With a flick of the wrist and a strategic move, Tahje Wallen’s life was forever altered, thanks to an innovative programme that’s redefining the game of dominoes.

Wallen, a bright but then struggling student, had always found it hard to focus in class as his mind would wander, and his grades would suffer. But everything changed when he stumbled upon the National Association of Domino Bodies’ (NADB) summer camp. The programme’s unique approach to learning, which uses dominoes as a tool for academic and personal growth, resonated deeply with Wallen.

Wallen was drafted into the 2010 NADB’s Summer Camp at the age of 11, while attending Mona High School where his academic performance was averaging 60 per cent.

Under the guidance of experienced mentors, Wallen learned to apply strategic thinking and problem-solving skills he developed through dominoes to his academic work. He began to see the world in a new light, as a place where every move had consequences and every decision mattered.

WALLEN…I was taught how to utilise dominoes as an educational tool for learning, particularly mathematics, which is my favourite subject.

As Wallen confidence grew, so did his grades. He started to excel in math and science, subjects he once found challenging. His parents, teachers, and even he himself were amazed at the transformation.

With the knowledge gained from the summer camp programme, Wallen had graduated from Mona High with five CSEC subjects — two Grade I passes, two Grade II passes, and one Grade III. He then went to lower sixth at Mona High and got three CAPE subjects that led him to complete a Bachelor of Science in Accounting at the University of Technology, Jamaica (UTech).

“I was taught how to utilise dominoes as an educational tool for learning, particularly mathematics, which is my favourite subject. Attending this domino curriculum allowed me to see what reality was like, and it improved my maths skills, thinking capacity, and ability to focus,” Wallen told the Jamaica Observer, his eyes welling with tears.

“The programme had a section referred to as Pick Up, Match Up and Store which assisted in my thinking skills, putting like items together and memory while being focused on the task at hand. With this, I was able to use it in my studies in school and start scoring higher grades on exams.

“I had learned how to use domino with my memory. I was first given three dominoes to look at then it [dominoes] was taken away for me to state what the dominoes were. I move from three dominoes to 14 dominoes. It reached to the point where I played a game of domino from memory by memorising 12 dominoes. This was done without any mistake or calling a wrong domino to be played,” Wallen recollected.

Humbert Davis, first-vice president at NADB, fondly remembers Wallen as one of his standout students.

“Tahje Wallen was a product of our summer camp, and his success comes as no surprise. He was a quiet and dedicated individual who embraced the learning process, and dominoes played a significant role in his development. We’ve witnessed numerous instances where our domino programme has helped students who were previously struggling,” Davis said.

As Wallen’s skills and confidence grew, he became a valuable resource for his peers. He could solve complex mathematics problems and break down financial accounting concepts into easy-to-understand language. His classmates took notice, and soon Wallen was in high demand as a tutor and study partner.

Wallen, who had developed a love for assisting students educationally, made a brave decision that would change his life for the better. In 2020, he decided to start an organisation called Youth Education Association — a non-profit organisation — that assists youth educationally, socially, mentally and in personal development.

“During the year 2021, as the executive director of Youth Education Association and my small team of five members, we were able to plan, organise and execute many projects. Some of these projects included the distribution of domino tablets to students at the primary, secondary and tertiary levels; the keeping of back-to-school treats in Waltham Garden, St Andrew, and Yallahs High School, St Thomas; the feeding of 200 homeless in partnership with St Catherine Municipal Corporation in Spanish Town, Old Harbour, Portmore and Linstead, and free CSEC and CAPE Marathon Classes for students, among many more projects,” Wallen paused, overcome with emotion, as he thought about the countless lives his organisation had touched.

But Wallen’s story doesn’t end there as his outstanding achievements and commitment to nation-building earned him the prestigious 2024 Prime Minister’s National Youth Award for Excellence in the category of Nation-Building.

“I am lost for words as this means so much to me. What domino has given me, I want to repay my debt my helping others and building the nation. I am forever grateful and honoured to receive this award,” said Wallen as his voice cracked with emotion and tears streamed down his face.

“The NADB Domino Programme made me the person I am today with sharp thinking skills, excellent mathematical skills, great reasoning ability, and a memory for good,” said Wallen who current works at the Accountant General’s Department as the credit card programme administrator.

Tahje Wallen (right), founder and president of Youth Education Association (YEA), shares an elbow bump with students (from left) Semyon Hall, Alle-Andra Ashley, and John Barham during a presentation of tablets by YEA at Footprints Café in St Andrew on Saturday, February 20, 2021. YEA is a non-profit organisation that focuses on assisting students educationally, socially and mentally by providing services and equipment that will impact their life to achieve their goals. The association utilises partnerships with companies and different stakeholders to provide sponsorships, donations, and grants to needy students.