Intel Computer Clubhouse Youth Share a Lifesaving Message Young members from Tacoma, Washington's Intel Computer Clubhouse are harnessing their newly polished technology skills to help fight the spread of HIV/AIDS in the African nation of Ghana. Plans for the international project are underway at the Clubhouse, where youth have access to cutting-edge technologies along with the support of mentors from nearby Evergreen State College Tacoma. The students plan to use the technology to produce a public service video to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS, which is reaching crisis proportions in parts of Africa. "Our kids have the idea that if they create a video, young people in Africa might be more likely to listen to it. They hope to raise awareness because they know that, for now, education is the only cure," explains Luversa Sullivan, Clubhouse coordinator. Since its opening three years ago, the Tacoma Intel Computer Clubhouse has become a place where young people who previously had limited access to technology come to use digital video equipment, animation software, studio-quality recording gear, and other multimedia equipment. For many, the Clubhouse has become a place to jump-start dreams. As one of the members was overheard saying, "I know how to use all this stuff. Now it's time to put it to use." The Tacoma Urban League hosts the Computer Clubhouse. As part of their Clubhouse experience in Tacoma, members participate in learning activities involving math and science. Recent science studies have focused on HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention. Students have become motivated to share what they have learned with young people in Africa. Digital video offers an inviting way to get their message out. "Technology is allowing these young people to let their voices be heard," Sullivan says. At the Computer Clubhouse, the youth also learn to use personal digital assistants (PDAs), for instance, for field research. Sullivan explains, "The PDAs are programmed to upload text, data, or pictures from a remote site then link to a Web site." Youth learn how data gathered in the field can be reported on the spot, via the Web, for analysis. Tacoma Clubhouse students are currently planning a summer trip to Africa, where they hope to have their public service video aired on television. They won't be traveling empty-handed. In Ghana, they plan to use their digital gear to make another video starring African youth. The Intel Computer Clubhouse Network is an after-school community-based technology learning program. Intel Computer Clubhouses enable youth in underserved communities to acquire tools necessary for personal and professional success. For more information about learning activities happening at Intel Computer Clubhouse locations worldwide, see the Intel Computer Clubhouse Web pages.
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