Techspace comes to Castleisland

TECHSPACE is a creative space where young people are inspired to create, produce and have fun with digital technology.

The concept, which has now come to Castleisland, is designed to ensure a safe environment in which young people get the opportunity to work with like minded people, make friends and have fun creating.

In early December 2015 and January 2016 volunteer training sessions were held in Kerry and Limerick and a North, East and West Kerry Development team took part and the rest is their story.

The training sessions came about with a redesigned TechSpace programme which included a one day training session specifically aimed at volunteers.

Story telling techniques were included and aimed at preparing the trainees to create a short movie. Some of the projects involving the volunteers were in depth and innovative.

These made use of whatever little resources came to hand and resulted in some mighty creativity.

Each individual TechSpace site offers an informal, but planned and structured, at- mosphere which is designed to keep young people engaged and active.

An individual computer or laptop is made available to every young person to work on - but members are also free to use their own devices such as: PC, MAC, tablet or mobile.

Young people work on both individual and group projects and on themes chosen by the young people themselves about issues that are important in their lives.

TechSpace is supporting this emerging network of young digital creators within youth organisations, projects and schools throughout Ireland.

Young people do not need prior experience or skills in using computers, however, an interest in technology and creative media is a good starting point.

The project runs at the NEWKD centre at The Crageens every Thursday at 5pm.

The Castleisland contact is Jennifer and she’s at 066 71 42 576.

Volunteers and facilitators at the NEWKD Techspace, from left: Adam Tees, Maura O’Leary, Abina McSweeney, Jennifer O’Sullivan-Coffey and Don Rogers.