On a notable Saturday, June 28th, the Kakuma Refugee Camp in Kenya became the stage for an extraordinary gathering. Over 330 young girls participated in a special, in-person chess event, a significant departure from their usual virtual interactions with the game.
This day was more than just a series of chess matches; it was a deliberate effort to transform digital connection into tangible empowerment. Motivational talks complemented the friendly competition, creating a vibrant atmosphere focused on growth and resilience through the strategic lens of chess.
The event was facilitated by the Girls Club, an initiative under the FIDE Commission for Women`s Chess. This club provides consistent support and training, forming a crucial part of the wider Chess for Protection project, a joint endeavor by FIDE and UNHCR to bring the benefits of chess to displaced communities.
Ordinarily, the Girls Club convenes weekly online sessions, guided by international coaches like WGM Anastasia Karlovich and IM Salome Melia, alongside local tutors. These virtual sessions offer valuable chess instruction and contribute significantly to the girls` sense of routine, confidence, and connection to a world beyond the camp.
The Challenge and the Turnout
Organizing a physical event within a refugee camp presents a unique set of logistical hurdles, from securing access and permissions to coordinating communication and resources. Each step demands meticulous planning and robust local collaboration. Despite these challenges, the decision to be physically present carried immense symbolic weight. It conveyed a potent message: `You are seen, you are valued, and we are committed to supporting you on the ground.`
The response was overwhelmingly positive. The participation of over 330 girls from various schools across the camp underscored the profound impact of this in-person engagement, a turnout that genuinely moved everyone involved.
Rising Like Queens: Life Lessons from the Board
A highlight of the day was the motivational session led by Phylis Ngigi, Director of The Gift of Chess. Having traveled to Kakuma specifically for the event, she delivered an inspiring talk titled `Rising Like Queens: Life Lessons Through Chess`.
Drawing from personal experience, Ms. Ngigi used each chess piece as a compelling metaphor for navigating life`s complexities. She wove practical lessons into a narrative of resilience and hope, illustrating how the principles of the game can mirror strategies for life:
- **The Pawn:** Represents the power of small, consistent steps. It teaches that even from humble beginnings, one can advance and fundamentally transform their position. Keep moving forward, because change is possible.
- **The Knight:** Symbolizes unconventional thinking and bold moves. Life`s path is rarely straight, but like the knight`s unique leap, creative approaches can help you find your way around obstacles.
- **The Bishop:** Highlights the importance of focus and purpose. Bishops move diagonally on a single color, teaching dedication and commitment to one`s chosen path or vision.
- **The Rook:** Signifies strength, stability, and building a solid foundation. Like a rook controlling open files, stand firm and be a reliable support for yourself and those around you.
- **The Queen:** Embodies power, leadership, and versatility. The queen`s dominance on the board serves as a reminder of the potential for leadership, the ability to protect what is important, and the capacity to achieve victory.
Ms. Ngigi`s message resonated deeply, emphasizing that the strategic principles of chess are directly applicable to building strength, confidence, and agency in life.
Tangible Support and Future Aspirations
The growth of this community has also been bolstered by generous contributions. The Gift of Chess provided 100 chess sets, while DGT donated 100 digital chess clocks. These resources were immediately put to use in a mass tournament held the following day, June 29th, for all refugees participating in the Chess for Protection program, including the girls from the Girls Club.
This event is seen not just as a single success but as a stepping stone. With ongoing support and such empowering opportunities, there is genuine hope that future Chess Olympiads could feature members of the Refugee Team who first discovered their potential on the chessboards here in Kakuma.
The continued success of the Chess for Protection project is a testament to the enduring partnership between FIDE and UNHCR, whose shared commitment to inclusion and empowerment through chess continues to make a significant difference in the lives of the people in Kakuma.
Callum Darby 
Finley Holt