The Communtiy Foundation of North Western Sydney in conjunction with the Blacktown Youth Service Association (BYSA) will be officially launching a Youth Internet Cafe in Lalor Park in February 2010.
The Internet Cafe will be used as an internet learning centre where TAFE will provide training in the safe use of the internet as well as computer skills. The youth will also have daily access to the facility for their own use including homework. There will also be an opportunity for socialising over a cup of coffee, etc.
The opening has created a high level of interest in the Blacktown area, and it is anticipated that the facility will be used by other community organisations in the area, and residents, including the aged and isolated.
This facility is a pilot of the Foundation to test out its effectiveness before opening other similar facilities in North Western Sydney. It is hoped that this type of internet facility will greatly assist the community as a whole, will become a focal point for community learning, and will assist in reducing the chronic isolation experieced by some in the region.