Kibera Knights Chess Club

I joined the Marshall Chess Club in New York City, NY, three years ago. As a lifelong chess player and educator, I recognized the educational and cognitive benefits chess has on young learners. I am also the Education and Technology Director of Crossing Thresholds, a non-profit service organization that partners with five schools in Kibera, Nairobi, Kenya, the largest urban slum on the continent, home to over one million people.

Last summer, the Marshall Chess Club donated over 40 chess sets to the schools in Kibera. I delivered and began remote chess classes, in addition to on-site learning from school instructors. Chess has exploded in popularity at schools. Over 100 students have learned the basics of the game, and the first Kibera Knights chess tournament was held this summer. With over twenty competitors, the action went on for three hours as a back rank checkmate secured the victory for the champion!

I want to allow the students to expand their chess horizons, and while in Nairobi, I contacted the Nairobi Chess Club. They have weekend programs and run regular tournaments in and around the city and are excited about the possibility of having the students from Kibera join the club.

I am seeking funds for membership fees, tournament fees, chess equipment and transportation for these avid chess players! We appreciate your support in this endeavor.