On Saturday, June 28, the Kakuma Refugee Camp in Kenya became the setting for a truly remarkable event: over 330 girls participated in a special chess gathering held right within the camp.
This day, filled with inspiring talks and friendly chess matches, transformed the usual online interaction into a vibrant, large-scale celebration of empowerment and spirit building through chess.
This event was organized as part of the Girls Club initiative, established by the FIDE Commission for Women`s Chess to provide regular support, training, and empowerment opportunities for girls in the Kakuma camp. The Girls Club is, in turn, part of the broader FIDE project `Chess for Protection`, aimed at bringing chess to forcibly displaced communities.
Typically, the Club`s sessions are held weekly online with international coaches WGM Anastasia Karlovich and IM Salome Melia, as well as a local chess tutor. These sessions not only teach the game but also provide participants with a sense of structure, self-confidence, and belonging to a global community.
A Special Day in a Unique Setting
Organizing an event within a refugee camp involves numerous challenges: obtaining permissions, logistics, ensuring access and communication – all require meticulous planning and strong cooperation with local structures. However, the physical presence of organizers is of invaluable importance. It conveys a clear message: `We see you. We care about you. We are ready to make an effort for you`.
And the girls responded with enthusiasm. Over 330 girls from various schools in the camp took part in this Saturday`s celebration – a truly impressive number that deeply moved everyone involved, both organizers and participants.
Inspiration Across the Chessboard
The central event of the day was an inspiring presentation by Phylis Ngigi, Director of the charity organization The Gift of Chess. She specifically traveled to Kakuma to deliver a session titled `Rising Like Queens: Life Lessons Through Chess`.
Drawing on her life experience, Phylis drew parallels between each chess piece and life lessons, creating a powerful message of resilience and hope:
- The Pawn – Symbol of small steps and big dreams. The main lesson: keep moving forward, and you can change your life.
- The Knight – A call for courage and unconventional thinking. Lesson: even if the path seems complex and winding, you can always find your way.
- The Bishop – A reminder of the need to follow your purpose. Lesson: stay focused and true to your chosen path.
- The Rook – A lesson on building inner strength and steadfastness. Be a solid foundation for yourself and others.
- The Queen – Embodiment of power and leadership. Lesson: you have everything you need to lead, protect, and achieve victory.
Generous Support and Future Plans
Thanks to generous support, this growing chess community has received significant equipment. The organization The Gift of Chess donated 100 chess sets, and the company DGT contributed 100 digital clocks. All this equipment will be actively used during the mass tournament on June 29, involving all participants of the `Chess for Protection` program, including the girls from the Girls Club.
There are strong reasons to hope that this is just the beginning of a great journey. With continued support and the creation of similar opportunities, we believe that the Refugee Team at the next Chess Olympiad could include those who started their path right here in Kakuma.
The implementation of the `Chess for Protection` project was made possible through fruitful cooperation between FIDE and UNHCR. Their joint commitment to inclusivity and empowerment through chess continues to provide invaluable support to the wonderful people in Kakuma.
Elton Marrow