Chess for Protection
Chess for Protection is a transformative initiative launched in 2021 that empowers refugee youth in the Kakuma and Kalobeyei camps in Kenya through the game of chess. The project, supported by FIDE and Chess Kenya, engages over 2,000 students from primary and secondary schools, promoting critical thinking, focus, and social skills. With a special emphasis on gender inclusion through a Girls' Chess Club, the program provides a safe space for young refugees to grow academically and socially. By equipping schools and community centers with chess resources and trained facilitators, Chess for Protection is not just a game—it’s a pathway to personal development and opportunity.
Objectives
1. Enhance the psychosocial well-being of displaced children and youth through chess.
2. Promote social integration and cohesion within refugee communities.
3. Empower young women and girls by providing equal opportunities to engage in educational and extracurricular activities.
4.Create linkages with the global chess community to foster professional development opportunities for talented players.
Activities and Initiatives
Training Workshops:
Chess training sessions and workshops tailored to all levels of proficiency.
Girl Club Project:
Activities under the Girl Club Project, such as book discussions, painting workshops, and mentorship sessions with successful women.
Competitions & Events:
Tournaments and inter-community events to engage participants and foster camaraderie.
Digital Chess Education:
Provision of chess materials, equipment, and online resources for ongoing practice and learning.
Partnerships
Collaborations with UNHCR, Lutheran World Federation (LWF), KenyaChess Federation, and Kakuma Chess Club.
Future Resources and Materials
Educational Handbooks:
Creating handbooks designed to teach chess in multilingual and multicultural settings.
Videos:
Producing videos showcasing refugee children sharing how chess haspositively impacted their lives.
Research Papers:
Publishing studies on the benefits of chess for trauma recovery and socialintegration.
Volunteer:
Volunteer to teach chess or mentor refugee children.
Donate:
Donate resources to expand program reach.
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