The Clubhouse Mission & Model
The Clubhouse, located in the heart of the Dublin Liberties, provides a safe and creative learning environment for young people between the ages of 10 and 18. SWICN Clubhouse is part of a global network of over 100 Clubhouses based on a best practice template for after-school learning.
Mission
The mission of The Clubhouse is to provide young people with new skills, confidence and choices that are not otherwise available to them, helping them to succeed in their careers and lives. Members learn how to use professional software for design, exploration, and experimentation. In The Clubhouse, young people can gain an insight into what it is like to be an architect, engineer, composer, artist, journalist, and a programmer.
The key objective is to help young people develop 21st century learning and innovation skills: ICT literacy, collaboration and communication, problem solving, critical thinking. These skills have been identified as essential and marketable skills for the 21st century workplace giving the young members a head start in their lives.
Members are welcome to come in for several hours, five days a week to participate in a range of projects such as film making, animation, robotics, electronics, photography, web development, digital arts and much more. During each project, members benefit from working on a one-on-one basis with adult volunteers, called Mentors, exploring ideas, developing skills and building confidence through the use of technology.
The Learning Model
The learning model is based around construction – that is learning by doing, building and demonstrating. The development of the learning environment is guided by four principles:
Learning through Design Experience
The Clubhouse focuses on ‘constructionist’ activities, encouraging young people to work as designers, inventors and creators.
Follow Your Interest
The Clubhouse encourages youth to work on projects related to their own interests.
Building a Community
The Clubhouse aims to create a sense of community, where young people work together with one another with support and inspiration from adult mentors.
Respect and Trust
At The Clubhouse, young people are treated with trust and respect – and are expected to treat others the same way. At The Clubhouse, the goal is to create an environment in which members and mentors feel safe to experiment, explore and innovate.