affect the community.
The music room at the Fitzroy Computer Clubhouse is just one of the many spaces where clubhouse members can learn by creating and express themselves in a positive and creative way.
Through the introduction of the music room space, to the kind donation of a keyboard, microphone and other music room equipment, youth have been able to tell their stories, experiences and feelings through music with the support of adult mentors.
The music room will now enter another stage of development through a grant offered by the The Readings Foundation. This grant will enable us to soundproof the studio, make the floor more stable and have proper ventilation so the room is available for use all year round. This project has been supported by The Readings Foundation.
At the Computer Clubhouse members create and tell stories using a myriad of mediums. On an average day you may come in to see some young people filming using green screen, another member working on a robot, and a group of young people working on their vocal harmonies in the music studio accompanied by an adult mentor on the keyboard. Thanks to the generous support of the The Readings Foundation, we will be able to continue to support the members as they follow their passions, by updating the music studio to make it a safe and creative space for all.
Thank you to the The Readings Foundation for their support and we look forward to sharing some of the member’s work with you soon!
Sarah Noori was recently awarded an Intel Computer Clubhouse Network C2C scholarship. The scholarship, valued at US$5000 is awarded to Computer Clubhouse members around the world and will assist Sarah as she continues her studies in Biomedical Science at La Trobe University.
Sarah and her family arrived in Australiain 2001 from Afghanistan and the Fitzroy Learning Network was one of the first organisations to assist the family with accommodation and schooling.
One of the very first members of the Fitzroy Computer Clubhouse when it opened, Sarah says the clubhouse was a great support from the very beginning. “As I was illiterate in my own country due to Taliban not allowing girls to go to school, starting school here in Australia was extremely hard for me both mentally and emotionally. The greatest support they gave me at the Computer Clubhouse was teaching me how to socialise with people, make friends and supported me through all the hard times. In addition they made me feel accepted and belonged in the society even though I could hardly speak English.”
Although Sarah is studying full-time as well as working two jobs, she remains connected to the Fitzroy Learning Network, regularly visiting the clubhouse to talk to younger members about her experiences in VCE and further study. Congratulations Sarah.
A couple of months ago, we launched our projects that were created as part of the Adobe Youth Voices program at the Neighbourhood Justice Centre in Collingwood. It was a great opportunity for us to show our work to the larger community.
The video of the launch is now online! Check it out here. (4th Video)
Please join us on Thursday 5th November from 5:30pm-7:30pm to celebrate 12 months of creating, learning and having fun.
The exhibition will also be open on Friday 6th November from 3:00-7:00pm.
The Fitzroy Computer Clubhouse has had a very successful past 12 months including:
5 Clubhouse members being accepted into university in 2008. All are from refugee backgrounds. Congratulations Hiba, Sarah, Shakira, Yalda and Zainab!
Fitzroy Computer Clubhouse being chosen the first Adobe Youth Voices site in Australia. Youth created videos and music which were exhibited at the Neighbourhood Justice Centre. Two youth participated in the Adobe Youth Voices Summit in San Francisco, USA with youth from 18 countries around the world.
Visit from director of Intel Computer Clubhouse Network , Gail Breslow. This visit coincided with our “Through Our Eyes” Photography exhibition.
On display will be the work of the members from the last 12 months as well as a “tech(x)pert” presentations by our members who have excelled at certain technology.
We look forward to seeing you there! Please RSVP to tara [at] fitzroylearningnetwork.org.au
Earlier this month, 6 Clubhouse members, Navigator/Mentor Alice and Clubhouse Coordinator Tara took a mini-bus to Lorne for Computelec’s annual Expanding Learning Horizon’s conference. The Fitzroy Computer Clubhouse has been invited to the ELH conference for many years and always enjoy attending.
Visits to events such as the ELH conference provide members with the experience and confidence to:
Talk with IT professionals about their skills and their projects that they make at the Computer Clubhouse
See and test new technology which is exhibited at the conference
Share their clubhouse projects and receive feedback from professionals
Practice their discussion skills with people from all different ages and backgrounds
As well as all of these outcomes, it’s also a fantastic day out for many of our members who have only been to the beach a small amount of times and do not often get the opportunity to leave Melbourne for a short break.
Thanks to Computelec for hosting us. Photos below! (press refresh or go to our flickr page to see more)
On Sunday 9th September, 8 members of the Clubhouse visited Victoria University and RMIT University on their Open Days.
This excursion was made possible by a C2C (Clubhouse to Career) grant from the Intel Computer Clubhouse. At the Fitzroy Computer Clubhouse, young people are not only given the opportunity to utilize technology for self-expression, but are also exposed to career and further education opportunities.
Members were interested in fields such as architecture, gamemaking and science. Clubhouse Alumni Hiba who is studying Psychology at RMIT attended to give members a tour of RMIT and talk about her experiences at University.
One of the four guiding principles of the Clubhouse Learning Approach is developing communities, and we are very pleased that our Alumni are willing to continue to contribute to the Clubhouse and act as role models for Clubhouse Members.
The Fitzroy Learning Network’s Volunteer induction is being held this Wednesday, 15th July at 6pm at the Fitzroy Learning Network, 198 Napier St.
This induction, the Computer Clubhouse is seeking members for the Steering Committee.
The Fitzroy Computer Clubhouse is a free Design Studio for young people aged 8-18 years old to access out of school hours. The Computer Clubhouse is a place where young people from underserved communities, many from refugee backgrounds, work with adult mentors to explore their own ideas, develop skills and build confidence in themselves through the use of technology.
What makes the clubhouse unique is that young people are encouraged to create, and learn, through the use of technology whilst following their own interests. The Computer Clubhouse complements young people’s education and career goals by providing a safe and creative space for young people to succeed as individuals, but also to practice team work, inclusiveness and leadership skills which assists them in becoming better citizens and community leaders.
The Committee has been formed to support the management team, in meeting the objectives of the clubhouse. Some of these objectives include sustainability of the clubhouse, sourcing career and further education opportunities for clubhouse members and providing our clubhouse members with access to high-end technology.
Steering Committee members would make a commitment to attend bi-monthly meetings (after business hours) and remain up-to-date by visiting the clubhouse in their own time. The benefits to the committee member would include working with underserved communities, empowering youth by widening their career and education choices, a sense of self fulfillment and the opportunity to strengthen an outstanding program.
All people who are interested in joining our committee are encouraged to attend our volunteer induction next Wednesday 15th July at 6:00pm at the Fitzroy Learning Network. The role requires a Police Check and Working With Children’s Check. For those who have questions about this role, please contact the Computer Clubhouse Coordinator, Tara Willersdorf.
