Local Teens attend international youth summit in Boston

Five rangatahi from Lower Hutt will join 150 other teens in Boston, Massachusetts for The Clubhouse Network’s 2018 Teen Summit from 31 July through 5 August. Youth from 16 countries including Colombia, Ireland, Israel, Jordan, New Zealand, the Philippines, South Africa and the United States will come together to explore creative technologies and how they can be applied to important social issues, both now and in the future.

Clubhouse is a free after-school programme run by Hutt City Libraries, for rangatahi aged 10-18 years. There are two Clubhouses in Lower Hutt, one in Naenae and one in Taita. Clubhouse provides a creative and safe learning environment where rangatahi work with adult mentors to explore their own ideas, develop new skills, and build confidence in themselves through the use of technology. Recently our Clubhouse rangatahi have worked on producing a short film for the Wellington 48 hour Film Challenge, recorded original music, created costumes, and experimented with animation and electronics.

The following rangatahi have been selected to represent our Hutt City Clubhouses, based on their outstanding youth leadership at Clubhouse and their efforts on community projects - Pfuma Mahowa and Seth Fitzgerald, both 15 from St Bernard’s College, Annatto Teni, age 18 from Toi Whakaari NZ Drama School, Saviour Erihe, age 16 from Capital Training, and Whetu Hauiti, age 16 from Naenae College.

Sandra Mann, Hutt City Libraries Manager said “We are both thrilled and honoured to have these young leaders representing Hutt City Clubhouses in Boston for what is sure to be an inspiring week.”

"Our young people are really excited to be chosen to represent their Clubhouse and community, and are excited to bring their learning back to their peers. The theme of this year's Summit is "Stand Up, Speak Out, Change The World!" and we expect these bright stars from Lower Hutt to do just that" said Lily Chalmers, Naenae Clubhouse Coordinator.

The Teen Summit takes place at Boston University, where our rangatahi will undertake collaborative projects aimed at solving local issues to do with the environment, poverty, education, health & welfare, and safety. They will also get to take part in career exhibitions and visits to MIT and Google Headquarters in Boston.

ENDS

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