Jordan's Queen Rania Al-Abdullah on Monday inaugurated the country’s first Intel Computer Clubhouse - an after-school program set up to provide community-based technology-learning programs, 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 Hashmi 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 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.
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.
Mrs. Farah Daghistani, 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 y0uth 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.
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, audio-visual editing and art work.
