To mark World Refugee Day on June 20th, FIDE and the global chess community – including the FIDE Commission for Women’s Chess – joined in celebrating refugees and the power of chess through a special weekend of events in Kakuma, Kenya, under the spirit of the Chess for Protection project.
Our project Girls’ Club was in focus on June 28th, followed by a mass tournament for everyone on June 29th. We invite you to read a report about the events prepared by our local lead for the Chess for Protection Project:
KAKUMA CHESS CLUB
WORLD REFUGEE DAY COMMEMORATION EVENTS REPORT
Dates: 28th – 29th June 2025
Venue: Kakuma Refugee Camp
1. Overview
Kakuma Chess Club successfully held two impactful events on the 28th and 29th of June 2025 in commemoration of World Refugee Day. These events celebrated the resilience and talents of refugee communities, using chess as a platform for empowerment, education, and unity—particularly among youth and girls.
Notably, the events also saw active participation from the host community, with over 30 individuals joining across both days. This inclusive approach fostered stronger ties between refugee and host populations and enriched the spirit of shared learning and celebration.
These events were made possible through the vital support of our partners: UNHCR, LWF, and our primary donor FIDE, whose commitments continue to sustain the Kakuma Chess for Protection and Girl Club initiatives.
Anastasia Sorokina, the FIDE-appointed Project Lead for the Kakuma and Kalobeyei Chess for Protection initiative, plays a central coordination role between FIDE and the Kakuma Chess Club. She is also the founder of the Girl Club, a key empowerment initiative for refugee girls in the region. The project is implemented locally through the Local Project Lead.
2. Event 1: Girl Club Motivational Talk and Discussion
Date: 28th June 2025
Time: 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Participants: 332 girls from four Girl Club stations and regular schools
Held at Kakuma Refugee Camp, the first event brought together 332 girls for a motivational session under the Girl Club initiative. Guest speakers included Phyllis Ngigi from The Gift of Chess and Andrew Owili, Vice President of Chess Kenya Federation.
The session emphasized courage, ambition, and resilience, encouraging the girls to pursue their dreams without fear. Engaging presentations and personal stories were followed by interactive discussions that strengthened the girls’ self-belief and confidence.
In addition to her session, Phyllis visited a nearby elders’ center and surrounding community, where she discovered several elderly chess enthusiasts. She generously donated 10 chess boards to the community, particularly benefiting the elders. We greatly appreciate her thoughtful and inclusive contribution.
3. Event 2: Kakuma and Kalobeyei World Refugee Day Chess Tournament – Second Edition
Date: 29th June 2025
Participants: 176 players
- Open Category: 116 players (from 125 registered; 9 absentees)
- Female Category: 60 players (from 50 registered; 10 walk-in players)
This second edition of the chess tournament marked a major step forward in promoting structured chess engagement in displacement settings. The event brought together refugee and host community players, fostering friendly competition and cross-community unity.
Awards and Prizes
All participants and organizers received certificates of participation, and top performers received cash awards. It is worth noting that the prize money was equal for male and female participants.
4. Welfare
On the first day, all 332 participating girls and additional attendees received snacks and bottled water, as the session lasted two hours.
On the second day, all 176 chess players received lunch, bottled water, and soda, ensuring they were well-nourished and energized to participate effectively throughout the tournament.
5. Transport
Transport was provided for all participants on both days. Attendees from within Kakuma and Kalobeyei were safely transported to and from the venues, ensuring wide and inclusive participation.
6. Combined Welfare and Transport Support
The combination of reliable welfare support and transport logistics played a vital role in the success of both events. These provisions ensured that all participants were adequately nourished, safe, and able to fully engage with the activities.
7. Acknowledgments
Kakuma Chess Club extends heartfelt thanks to:
- UNHCR and LWF for their on-ground support and weekend commitment
- Special appreciation to Ina Guya (UNHCR), Moses Mateyi, and Precious (LWF)
- FIDE, for funding the Kakuma Chess for Protection and Girl Club Project
- Phyllis Ngigi from The Gift of Chess and Andrew Owili from Chess Kenya Federation for their motivational engagement and contributions to the community
- Anastasia Sorokina, FIDE’s Project Lead for the Kakuma and Kalobeyei Chess for Protection initiative and Founder of the Girl Club, for her strategic oversight and continued support through the Local Project Lead.
8. Conclusion
The World Refugee Day events were more than commemorative they were transformational. Through chess, mentorship, and inclusivity, Kakuma Chess Club continues to foster hope, learning, and social cohesion among refugees and host communities alike.
