Rising like queens: A powerful day for girls in Kakuma Refugee Camp
On Saturday, June 28th, 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.
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.
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... for all refugees that are part of the Chess for Protection program..