Battling HIV/ AIDS WITH CHESS

The participants, ages eight to 18, are part of a programme entitled Chess Battles HIV/AIDS, facilitated by President of Kids Chess Academy and founder/philanthropist of the Save Our Children Foundation, Leslie-Ann Nelson. The sessions take place at her home, at 23 A, Providence Circular, Arima. Throughout the world, most educational programmes are using sports and games to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS prevention and measures to minimise the risk of contracting the virus, as well as to educate about discrimination against those with the disease.

Nelson, a primary school teacher, explained that Chess Battles HIV/AIDS is an effective medium to build awareness of HIV /AIDS prevention. Her aim is to embark on the programme on a national level.

“Every child today is growing up in a world where AIDS is a devastating reality. I like the direction the programme is going. However, I would like to see more youths getting involved, especially the girls and I would really like to see volunteers getting involved with the programme.

“They can give a little of their time on Saturday mornings. Since it’s inception, Chess Battles HIV/AIDS has been very effective in getting the message across and operates under the umbrella of Save Our Children Foundation. AIDS / HIV education is fundamental and should start at a young age. “Discrimination and stigmatisation continues and it is important that we discuss all aspects of discrimination.” Nelson said.

Nelson explained that chess is used not necessarily for participants to play competitively, but to boost their critical thinking and other life skills.

“Through the programme, children are learning all they can about HIV/AIDS and how to interact with their peers who have the disease,” said Nelson.

Nelson pointed out that chess requires thinking, planning, discipline and logic.

“Playing helps in the development of valuable skills for students. I would like to see them playing competitively at some point, but for now the focus is on education. I see the changes and the children are all eager to learn. They are all at different stages, but I know the programme is bearing fruit.

“There are those who are showing potential to play on a professional level, but funding is crucial for that to take place,” she said.

The children involved in the programme all said they enjoy playing chess. Some admitted it was their first time learning about HIV / AIDS and learning to play chess. One of the participants said because of Chess Battles HIV/AIDS, he is comfortable with his friend who has the disease and that he doesn’t feel bad anymore.

“Sometimes we talk about his disease and I support him because I understand what it is. Before I didn’t know anything,” he added.

Jalim Goberdhan, 16, is one of the students who would some day like to play chess on a professional level. His dream is to play at championship level and he has his eyes set on the grand Junior Orange Bowl Scholastic Chess Championships which takes place annually in Miami.

Although the programme is bearing fruit, Nelson said there is still one major challenge threatening it’s functionality – lack of funding.

“I would like to take some of my really good players to participate in competitive games, but funding is necessary. Funding is also necessary to keep the programme alive.”

Nelson also facilitates a chess workshop at the Tunapuna Boys’ RC School, where many of her students have been successful at previous championships. Ronnie Nelson, known as the Caribbean Chess Tiger, is among her successful charges.

Nelson is scheduled to travel to Miami for the championships which runs from December 26 to 29. She explained however, that this venture also needs funding.

“For the past five years, we have continuously been successful at the championships. The experiences have also been life changing for the participants. I am looking at a continuation of that success, ” Nelson said. To join Chess Battles HIV/AIDS or to sponsor the programme or to volunteer, Nelson can be contacted at 775-2358 or 712-3905.