Ramallah Clubhouse Offers Palestinian Youth New Opportunities
When the Intel Computer Clubhouse at Ramallah opened its doors in July 2003, it gave local Palestinian youth not only a safe place to gather but also the chance to develop important work and life skills.
Located in Um-Al-Sharayet, the Computer Clubhouse serves young people from the city of Ramallah, as well as those from three neighboring refugee camps. The first of its kind in Palestine and in the whole Arab Middle East, the club gives youth, ages 8-18, access to cutting-edge technologies, along with the support of 12 adult mentors. In addition to helping youth develop technology skills, the Clubhouse offers a safe place for them to socialize and to experiment with creative expression.
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For youth who previously had little, if any, access to technology, the Clubhouse has been a big hit.
"We have received more than 150 membership forms from young boys and girls," says clubhouse coordinator Raed Yacoub, and that was before the grand opening.
Mohammad Ghassan Al-Dasht is one of the new members. The 16-year-old first came to the Clubhouse in August when he met mentor Amjad Khaleel, and has been a regular since. Mohammad's interest lies primarily in graphics, particularly animation and design programs, reports Yacoub. The student has created graphic designs for the Clubhouse logo and a Clubhouse calendar. One of the young man's creations was selected to appear on the opening page of a Web site for Clubhouse mentors and staff, Yacoub says. "That was great for him and also for all in the Clubhouse."
The Intel Computer Clubhouse at Ramallah is the result of the combined efforts of Intel, the International Youth Foundation (IYF), and the Welfare Association, a nonprofit Palestinian relief and development organization.
"As a nonprofit foundation operating in nearly 60 countries and territories around the world," says Patricia Langan, International Youth Foundation regional director for Africa and the Middle East, "IYF recognizes the critical role multi-sector partnerships play in maximizing the impact of programs on young people's lives. What is so exciting about the Ramallah Computer Clubhouse is not only that it is the first Clubhouse in the Arab Middle East, but also that there is such a high level of commitment from Intel, the Welfare Association, and the local community. In a region where most young people don't have access to educational technology, or have a safe place to explore ideas and express themselves, the Clubhouse offers thousands of youth hope and a real chance for a better future."
To learn more about Intel Computer Clubhouse, visit www.intel.com/education/icc.
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