Intel unveils Asia's first computer clubhouse

Intel has opened its first computer clubhouse in Asia in association with Katha, an NGO providing education in slums in Govindpuri area of New Delhi. It is an after school program where children have access to high-tech equipment and Katha will give the certification. Intel has provided the hardware and software for the venture.

At present all the 1,200 students have been enrolled for the certification program named KITES. Besides this, there are two other certified courses of six-month duration, which can be done after the school hours. 67 students have enrolled for these courses so far. The clubhouse has trained coordinators who teach students through pictorial representations.

Intel has provided 22 computers and software to the clubhouse. In the clubhouse students learn by doing projects that focus on creating online magazines with music, developing videos, interacting with other students via video conference to develop learning materials and study aids, developing science and mathematics projects online, creating websites on local towns and sites of historical interest.

Speaking on the occasion Avtaar Saini, MD, Asia-Pacific, Intel, said, "Computer literacy has become indispensable to a person's educational, career, social and cultural development. Katha's commitments to the Intel Computer clubhouse shows the positive impact companies and organizations can have when we join together to address the digital divide."

Geeta Dharmarajan, ED, Katha said that Katha views the Intel Computer clubhouse as an innovative program to promote science and technology education. Intel is planning to open other centers in the country soon.

(CNS)