Computer Clubhouse creates a stir

If you can imagine it, you can probably create it at Wanganui's new Computer Clubhouse.
The clubhouse opened in time to coincide with Youth Week this week, and has already had a steady stream of visitors keen to check out the new premises in the Youth Services Trust building in Park Place.
Aimed at youths aged 11-18, the clubhouse provides a creative after school space for young people to work on individual projects with the help of mentors.
The technology available includes 15 Apple Mac computers, two laptops, a recording studio complete with guitars, microphone and keyboard, digital and video cameras, animation technology, a telescope and lego robotics.
To attend the clubhouse, youths have to complete a sign-up sheet and gain parental permission. After that, the clubhouse is free to use during its open hours, Monday -Friday, 3-7pm.
Clubhouse co-ordinator Masina Kenworthy said they already had 30 youths signed up as members of the clubhouse, and were expecting many more.
As the clubhouse progresses, there will be a grand opening in July, when projects from clubhouse users would be displayed, she said.
They would also be holding showcase days to display work, and project sessions for groups interested in the creating same thing, like, movie making, for example.
Brother and sister Joseph, 13 and Jennifer, 12, Wilson were among the first into the clubhouse when it opened on Monday afternoon.
Joseph said he was interested in creating animations, while Jennifer said she was eager to record a song to help her secure a place on the school band.
These and other projects were exactly the kind of ideas they were hoping youths would come in with, Masina said.
"If you can imagine it, we'll do our best to make it happen."