Chess for Hope: how a simple game is changing the lives of Durban’s street children

For vulnerable children and youth at risk in Durban, a simple chessboard has become a powerful symbol of possibility, thanks to the Chess for Hope project.

Since its launch in 2023, the community upliftment initiative led by the KZN Chess Academy in partnership with I Care Durban has been providing more than just a game. Every Wednesday, at a drop-in centre in Morningside, street children are invited to sit down across a chessboard and, in doing so, discover a safe and nurturing space where hope and learning can flourish.

Hundreds of children have already benefited from the weekly coaching sessions. For many, the game is a lifeline. Through learning openings, tactics, and endgames, these young players are also developing critical life skills: strategic thinking, emotional resilience, patience, and self-belief. Organisers say that the lessons extend far beyond the checkered board, equipping children to navigate everyday challenges with newfound confidence and purpose.

“Chess for Hope has given our children a sense of purpose and confidence they didn’t always have,” said Lucia Shange, Project Manager at I Care Durban. “It aligns perfectly with our mission to provide care, protection, and opportunities for vulnerable children, giving them the tools they need to thrive.”

The initiative recently received a significant boost from the global organisation The Gift of Chess, which provided much-needed chess sets. This generous support has allowed the project to expand its reach to additional I Care Durban homes, bringing the transformative power of chess to even more children and opening a door to a brighter future.

The impact of the project has also drawn international attention. Erick Takawira, Councillor of the FIDE Social Commission, praised the initiative as a testament to the game's unique ability to drive social change.

“This initiative shows the power of chess as a social tool that can make a real difference,” Takawira said. “Through the work and vision of the FIDE Social Commission, we continue to see how chess inspires and uplifts communities. We hope to get more support from the local and international community. One move can change a life!”