UBUNTU – THE STORIES MATTER; FERDINAND FERDINAND MEHUNU MAWUMO
FERDINAND MAMUO On April 29, 2021, Ferdinand found the gift of chess. Ferdinand’s chance encounter with the game has since become the most defining moment of his life. Ferdinand, a differently-abled child, living with cerebral palsy, born to a poor fisherman used to be bullied by other children in his community and called names like […]
The 12th Annual Chess and Community Conference: Here’s What You Need to Know
When children from the slums of Lagos and conflict zones in Northern Nigeria step onto the global stage, chess becomes more than a game, it becomes a powerful tool for change. On March 29, 2025, at the 12th Annual Chess and Community Conference held at Classic Center, Athens, Georgia, five exceptional players from Chess in […]
U.S. Mission Nigeria Visits Chess in Slums: Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Legacy Through Chess
On Monday, January 20, 2025, Chess in Slums Africa had the distinct honor of hosting the U.S. Mission Nigeria at our Innovation Hub to celebrate the enduring legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The event brought together diplomats, visionaries, and our young champions to reflect on and uphold the values of equality, justice, and […]
Chess in Slums Africa Launches First Innovation Hub in Lagos!
Chess in Slums Africa (CISA) is thrilled to announce the grand opening of its first Innovation Hub, a transformative space for learning, creativity, and empowerment. Located in the heart of Lagos, Nigeria, this hub represents a leap forward in our mission to use chess as a vehicle for positive change and community development. In partnership […]
Chess in Slums Africa and The Gift of Chess Transform Lives Across Africa
We are thrilled to announce our partnership with The Gift of Chess, a charity organisation committed to transforming lives through the game of chess. This partnership unites two organisations that are passionate about using chess to spread opportunities, empower communities, and make a meaningful difference, especially in low-income and underserved areas. Founded in 2020 by […]
Checkmating Health Challenges in Makoko
The recent loss of a young student in Makoko, Mathew in December 2023 due to preventable illnesses, deeply impacted the Chess in Slums, Africa community. This loss highlighted the crucial need for access to healthcare and preventative measures in the underprivileged community. Determined to make a difference, Chess in Slums, Africa partnered with Health Insured […]
Breaking The World Record With Babatunde Onakoya: 60 hours of making a difference
The Convener of Chess in Slums Africa, Babatunde Onakoya recently undertook a remarkable challenge: breaking the Guinness World Record for the longest chess marathon which held in New York’s Times Square from Wednesday, April 17th, 2024, to Saturday, April 20th, 2024. This incredible feat which was supposed to last 58 hours lasted 60 hours beating […]
Meet The Champ (Makoko Chess Journey): Ferdinard Maumo
We all have stories we love to tell, stories that we hold dear to our hearts.For us at Chess in Slums, Africa, one beautiful story we love to tell is that of Ferdinand. In February 2021, we started our Makoko chess dream journey which included a two-week intensive chess training program for children without access […]