By Kathy Chouteau
Game Changer, a new Richmond-based program spearheaded by the nonprofit Motivated 2 Help Others, aims to change the game for local youth by teaching them invaluable skills in STEM.
Operating out of Market Square Mall in Richmond, the free 10-week pilot initiative has youth building their own game consoles with a Raspberry Pi system that’s equipped with 14,000 games in various languages. Current cohort participants range from 8 to 18 years old.
Game Changer is not only about technology; the program is also about fostering teamwork, problem-solving, and practical skills. Participants learn about hardware, software, cabling and technical configurations, all while working together in teams. The hands-on approach is designed to prepare them for the future, equipping them with STEM concepts and practical math skills.
“My personal goal is to inspire the students to be curious about how things work.”
Lejon Fahim Reese (Fahim), the driving force behind Motivated 2 Help Others, said the program’s primary goal is to break the cycle disadvantaged youth can face. “Some of the kids have siblings who have been in the system, but they haven’t,” said Reese.
Pete Fitzgerald, a board member of the nonprofit and IT expert, stepped up to be the program’s instructor. Fitzgerald said he’s delighted to teach the next generation the art of “How To.”
“My personal goal is to inspire the students to be curious about how things work,” Fitzgerald said. “The world is a complex place and dose of healthy curiosity can go a long way in setting someone apart from the rest of the crowd. The Game Changer program is designed to give that healthy dose of curiosity.”
The current cohort, consisting of four young participants, is just the beginning. Reese envisions expanding the program to accommodate more students. The next cohort is scheduled to begin in mid-August. Those interested in enrolling their children—with an age-range flexibility among youth ready to build—can contact the program directly through the contact info below.
Reese credited the East Bay Community Foundation with providing a grant to run the Game Changer program in 2025—after a year of not being able to run it. “The East Bay Community Foundation gave us a grant to run the program, so we are able to run it this year for three cohorts,” he said.
The program is just one way that Motivated 2 Help Others’ connects with the community, using education and fitness to bring people together and provide resources to those in need.
For more information and to enroll in the upcoming Game Changer program cohort, contact Motivated 2 Help Others by calling (510) 241-6366, emailing motivated2helpothers@gmail.com or messaging them via social media (Facebook, Instagram and TikTok).