Digital game hub to keep kids safe
I-CAN provides recreational alternatives to drugs, drink
THE I-CAN Digital Gaming Hub at Khayelitsha’s Bandwidth Barn shows the positive implications of providing young South Africans with recreational and economic alternatives to alcohol-related activities.
The I-CAN Hub is an initiative of the Western Cape government, run in partnership with Lenovo and VS Gaming. Focusing on three locations – Khayelitsha Town 2, Gunya and Paarl East – I-CAN Play aims to establish digital gaming hubs in disadvantaged communities, increasing technology and internet use among South Africa’s younger generation.
Premier Helen Zille’s visit to the facility yesterday coincided with the launch of the VS Gaming I-CAN Play Community League – a sub-league on VS Gaming’s popular online league system which enables I-CAN Play members to practise and compete against each other.
“For years our government has been determined to provide alternative activities that may be inaccessible for many of our young people,” Zille said.
“This project offers an attractive and beneficial activity for young people, away from the harm and violence caused by alcohol abuse.
“We have also strategically chosen gaming because of the value it can add to young people and their interest in the ICT (information and communications technology) sector.”
Internationally, e-sports will soon be a $1 billion (R13bn) business with a global audience of over 300 million fans. “I encourage every young person who has not been here yet to make use of this facility,” Zille said.
I-CAN Play at the Khayelitsha Bandwidth Barn is at Lookout Hill, at the corner of Spine Road and Mew Way in Khayelitsha.
The hub is open to its members and the public Mondays to Saturdays from 10am-6pm. – Staff Reporter