A tech-savvy 'jump start' for at-risk youth
Posted: Mon Dec 10, 2007 6:04 pm
This article appeared in today's Globe & Mail, a Canadian national newspaper. The centre reported on in this article is exactly what we're trying to accomplish by opening a physical location for KillaNet - something our local Township sees as an "arcade" - I have forwarded the article to our Council and Licencing department, in hopes that when we try yet again for a business licence, they will have a clear understanding of what we want to do.
A tech-savvy 'jump start' for at-risk youth
Pilot project provides access to computers and training in troubled north-end neighbourhood
JENNIFER LEWINGTON
CITY HALL BUREAU CHIEF
December 10, 2007 at 9:10 AM EST
Late on a Monday afternoon, just as retail stores in a north Etobicoke mall wind down for the day, one storefront operation is coming to life.
At the Rexdale Pro Tech Media Centre - a partnership of public and private interests to bring high-end computer access to one of Toronto's hard-hit "priority neighbourhoods" - 10-year-old Anthony DeBattista and friends huddle over a computer.
Cheerfully, noisily immersed in a video game, they later join a workshop to learn how to create a 60-second anti-racism video for a national contest.
Close by, sisters Aundraea Donaldson, 13, and Wyadia Quarrie, 17, with no computer at home, tap away at their homework on the centre's laptops.
Then there's Antigua-born Demar Swack, another regular. Before heading out to a minimum-wage night job, the 22-year-old squeezes in time to hone his skills at building websites.
"This is my jump start, and it is because of this place pretty much," Mr. Swack said. "They have given me an opportunity."
[url=\"http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20071210.wmicro10/BNStory/Technology/home\"]read the rest of the article here[/url]
A tech-savvy 'jump start' for at-risk youth
Pilot project provides access to computers and training in troubled north-end neighbourhood
JENNIFER LEWINGTON
CITY HALL BUREAU CHIEF
December 10, 2007 at 9:10 AM EST
Late on a Monday afternoon, just as retail stores in a north Etobicoke mall wind down for the day, one storefront operation is coming to life.
At the Rexdale Pro Tech Media Centre - a partnership of public and private interests to bring high-end computer access to one of Toronto's hard-hit "priority neighbourhoods" - 10-year-old Anthony DeBattista and friends huddle over a computer.
Cheerfully, noisily immersed in a video game, they later join a workshop to learn how to create a 60-second anti-racism video for a national contest.
Close by, sisters Aundraea Donaldson, 13, and Wyadia Quarrie, 17, with no computer at home, tap away at their homework on the centre's laptops.
Then there's Antigua-born Demar Swack, another regular. Before heading out to a minimum-wage night job, the 22-year-old squeezes in time to hone his skills at building websites.
"This is my jump start, and it is because of this place pretty much," Mr. Swack said. "They have given me an opportunity."
[url=\"http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20071210.wmicro10/BNStory/Technology/home\"]read the rest of the article here[/url]