On Saturday, June 28t, something truly extraordinary happened in Kakuma Refugee Camp in Kenya. Over 330 girls gathered for a special on-site chess event!
It was a special day – featuring motivational talks and friendly chess matches – transforming what is usually a virtual connection into a vibrant, in-person celebration of empowerment through chess.
The event was part of the Girls Club – an initiative of the FIDE Commission for Women’s Chess that offers regular support, training, and empowerment opportunities to girls living in Kakuma Refugee Camp. The Girls Club is part of the broader Chess for Protection project, through which FIDE brings chess to displaced communities.
Usually, the Club holds weekly on-line sessions with international coaches WGM Anastasia Karlovich and IM Salome Melia, alongside a local chess tutor. These sessions provide not only chess instruction, but also a much-needed sense of structure, confidence, and global connection.
A special day in a unique place
Organizing an event in a refugee camp is no simple task. Access, logistics, permissions, communication – each step requires careful planning and strong local partnerships. Yet the impact of showing up in person cannot be overstated. It sends a clear message: We see you. We care. We are ready to do it for you.
And the girls responded. Over 330 girls from different schools in the camp took part in Saturday’s celebration – an incredible turnout that deeply moved everyone involved.
Inspiration across the board
The day’s highlight was a motivational session by Phylis Ngigi, Director of The Gift of Chess, who traveled to Kakuma to deliver her inspiring talk: “Rising Like Queens: Life Lessons Through Chess.”
Speaking from personal experience, Phylis used each chess piece as a metaphor for life, weaving powerful lessons into a message of resilience and hope:
- The Pawn – Small Steps, Big Dreams
Keep moving. You can transform your life. - The Knight – Be Bold, Think Differently
Even when the path is not straight, you can still find your way. - The Bishop – Follow Your Purpose
Stay focused and committed to your journey. - The Rook – Build Strength, Stand Firm
Be a strong foundation for yourself and others. - The Queen – Power and Leadership
You have the power to lead, protect, and win.
Phylis concluded with a message that resonated deeply: “You are part of a global family of thinkers and dreamers.”
Generous support and looking ahead
Importantly, this growing chess community is now better equipped thanks to generous donations: The Gift of Chess provided 100 chess sets, and DGT contributed 100 digital chess clocks. These will be put to immediate use during the mass tournament taking place the following day, on June 29th, for all refugees that are part of the Chess for Protection program; girls from the Girls Club included.
We hope that this is just the beginning. With continued support and opportunities like these, we believe the next Chess Olympiad could feature members of the Refugee Team who took their very first steps here in Kakuma.
The Chess for Protection project is made possible thanks to the ongoing collaboration between FIDE and UNHCR, whose shared vision for inclusion and empowerment through chess continues to uplift the incredible people in Kakuma.