Jordan Times
Tuesday, November 30, 2004
Queen Rania inaugurates
Kingdom's first Intel Computer Clubhouse
AMMAN (JT) — Her Majesty Queen Rania on Monday inaugurated the country's first
Intel Computer Clubhouse — an after-school programme set up to provide
community-based technology-learning programmes, enabling youth in underserved
areas to acquire the tools necessary for personal and professional success.
Established in partnership with the Intel Corporation, the International Youth
Foundation (IYF), the Jordanian Hashemite Fund for Human Development (JOHUD) and
the Museum of Science-Boston, the Intel Computer Clubhouse, set up at Queen Zein
Al Sharaf Institute for Development in Hashemi Al Shamali, will serve young
people aged 10-18 providing them with access to high-tech equipment,
professional software and volunteer mentors to help them develop the
self-confidence and enthusiasm for learning they will need to be successful in
the future.
Queen Rania commended the establishment of the Computer Clubhouse, highlighting
the importance of such facilities and the resource they constitute for Jordan's
future generation.
“Thanks to the dynamic and proactive combination of the International Youth
Foundation and the Intel Corporation, we now have a state-of-the-art computer
clubhouse for Jordan's youth. Enabling and encouraging our young generations to
access the vast opportunities in the world of information technology is one of
the greatest gifts we can give them,” Queen Rania said.
Queen Rania, who serves on the IYF board, toured the clubhouse and discussed
with students the opportunities it provides and the skills they learn through
the facility, which has been provided with state-of-the-art equipment.
Based on the Computer Clubhouse learning model created by the Museum of Science,
and the MIT Media Laboratory in 1993, the Intel Computer Clubhouse in Jordan is
part of a network of more than 90 clubhouses worldwide.
The philosophy of the Intel Computer Clubhouse is based on providing a
supportive learning environment where youth build skills and self-confidence, as
well as a future, working together with adult mentors who provide inspiration
and serve as role models.
Farah Daghestani, executive director of JOHUD, described the launch of the Intel
Computer Clubhouse as “a milestone and an extraordinary opportunity for the
young people of Jordan.”
“We take pride in what has been achieved and the commitment of everyone to
provide youth a place to interact with one another, have an outlet for their
creativity and gain valuable insight as to their own worth and future
prospects,” she added.
In his remarks, IYF President and CEO David Hornbeck thanked the partners in the
project and underlined the IYF's appreciation for Queen Rania's leadership in
ensuring young people in Jordan have greater access to educational
opportunities.
The clubhouse is expected to welcome as many as 60 youngsters a day who can
experiment with technology as a tool for learning and creative expression and
develop creative technology skills such as graphic design, music production,
audiovisual editing and art work.
“Key to the successful launch of the Intel Computer Clubhouse has been the
far-reaching partnerships between Intel, JOHUD, the Museum of Science, the local
community and IYF,” said Hornbeck.
“IYF is proud to be part of this alliance. Having been a partner in helping to
create the first Intel Computer Clubhouse in the Arab World in the West Bank, we
are particularly pleased to see this model being replicated here in Jordan,” he
added.
Christian Morales, Intel vice president and general manager, Europe, the Middle
East and Africa, underlined his company's belief in the importance for young
people to have access to PCs in order to gain the technology skills that are a
must in today's world.
“Recognised by the Jordanian leadership, computer literacy is today the fourth
skill that everyone needs — in addition to reading, writing and counting,” he
said.
Headed by Chairperson of the Board of Trustees HRH Princess Basma, JOHUD
operates across Jordan through a network of 50 community development centres,
providing partnership support to local communities to promote sustainable
development and self-reliance among people in under-served locations.
IYF was founded in 1990 and now operates in more than 60 countries, supporting
programmes that increase the prospects for young people.
Intel is the world's largest chip-maker and provides financial, technical,
career, and volunteer mentor support to proliferate the Intel Computer Clubhouse
Network globally. In addition, Adobe Systems Incorporated and the company
Procreate have all committed a total of more than $10 million in software,
hardware and services to the Intel Computer Clubhouse Network. Other
organisations involved include the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, LEGO
Systems and Haworth Inc.