Dolenjska Multimedia Centre opened its doors in 2003, since then, its objective has been to ensure that youngsters could have access to computers and Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) as well as to entrepreneurship programmes, non-lucrative projects and educative programmes.
This project was possible thanks to the collaboration between the Slovenian Ministry of Culture and the European Regional Development Fund. The EU grant was devoted to buy the equipment and to build an art gallery. National funds have been used to cover the implantation costs as well as the training offer and the multimedia art programme.
The Dolenjska Multimedia centre is a member of the Slovenian Multimedia centres Network (M3C). This network’s main objective is to coordinate all the Slovenian multimedia centres work. The services offered are free and they are focused on promoting ICT skills and website development knowledge.
One of the main characteristics of the Dolenjska Multimedia Centre is that is managed by Lokalpatriot, Novo Mesto, which is a youth cultural organisation. This organisation aims at supporting high quality creativity at a local, regional and national level. Thanks to the determination of this organisation the Dolenjska Multimedia Centre initiative combines ICT, youth empowerment, employment and culture. There are now 6 computers available in the centre, not only for those who want to take part in the ICT training courses or in the creative projects but also for those who are interested in developing their own non-lucrative initiative.
As Marko Kralj, member of Lokalpatriot, explained: “After having developed the Multimedia Centre, the Lokalpatriot institution has become one of the principal actors in terms of development, implementation and digital know-how in the South-East of Slovenia. Our workers have contributed to suggest several reference projects in terms of internet portals to cultural and educative activities organisers in the region.”
This initiative is a good example of how ICT can be brought to the young people, giving them access to the infrastructures but also to the necessary IT skills to use them, but also linking the project with other important skills such as entrepreneurial and cultural skills.
If you want to know more about the Dolenjska Multimedia Centre initiative, please click here. (Only available in Slovenian)
If you want to know more about Lokalpatriot, please, click here. (Only available in Slovenian)
29 May 2015