In the informal settlements of Mathare, Kibera, Kawangware, Mukuru, Dandora, and Kariobangi, and in communities across the Mt. Kenya region, Kajiado, Mombasa, and Arusha, children often grow up without safe spaces to learn or reliable access to opportunity. Challenge Aid responds to this by setting up community libraries (now 55 in number) designed as secure hubs for learning, where young people gain knowledge, receive mentorship, build skills, and access opportunities that help break cycles of poverty. Mashimoni School of Hope (SOH) is one of these libraries. Talent and drive exist in every neighborhood; what’s been missing is the platform to nurture it.
Historically, competitive chess has been a game of privilege. The costs of tournaments, coaching, and travel have largely limited high-level play to well-resourced private schools. For most children in informal settlements across Kenya, that meant being locked out of the very arenas where potential gets spotted and developed.
YOUTHRISE CHANGEMAKERS took a different route. Born from alumni of the Mashimoni School of Hope program, we launched chess clubs within Challenge Aid’s community libraries. ChallengeAid supported with boards, carved out dedicated practice time, and had our own volunteers step up as chess coaches. The goal was simple: make sure a child’s postcode never decides their potential.
The evidence supports this approach. Chess instruction is linked to stronger outcomes in mathematics, memory, concentration, and strategic thinking.
This past week proved the model works. At the National Chess Tournament held at Mangu High School, YOUTHRISE CHANGEMAKERS and other Schools of Hope had 9 players compete in the nationals, sponsored by Challenge Aid. Out of more than 8,000 players countrywide, 8 of our players earned spots at the Africa Continental Chess Championship in Uganda next month, with one player now in the Playoffs.
These results show what happens when access is deliberate and when young people get steady mentorship, guidance, and a chance to compete. We’re proud of our players and volunteer coaches, and we’re already preparing for the next step. Getting to Uganda will take resources, training, and community backing.
If you believe a child’s birthplace shouldn’t limit their future, stand with these young players. Share their story. Back their journey. Help us keep opening doors for talent that’s ready to walk through.
Next stop: Uganda.
#Chess #BoardlordsChessClub #AfricaChess #BreakingBarriers #AlleviateOutOfPoverty #ContinentalChampionship