In 2025, FIDE has dedicated the year to Social Chess, recognizing the power of the game to connect communities, build valuable skills and create meaningful change. Each month, new social projects are highlighted and supported, expanding the reach and impact of what chess can achieve.
With June designated as Refugee Awareness Month, culminating in World Refugee Day on June 20, FIDE & WOM are organizing several activities to mark the occasion and highlight the inspiring impact of chess in Kakuma. The events will take place on 28–29 June, bringing together students, community members, and international partners.
One of FIDE’s flagship efforts is the Chess for Protection project, launched in collaboration with UNHCR to support refugee communities through structured chess education and opportunity.
As part of this global initiative, the FIDE Commission for Women’s Chess (WOM) is proud to contribute through its ongoing support for the Girls Club in Kakuma Refugee Camp, Kenya. The Girls Club, launched in 2021, has become an important component of the Chess for Protection program—empowering girls through chess and creating safe, inclusive spaces for learning, growth, and confidence-building.
Thanks to a dedicated team of international coaches, the Girls Club continues to grow. WGM Anastasia Karlovich and IM/WGM Salome Melia lead regular online workshops and training sessions for the girls, while FM Sergey Klimakovs has provided in-person coaching in Kakuma and will return later this year to continue preparing the students for over-the-board tournaments.
Empowerment and Competition: Events in Kakuma
- June 28th: Motivational Talks and Friendly Matches for Girls’ Club
Phylis Ngigi, Director of Gift of Chess, will visit the camp to deliver motivational talks to the girls from the four schools participating in the Girls Club. Her inspiring words will be followed by friendly matches, providing an opportunity for the girls to apply their skills and enjoy the camaraderie of the game. - June 29th: Mass Chess Tournament for the Kakuma Community
A major highlight will be a mass chess tournament organized for the wider Kakuma community, with the invaluable assistance of Andrew Qwili, Vice-President of Chess Kenya. This event aims to foster community spirit and promote chess as an accessible and enriching activity for all.
A Game-Changer: Support from DGT and Gift of Chess
A special thanks goes to DGT and Hans Pees, whose generous donation of 100 chess clocks will be used during the tournament and for regular training sessions. Likewise, Gift of Chess has made a significant contribution by providing 100 chess boards, ensuring that all participants have the equipment they need to learn, play, and grow.
Access to professional materials is especially important as the Kakuma refugee team, which includes several Girls Club members, continues preparing for the 2026 Chess Olympiad.
Looking Ahead: The Growing Impact of Chess for Protection
To support the growing interest and participation in the program, FIDE will provide new technical equipment to a fourth school in the Kakuma refugee camp—expanding the reach of the Girls Club beyond the three schools currently involved. This development opens new opportunities for more girls to join the program, benefit from expert coaching, and find community through chess.
As Dana Reizniece, Deputy Director of the FIDE Management Board, and a big supporter of the Chess for Protection said:
“When a girl learns to play chess, she learns to believe in her mind, her choices, and her power to change the world.
We hope to see a Refugee Team at the World Chess Olympiad one day. But what matters most is the progress these girls make every day—learning to think independently, make decisions, and gain confidence both on the board and beyond. This is at the heart of FIDE’s mission: using chess as a tool for education, empowerment, and social inclusion.”
The Chess for Protection project—and the Girls Club within it—is a shining example of how FIDE’s social chess initiatives are making a tangible difference in the lives of vulnerable communities. The program has steadily grown, nurturing talent, building confidence, and offering structure, purpose, and hope—even in the most uncertain environments.
As we celebrate Refugee Awareness Month, we invite you to follow the journey of these remarkable individuals and witness how chess continues to inspire, protect, and empower.
Stay tuned for more updates as we continue sharing stories from the Chess for Protection project and its impact on the ground.
Photos by Stev Bonhage
