In the complex and challenging environment of Kenya`s Kakuma Refugee Camp, a truly exceptional event recently unfolded. Far from the usual digital connections, over 330 young girls gathered in person for a special day dedicated to chess, empowerment, and community.
This gathering wasn`t just about moving pieces on a board; it was a vibrant, tangible celebration of potential. It transformed what is typically a virtual engagement into a powerful on-site experience, emphasizing empowerment through focused activity and connection.
Chess as a Catalyst for Change
The event is an integral part of the “Girls Club,” an initiative spearheaded by the FIDE Commission for Women`s Chess. This club is designed to offer consistent support, training, and opportunities specifically tailored for girls residing in Kakuma Refugee Camp. It operates under the broader “Chess for Protection” project, through which FIDE endeavors to introduce the strategic benefits of chess to displaced populations.
Regularly, the club connects girls with international coaches, such as WGM Anastasia Karlovich and IM Salome Melia, alongside dedicated local tutors, all via online platforms. These sessions provide valuable chess instruction and, crucially, foster a sense of structure, build confidence, and offer a connection to the wider world.
Navigating the Real-World Chessboard
Organizing any large-scale event within a refugee camp presents its own unique set of challenges. Access, logistics, securing necessary permissions, and maintaining clear communication form a complex “logistical chessboard” that requires careful navigation. Yet, the decision to be physically present carried immense weight and impact.
Showing up in person delivered a clear, unambiguous message to the community and, most importantly, to the girls: `We see you. We acknowledge your circumstances, and we are committed to supporting you actively.` The response was extraordinary, with over 330 girls from various schools within the camp participating, an attendance figure that resonated deeply with everyone involved.
Lessons from the 64 Squares
A focal point of the day was an inspiring motivational session led by Phylis Ngigi, the Director of The Gift of Chess. Having traveled to Kakuma for the event, Phylis delivered her talk titled `Rising Like Queens: Life Lessons Through Chess,` using the familiar elements of the game as powerful metaphors for navigating life`s complexities.
Drawing from personal experience, she translated the function and movement of each chess piece into practical lessons on resilience and hope:
- The Pawn: Representing small steps towards significant goals. The message: Keep progressing, transformation is possible.
- The Knight: Illustrating the value of unconventional thinking and finding alternate routes, even when the path seems blocked.
- The Bishop: Emphasizing focus and commitment to one`s journey, staying true to purpose along diagonal paths.
- The Rook: Symbolizing building strength and standing firm, acting as a reliable foundation for oneself and supporting others.
- The Queen: Embodying power and leadership, reminding the girls of their inherent ability to lead, protect, and achieve victory.
Phylis concluded her session with a message of profound encouragement, directly connecting the potential on the chessboard to the potential within each girl.
Equipped for the Future
This growing chess community in Kakuma also received essential resources thanks to generous donations. The Gift of Chess contributed 100 chess sets, while DGT provided 100 digital chess clocks. These practical tools were immediately put to use in a large tournament held the following day, June 29th, open to all refugees participating in the Chess for Protection program, including the Girls Club members.
The hope is that this event is merely one step in a longer journey. With sustained support and continued opportunities like these, the aspiration is that future Chess Olympiads could feature members of a Refugee Team who first encountered the game and its lessons right here in Kakuma.
The success of the Chess for Protection project, including impactful events like this one, relies heavily on the ongoing collaboration between FIDE and UNHCR. Their shared commitment to inclusion and empowerment through the universal language of chess continues to provide significant uplift to the remarkable individuals residing in Kakuma.
