Through the generosity of the Adobe Foundation's Global Philanthropy Program the Adobe Youth Voices has come to the Computer Clubhouse. Ciaran and Janice, the Co-ordinators of the Clubhouse were invited to apply to participate in this global project and on applying proved successful and were awarded a place on the educational scheme. This was a fantastic opportunity for the young people (aged 15+ and already members of the Clubhouse) to engage in a global initiative of learning and participation in the media world. The Clubhouse team were delighted that the Computer Clubhouse was chosen as a Adobe Youth Voice site by the Adobe Foundation. We are now one of 500 sites in over 32 countries.
The partnership for 21st Century literacy explains that 21st century literacy "is the set of abilities and skills where aural, visual and digital literacy overlap. These include the ability to understand the power of images and sounds, to recognise and use that power, to manipulate and transform digital media, to distribute them pervasively, and to easily adapt them to new forms". Led by Ciaran and Janice this partnership between Adobe and young people hopes to shape them into articulate and knowledgeable young adults who'll be able to communicate through and with the rapidly evolving media technologies. The programme hopes to address the educational gaps that present themselves in these young people's lives and integrate solutions both inside and outside the classroom.
Much success has been experienced with 10 older teens with this concept. They are developing their own creative voice and working hard to create their own music video which will be previewed during April 2010.
This visionary project is run on an annual basis and already, with Ciaran and Janice as Youth Media Educators, the course will continue this year (2010). A two-pronged approach is followed in educating members in the learning of 21st century skills:
- Youth Media where the students learn how to create stories that make a real impact and secondly
- Media literacy where they learn to skillfully analyse and critique the various forms of media that peculate through and influence their experiences on a daily basis.
The success of the program can already be gauged by the 100% engagement and commitment of the youths aged 15 and over - an age group that is often difficult to meaningfully engage. A success in no small measure that can be attributed to the Clubhouse educators, the Adobe Youth Voices Foundation and the young people themselves. So a word of thanks and appreciation is due to all the various partners of the twentieth-first century project towards media literacy and engagement.
Brid Fitzpatrick.
03/03/2010
