Four years after Intel helped launch the first Jo`burg Computer Clubhouse in Newtown, the multinational`s sponsorship of the facility is coming to an end.
The clubhouse was created to provide a safe after-school learning environment where young people from underserviced communities work with adult mentors to explore their talents using technology. The centre includes PCs with Internet access and multimedia facilities.
Now the clubhouse, run by a non-governmental organisation, the Youth Development Trust (YDT), is urgently seeking new sponsors.
In terms of the funding deal, Intel paid for the equipment and launched the centre, then tapered off its support from 100% in the first two years, down to 50% in the third year and 25% in the fourth.
Parthy Chetty, regional education manager at Intel SA, says the Jo`burg Computer Clubhouse was aware the four-year funding agreement would come to an end this year.
"We have put about R3 million, including equipment and training, into the clubhouse. They committed to us four years ago that they would have built capacity by 2006," he says.
"The idea was to offer funding and support as a start-up for the clubhouse, until they are self-sufficient in terms of funding."
The YDT began raising its own funds by allowing the premises to be rented for corporate training space from the third year, but needs sponsorship to help maintain the centre and expand its programme. The centre costs at least R900 000 per year to run, says the organisation.
However, YDT says it has been unable to find new sponsors.
"We don`t see any reason why the clubhouse can`t continue, as the model has worked in the past years," says Jo`burg Computer Clubhouse CEO Xolani Mbanga.
"We compliment Intel for being the first multinational to have sponsored the project. They are commendable for their four-year involvement and support of the clubhouse. We urge other companies to follow suit."
Jo`burg Computer Clubhouse coordinator Lucky Mabaso says the clubhouse has attracted the interest of "a lot of employers who are seeking young people with technical fluency".
"We`ve seen young people recruited into IT companies to do high-level design work including graphic and Web design, publications, video-editing and movie design," he says.
The centre boasts several success stories, with at least 6 000 youngsters having registered as members, and many of them acquiring IT skills that allowed them to find work, he adds.
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