"At home we have war but not here. Here, we are together," said Raz Asraf from Qiryat-Gat, Israel.

While Palestine and Israel may have their differences, at the Intel Computer Clubhouse Teen Summit last week, Mohammed Gassan Dasht (far left) from the Ramallah Computer Clubhouse in Palestine, Raz Asraf (center) from the Qiryat-Gat Community Center Computer Clubhouse in Israel, and Mohammad Shawkat Hammad (right), also from the Ramallah Clubhouse, shared a common goal. They were working together to design and model rooms for a community center as part of the Teen Summit architecture challenge team.

The three 17-year-olds joined nearly 180 others at the Museum of Science, Boston from across the United States and as far away as South Africa, the Philippines, India, Australia and Costa Rica. Teens from 15 countries were in Boston to work together using their technology skills in developing solutions to challenges faced by their communities. The goal: "Building a Global Community."

Ramallah Clubhouse Coordinator Raed Yacoub explained, "The Clubhouse mission is the same-to encourage our kids to connect to each other, build confidence in themselves through technology and develop career interests."

Other summit community challenges involved collaborating in Web design, architecture, journalism, broadcasting, photography and community mapping. Teens from around the world worked on animating films, music, building robots and other solutions to address challenges like homelessness or violence. In addition to their team challenges, the youths met videographers, musicians, animators, and Web designers at a career fair, kicked off by a videotaped welcome from late night TV host Conan O’Brien. Chosen for their outstanding peer leadership and efforts to give back to their communities, the young people also participated in a summit art exhibit, talent show and boat cruise.

The Computer Clubhouse is a creative after-school environment where youth in underserved communities develop skills and build confidence through the use of technology. With the first Clubhouse at the Museum of Science, Boston as the model, the Intel Computer Clubhouse Network-now 88 Clubhouses worldwide-hosted the summit for youths whose lives have been transformed through this innovative learning model. Since its 1993 founding, the Clubhouse has served thousands of young people worldwide.

Photo: Sandy Moniz, Eden Computer Clubhouse, Hayward, CA
Text: Gail Jennes, Museum of Science, Boston, MA