Enad Masoud

The Positive Chess Game

Jalazone Refugee Camp is located north of Ramallah, Palestine. Frequent clashes between Israeli forces and the Palestinian residents are a part of daily life in the area.

When clashes take place, the security forces use teargas and rubber-coated metal bullets. Jalazone residents, including minors, have been killed and injured. The firing of these weapons generates an atmosphere of fear and tension among the students causing a 30% drop out rate.

I wanted to find a way to transform the clashes from a negative experience into a positive one through learning the art of chess.

By having children use their creativity to turn shell casings into chess sets, using basic home tools, each child can create their own set and play together.

There are many benefits of learning chess such as increasing problem-solving skills, honing concentration, developing logic and building creativity. Through the learning outcomes chess offers, we can empower and encourage these boys and girls to stay in school and pursue their education. I hope this can give the children the educational opportunities that they feel denied.