In an era dominated by digital screens, Pakistani singer and activist Shehzad Roy is taking steps to help parents mitigate the impact on their children.
Roy has released a chess curriculum created by his non-profit, Zindagi Trust, for free public use. This initiative encourages children to reduce screen time and develop critical thinking and strategic planning skills.
Roy conveyed a compelling message on Instagram on Sunday, advocating for chess to manage children’s screen engagement. “If you want to lower your kids’ screen time, teach them chess,” he suggested.
He highlighted the program’s success, indicating that participants, including girls, have won major national chess championships.
The introduction of chess to Zindagi Trust schools in 2011 aimed to improve education within underprivileged communities. The curriculum, developed over ten years, focuses on basic techniques, strategic thinking, and cognitive training to boost critical thinking and problem-solving skills and lay a solid foundation for advanced chess learning, making education more engaging and interactive.
Beyond chess, Zindagi Trust has introduced various innovative programs in government schools across Karachi and other areas. These initiatives include integrating Scrabble into the curriculum to improve mental agility and teaching vital skills like mental health management, financial literacy, music, and child rights.
