In November 2004, Her Majesty Queen Rania Al-Abdullah inaugurated Jordan’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 will serve young people, ages 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. The Clubhouse will operate out of the Queen Zein Al Sharaf Institute for Development in Hashmi Al Shamali.

In 2002, the Intel Corporation, IYF and the Welfare Association (WA), a Palestinian non-profit foundation, together opened the first Intel Computer Clubhouse in the Arab world, located in the West Bank.

Since its opening, the Clubhouse has been welcoming as many as 60 young people every day. The 8- to 18-year-olds who participate in the many computer programs and other learning activities come from a disadvantaged area of Ramallah, as well as a number of nearby refugee camps.

The Ramallah Clubhouse offers 15 to 20 computers equipped with professional design software, as well as a digital music studio and areas for creating artwork, socializing and reading. With adult mentors from nearby universities providing support, young people have the chance to explore areas such as music production, video animation, and computer-aided design. As active members of the Computer Clubhouse, these Palestinian youth have the chance to develop their skills in communications, creative expression, and personal productivity.

“I like to work with graphic design programs and hope to become a graphic designer in the future,” says 16-year-old Mohammad Hammad, an aspiring artist. “I joined the Clubhouse to develop my skills in an atmosphere of collaboration and sharing information with other members.”

One day a week is being reserved for girls only, giving them a chance to explore their interests among themselves, in keeping with their cultural traditions. The community-run Intel Computer Clubhouse enables underserved Palestinian youth to be not only effective users -- but also designers and creators -- of technology.

This new site is one of the Intel Computer Clubhouse Network of over 75 Clubhouses in around 16 countries and regions worldwide. The Intel Computer Clubhouse Network is a project of the Museum of Science, Boston, and the MIT Media Laboratory.

Sucess Stories
Hazem's (17), from Ammam, Jordan

To learn more about IYF's Education initiatives click here