In a place where life`s board often seems restricted, Saturday, June 28th, marked an extraordinary move for over 330 girls residing in the Kakuma Refugee Camp in Kenya. What is typically a journey navigated through virtual connections temporarily transformed into a vibrant, tangible celebration centered around the strategic power of chess.
This special on-site event was a cornerstone activity for the Girls Club, a dedicated initiative under the FIDE Commission for Women`s Chess. The club is an integral part of the broader Chess for Protection project, which leverages chess as a tool to offer structured support, training, and empowerment opportunities to displaced communities like Kakuma.
The Girls Club usually holds its sessions online, bridging geographical gaps with guidance from international coaches like WGM Anastasia Karlovich and IM Salome Melia, complemented by valuable local tutoring. These virtual meetings provide crucial chess instruction alongside instilling a sense of structure, building confidence, and fostering a connection to the wider world.
Bridging the Distance: The Power of Being There
Executing an event of this scale within the complex environment of a refugee camp is, to put it mildly, not a trivial undertaking. It involves navigating intricate logistics, securing necessary permissions, ensuring reliable communication, and building robust local partnerships. Yet, the profound impact of a physical presence, of actually showing up, cannot be overstated. It delivers a clear, unambiguous message: “We see you. We care. We are committed to being here for you.”
The response from the community was nothing short of remarkable. Over 330 girls from various schools within the camp participated, an turnout that deeply resonated with everyone involved, underscoring the need and enthusiasm for such initiatives.
Rising Like Queens: Life Lessons on the Board
A central highlight of the day was a powerful motivational session delivered by Phylis Ngigi, Director of The Gift of Chess. Having traveled to Kakuma specifically for this event, Phylis presented her inspiring talk titled `Rising Like Queens: Life Lessons Through Chess`.
Drawing upon her own experiences, Phylis ingeniously used each chess piece as a metaphor for navigating life`s challenges and opportunities, weaving powerful lessons into a compelling narrative of resilience and hope:
- The Pawn – Symbolizing `Small Steps, Big Dreams`. The message: Keep moving forward. Transformation is possible, one step at a time.
- The Knight – Representing the call to `Be Bold, Think Differently`. The lesson: Even when the path seems unconventional or difficult, there is always a way forward if you are willing to look beyond the obvious.
- The Bishop – Encouraging participants to `Follow Your Purpose`. The advice: Maintain focus and remain steadfastly committed to your personal journey and goals.
- The Rook – Emphasizing `Build Strength, Stand Firm`. The takeaway: Be a solid, unwavering foundation, not just for yourself, but also offering support to those around you.
- The Queen – Epitomizing `Power and Leadership`. The core message: Recognize and embrace your inherent power to lead, protect, and ultimately, to achieve victory.
Phylis concluded her session with a message that clearly struck a chord with the assembled girls:
Looking Ahead: Gears and Goals
This expanding chess community received a significant boost thanks to generous contributions. The Gift of Chess provided 100 chess sets, and DGT donated 100 digital chess clocks. These essential tools were immediately put to use in the large-scale tournament held the following day, June 29th, for all refugees participating in the Chess for Protection program, including the motivated members of the Girls Club.
The hope is that this event is merely the beginning. With sustained support and continued opportunities, the aspiration is tangible: to see members of the Refugee Team, who perhaps made their very first strategic moves right here in Kakuma, competing on the international stage at a future Chess Olympiad.
The entire Chess for Protection project, and impactful events like this one, are made possible through the ongoing, vital collaboration between FIDE and UNHCR. Their shared vision for inclusion and empowerment through the universal language of chess continues to provide uplift and opportunity for the remarkable individuals seeking refuge in Kakuma.
Rupert Hartwell