Chess in Slums commits to children’s educational development

A non-governmental organisation, Chess in Slums Africa, has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting and promoting initiatives aimed at developing children’s education in the country, noting that the move is aimed at giving every child the opportunity to reach full potential.

The Chief Operations Officer, Emmanuel Abiodun Oke, at this year’s chess for education, which is usually celebrated every Children’s day, said the event was to celebrate the power of education, beauty of chess, and the limitless potential of children.

He maintained that education is the cornerstone of progress, and through Chess for Education, it is igniting a spark of curiosity and intellectual growth in children.

In his words: “We are empowering them with skills that will shape their future, preparing them to conquer any challenge that lies ahead. In this room, we have gathered brilliant minds, future leaders, and chess prodigies from the various Chess in Slums centres. Today, we embark on a journey that goes beyond the 64 squares of a chessboard. We believe that chess is not just a game; it is an instrument of empowerment, a catalyst for critical thinking, and a tool that fosters resilience and strategic decision-making.”

To the young chess enthusiasts, Oke charged them to remember that the power to change the world lies within them, encouraging them to believe in their abilities, embrace the lessons learned from every game and deploy the strategies gotten from the board to transform their lives.

“We have children from various backgrounds, cultures, and abilities. Chess knows no boundaries; it transcends language, age, and social status. It unites us, teaches us valuable life lessons, and creates lifelong friendships. Together, we are breaking barriers and building bridges towards a more inclusive and equitable world,” he said.

He urged every chess enthusiast to embrace the spirit of curiosity, perseverance and sportsmanship.

By Opeyemi Babalola

https://guardian.ng/features/education/chess-in-slums-commits-to-childrens-educational-development/