A quick update on the Lab.
Sessions have been running smoothly of late - both the parents and kids seem to have developed a comfortable mode of interaction , and sessions are going well. There's been some (but not a lot) of interest in programming activities, but it seems the socialisation aspects of the Lab are just as important. Apparently all the kids are very keen to come, with some pestering their parents in advance. One participant called his dad on his mobile today to remind him (at 2pm) to get a move on - apparently he never does this usually.
Parents are, as usual, discussing lots in their room. Food features strongly - we don't bring food in ourselves anymore as there's usually a selection of goodies brought in.
One interesting outcome we heard about today - two participants (brothers) have started a Minecraft club at their school. There are four kids involved, and they're currently spending their recess and lunch breaks planning their world and to set up a Minecraft server. Apparently this is a big step up from aimlessly walking around during their breaks.
On another topic: Dale and I have been discussing moving from our current Lab location once the lease runs out in December. That central Footscray corner has not been getting any better of late - more people down on their luck, arrests etc - and the space itself is on the grungier side of the tracks, with a lack of decent kitchen and related facilities. Have put out some feelers with VU - will see what comes of it. Wonder too if the council might have something. We're paying around $320 a week currently, so it's not actually that cheap. Another possibility is a house in the area.
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