The project, called "Kee-PING Hope", involves designing and fabricating ping pong tables and rackets for orphanages in Lebanon, using leftover pieces of melamine wood collected from carpenters and wood waste disposals. Our main objective was to create colorful tables and rackets that would attract children and bring them closer to the game, while also serving as a visual representation of a child's cognitive understanding.

The six different colors of melamine were combined to create 20 uniform pieces that were then cut and connected to form 5 tables - three standard size and two smaller. Each table features a non-repetitive color pattern, making each table unique and visually appealing. The rackets were designed to help children identify and organize visual information.

Design Team

Mayssa Bsaibes, Badih Rameh

In a world where sustainability is a pressing issue, it's inspiring to see young leaders like Mayssa Bsaibes take action to make a difference. Mayssa, an international Olympic young leader, has set her sights on helping orphanages in Lebanon through the power of table tennis, in partnership with SOS Children's Villages Lebanon.

Partnering with Badih Rameh, an Architect and Product designer, Kee-PING Hope's project combines sustainability and sports in a unique and innovative way. Badih designed and fabricated table tennis tables using leftover pieces of melamine wood collected from carpenters and wood waste disposals. The project also includes ping pong rackets made from off-cut plywood sheets, each with a unique shape and color.

Badih's main objective was to create colorful tables and rackets that would attract children and bring them closer to the game, while also serving as a visual representation of a child's cognitive understanding. The six different colors of melamine were combined to create 20 uniform pieces that were then cut and connected to form 5 tables – three standard size and two smaller. The rackets were designed to help children identify and organize visual information.

Each table was designed to feature a non-repetitive color pattern, making each table unique and visually appealing. This design also serves an educational purpose, as children learn table tennis by serving the ball to a specific color.

This project not only provides children with a fun and engaging activity, but it also serves as a reminder of the importance of sustainability. By repurposing waste materials, Mayssa and Badih are demonstrating that small actions can have a big impact on our planet.

In conclusion, Kee-PING Hope project is a shining example of how young leaders can make a difference in their communities. By combining sustainability and sports, Mayssa and Badih are providing children with a fun and educational experience that will stay with them for years to come, while SOS Children's Villages Lebanon helps to ensure that the children have the care and support they need to thrive.