KEY POINTS:
The country's first computer clubhouse opens today, allowing youngsters to design and create projects using top technology.
Clubhouse 274 - previously a small unit in Otara - has a bigger building, complete with a new music studio, video studio, green screen and up to 23 computers with 3D software.
Youngsters aged 11 to 17 are able to use the technology to design and create various projects, such as composing music, making short films and using animation and robotics programmes to make toys.
The clubhouse - a free drop-in-centre - has about 300 members coming through its doors each week.
Member Kataraina Lio, 15, says the clubhouse has enabled her to be creative and has taught her new skills.
"I reckon it's cool because we learn more," she said.
"You go to school and you have to learn because you want to get a good education. But here, you get taught without knowing you're learning."
Hosted by the Intel Computer Clubhouse Network in America, Clubhouse 274 is one of more than 100 computer clubhouses around the world and is the first of its kind in New Zealand.
Co-ordinator Kane Milne says the new building and the technology will give more youngsters access to the idea to "think big".
"They're kind of dreaming higher now. We've got some of the best future graphic artists, magazine designers [and] engineers," Mr Milne said.
"We don't learn sitting at a desk by ourselves.
"We learn by working collaboratively, talking to others and using the technology."
More than 300 laptops - the new Intel Classmate notebook - are also set to be shipped in for clubhouse members and their younger siblings.
A wireless internet connection recently installed to cover a 5km radius from the clubhouse, will give members free internet access - enabling them to continue working on their projects from home.
Mr Milne says giving technology to children who might not have access to technology at home, was a vital key to letting them understand the world around them - and to better themselves.
"It's giving them an avenue to express themselves by using technology that they otherwise wouldn't have access to - all this potential that gets bagged all the time - we're just trying to get the youth to see that potential."
