We are very happy to announce that the Girls Club, part of the “Chess for Protection” project, will continue in 2025, bringing hope, education, and empowerment to refugee girls in Kenya’s Kakuma Refugee Camp.
After a successful launch in 2021, this initiative, in collaboration with FIDE and UNHCR, has made a significant impact, and we are excited and honoured to keep supporting these young women in their journeys.
Kakuma is home to over 500,000 refugees, with children and youth making up a large portion of the population. Many of these young girls face challenging circumstances, but through this project, they are given the chance to develop new skills, make friends, and discover opportunities they never thought possible – thanks to the game of chess, and thanks to our incredible team.
The project offers chess lessons, workshops, book club and mentoring to girls in Kakuma, helping them build confidence and leadership. Led by experienced trainers, these sessions teach not only the rules of chess but also important life skills, such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and resilience.
In addition to their lessons, the girls have been preparing to compete in the Chess Olympiad. While technical challenges prevented participation this past year, we remain committed to helping them compete in future Olympiads, and we are optimistic that they will have the opportunity to shine on the global stage in the years to come.
We would also like to express our gratitude to the coaches who have been instrumental in making this project a success. Anastasiya Karlovich, a Woman Grandmaster from Ukraine, has been an incredible mentor, sharing her vast knowledge and inspiring the girls with her own journey in the chess world. Salome Melia, an International Master and Woman Grandmaster from Georgia, has not only provided expert coaching but also brought her own experiences and passion for chess to empower the girls. Thank you both for your dedication and support in transforming the lives of these young women.
The coaches already started the classes in the 2025 season and will have on-line lessons with the girls weekly on Saturdays. The focus was chess of course, but not only the studying itself, but also learning about the chess world – girls heard about the recent chess events, like the spectacular FIDE World Blitz and Rapid Championships.
The impact of the project goes far beyond the chessboard. It gives the girls a sense of belonging, boosts their self-esteem, and opens their eyes to new possibilities. Over the years, we’ve seen how exploring chess together helps them navigate their challenges, inspires them to dream big, and empowers them to shape their futures—both in chess and in life.
