In the heart of Kenya`s Kakuma Refugee Camp, a place synonymous with resilience against hardship, something truly special unfolded on Saturday, June 28th. Amidst the daily challenges, over 330 young girls gathered not for refuge, but for a game – a game proving to be a powerful vehicle for empowerment: chess.
This wasn`t just any casual get-together. It was a vibrant, in-person celebration of the FIDE Commission for Women`s Chess`s `Girls Club` initiative, part of the wider `Chess for Protection` project. While weekly online sessions with international coaches provide consistent training and connection, this day marked a significant shift. It transformed the usual virtual connection into a tangible, shared experience, underscoring a simple but profound message to the girls: “We see you. We care. We are ready to do it for you.” The sheer turnout from different schools within the camp was a testament to the initiative`s impact and the girls` eagerness to participate.
Rising Like Queens: Life Lessons from the Game
A highlight of the day was an inspiring motivational talk titled `Rising Like Queens: Life Lessons Through Chess`, delivered by Phylis Ngigi, Director of The Gift of Chess. Drawing from personal experience, Phylis masterfully used each chess piece as a metaphor for navigating life`s complexities and unlocking inner strength. It’s rather elegant, taking the humble wooden pieces and turning them into symbols of potential and perseverance.
Here`s how the pieces offered wisdom:
- The Pawn – Representing Small Steps, Big Dreams. The lesson: keep moving forward, for transformation is possible.
- The Knight – Symbolizing being Bold and Thinking Differently. Its unique L-shaped move reminds us that even when the direct path is blocked, finding a different angle can lead the way.
- The Bishop – Teaching to Follow Your Purpose. Like the bishop confined to its color but commanding diagonals, staying focused and committed is key to your journey.
- The Rook – Building Strength, Standing Firm. The rook`s solid, straight movement represents being a strong, reliable foundation for yourself and others.
- The Queen – Embodying Power and Leadership. The most versatile piece reminds the girls that they possess the power to lead, protect, and ultimately, win their battles.
This powerful message, connecting the strategies of the chessboard to the strategies needed for life, resonated deeply with the young audience facing extraordinary circumstances.
Building the Community, Piece by Piece
The event wasn`t just about talks; it was also about equipping the girls for continued play. Generous donations bolstered the growing chess community. The Gift of Chess provided 100 physical chess sets, while DGT contributed 100 digital chess clocks. These tangible resources were immediately put to use in a large-scale tournament held the very next day, open to all participants of the Chess for Protection program, including the Girls Club members.
This initiative is a shining example of collaboration between FIDE and UNHCR, partners united by a shared vision: leveraging chess as a tool for inclusion, protection, and empowerment in displaced communities. While the journey in a refugee camp is undeniably challenging, events like this provide moments of joy, structure, and a powerful sense of belonging. The hope is palpable – that perhaps, the next Chess Olympiad might feature members of a Refugee Team who took their first strategic steps right here, in Kakuma, proving that even in the most unexpected places, queens can rise.
Marcus Blakely 
Gilbert Pendleton