Disadvantaged Surbiton teenagers get the download (From Surrey Comet)

Disadvantaged Surbiton teenagers get the download

2:30pm Wednesday 11th February 2009 in News By Kerry Grove

A free internet cafe for disadvantaged teenagers is set to open in Surbiton next month, after it was given a £10,000 lottery grant.

The Near Hope Club, based in Victoria Avenue, hopes to rent an empty shop in the same street and fill it with 12 computers.

It will be used as a meeting place and provide computer training for young people who cannot afford to have the internet at home.

The club, set up a year ago, has so far been run by seven volunteers who have funded self help groups and football clubs from their own pockets.

Treasurer Dickson Odongo said: “There are young people hanging round doing nothing. Something like this, where they can come in and use computers, will get them off the streets.”

Another organisation to receive a lottery grant is the Kingston & District Welcare Association, which received £3,540 to fund workshops for parents with pre-school aged children.

Activities will include story time, messy play, garden explorers, music and movement, as well as cooking and eating.