Introducing Youth to Collaborative Learning

Anuyu, a clothing store in Lake Zurich and Chess Without Borders collaborated to host a multimedia artist, Robert Kezelis on October 13th 2018 at their store. Robert Kezelis is a lawyer by profession whose artistic work is versatile and reflects an intellectual liveliness. Youth leaders from Chess Without Borders were on hand to engage the crowd and enjoy the experience of raising funds through collaboration.

Chess Without Borders serves as a laboratory for experimenting with ideas where youth can create projects to help others. Anuyu donated a portion of its sales that day to The Margo Clark Innovation Program. This project empowers youth leaders to create projects that benefit local and global charities. Mr Robert Kezelis was invited to display his work in the store and donated a portion of the sales to charity as well.

The event was an unusual learning experience for the students. They were gracious and hospitable as they welcomed and served guests. Student leaders for the event, Dunya Diyadawagamage, Arnav Batta, Prathik Kandimalla, and Abhijit Gehlautare in high school and through exposure to a myriad of volunteering experiences, have developed poise and confidence in their skill. They recognize the impact of their work and were enthusiastic to introduce their methods to 10-year-old Jocelyn Zhang and 5-year-old Arnav Punukollo. Also present were Brennan Moy and Graison Huynh from the District 220 elementary schools.

GM Shulman supported his students with his presence and autographed copies of his textbooks for students during this event.

Anuyu located at 571 North Rand Road in Lake Zurich continues to display artist Robert Kezelis’s work till the end of this month. A portion of the sales from his work will be donated to The Margo Clark Innovation Program at Chess Without Borders that in turn will benefit a local charity. We are grateful to store owners Amanda Vondrak and Pam DeVos were instrumental in making this event possible and for their willingness to collaborate with youth volunteers.

If you have time please visit the store and share your ideas about future volunteer learning experiences for children at Chesswob@gmail.com. Children ages 5 and up are welcome to join this award-winning team of volunteers.

Kiran Frey MD