CyberZone celebrates 10 years
In 1996 Stuart Blackley from Lewisham Council’s
Social Care and Health directorate (now
known as the Community Services Directorate)
launched CyberZone. It was a service that
responded to the needs of local children
with disabilities. The aim was to provide
children with opportunities to reinforce
their learning using up-to-date computer
hardware and software in a fun and friendly
environment. In 2002 Stuart moved on, to
be replaced by Alex Spiers. In 2004 CyberZone
gained its first dedicated manager, Phil
Schulz. Under its 3 managers, the service
was continually promoted and developed to
ensure that the computer resources were
regularly updated and expanded and that
more than just computer learning was available.
When Phil left CyberZone at the end of December
2005 the service had the following firmly
in place:
• effective workshops for children
that focus on personal safety, sexual health
and independent living;
• enjoyable and educational annual
summer trips;
• free computer training for parents
and carers;
• solid partnerships with other local
organisations;
• a healthy history of additional
funding;
• a committed team of staff and volunteers.
With the service in good shape, further
developments set and under the management
of Sadhana Sutar, CyberZone will be celebrating
its 10th birthday on Saturday 28th October
2006.
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