Darius Garner reckons he is a pretty good gamer and YouTuber to boot.
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The 13-year-old from East Corrimal though has had some issues trying to design a website to help his fellow YouTubers with their gaming.
It was only after the Keira High School Year 7 student touched base with Zig Zag Hub, Wollongong's business incubator and entrepreneurship for young and old alike, that he felt confident he was on the right track.
"The first thing they suggested was that we concentrate on the one thing that I was really good in - gaming. That's when the idea really got born," Darius said.
"I have attended many pitch fest which has helped me with learning to present in public speaking. Now I'm in the debate team in high school which is pretty cool.
"That and the team here have really helped my confidence in social skills and most importantly they've morphed my idea into something that is realistic to make and actually can help people."
Zig Zag Hub operations manager Sophie Rudd said a new program targeted at children aged 7 to 17 years was being launched to continue helping talented youngsters like Darius.
Running every Saturday starting from April 23, Entrepreneurship for Creative Kids is designed to help kids build their confidence and learn new skills in a fun, social and interactive environment, with course facilitators leading sessions on design thinking for entrepreneurs, and game design principles.
Ms Rudd said the new Saturday program had been created in response to feedback from children and parents about previous programs Zig Zag Hub have run for young entrepreneurs.
"The kids who've taken part in our programs are amazing - they're full of creative ideas and innovative problem-solving skills. Our facilitators are skilled in teaching kids to be confident, resourceful and innovative, while helping them link what they're learning with their own interests - whether that's an idea to launch a business, or an interest in designing their own app or video game," she said.
Ms Rudd added the program was designed to help kids become creative problem solvers, and build life skills such as confident presentation skills.
"We're here to encourage kids to build a lifelong love of learning, and to complement what they're learning in the school curriculum. The program future-proofs their skills, and helps them engage with entrepreneurship and technology in ways they wouldn't be able to in a traditional classroom."
Creative Kids vouchers can be used to pay for the Entrepreneurship for Creative Kids program sessions.
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Agron Latifi
Wollongong born and bred. I love reporting about the Illawarra region and have been doing it for more than 20 years. I've moved into sport recently after covering the education round for the last five plus years for the Illawarra Mercury. It's been a great pleasure.
Wollongong born and bred. I love reporting about the Illawarra region and have been doing it for more than 20 years. I've moved into sport recently after covering the education round for the last five plus years for the Illawarra Mercury. It's been a great pleasure.
