{"id":38091,"date":"2025-09-02T07:52:35","date_gmt":"2025-09-02T07:52:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/chessinslumsafrica.com\/?p=38091"},"modified":"2025-09-02T07:52:35","modified_gmt":"2025-09-02T07:52:35","slug":"chess-in-slums-africa-7th-anniversary","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/chessinslumsafrica.com\/our-stories\/chess-in-slums-africa-7th-anniversary\/","title":{"rendered":"Celebrating 7 Years: The Journey of Chess in Slums Africa"},"content":{"rendered":"

On September 1st, 2025<\/strong>, Chess in Slums Africa (CISA)<\/strong> marks a significant milestone\u2014seven years of empowering children in underserved communities through the transformative power of chess. From humble beginnings in Lagos, Nigeria, CISA has grown into a beacon of hope, impacting lives across the African continent. This anniversary is not just a reflection of our past achievements but a celebration of the countless lives touched and the promising future ahead.<\/p>\n

\"Chess<\/p>\n

Our Origins: A Vision Born from Personal Experience<\/h2>\n

Founded in September 2018<\/strong> by Tunde Onakoya<\/strong><\/a>, a national chess master and advocate for educational equity, CISA emerged from a personal journey. Having experienced the challenges of growing up in a disadvantaged community, Tunde recognized the potential of chess as a tool for cognitive development, discipline, and social mobility. His vision was clear: to use chess as a vehicle for change<\/strong>, providing children in slums with opportunities to develop critical thinking skills, build confidence, and aspire for a better future.<\/p>\n

Our Reach: From One Community to a Continent<\/h2>\n

\"CommunitiesWhat began in Ikorodu<\/strong>, a suburb of Lagos, has expanded to seven communities<\/strong> within Nigeria: Makoko<\/strong>, Oshodi<\/strong>, Lekki<\/strong>, Ibadan<\/strong>, Obanliku<\/strong>, and Maiduguri<\/strong>. Each community has its unique story, challenges, and triumphs, but all share a common thread\u2014the transformative impact of chess.<\/p>\n

Through strategic partnerships, notably with The Gift of Chess<\/strong>,<\/a> CISA has extended its reach beyond Nigeria’s borders. This collaboration has facilitated the distribution of over 50,000 chess sets<\/strong> across 25 African countries<\/strong>, including Uganda<\/strong>, Kenya<\/strong>, South Sudan<\/strong>, Tanzania<\/strong>, Zimbabwe<\/strong>, Somalia<\/strong>, Rwanda<\/strong>, Namibia<\/strong>, Lesotho<\/strong>, Liberia<\/strong>, Ivory Coast<\/strong>, Senegal<\/strong>, Gabon<\/strong>, Togo<\/strong>, Ethiopia<\/strong>, Eswatini<\/strong>, Botswana<\/strong>, Cape Verde<\/strong>, DRC<\/strong>, Burkina Faso<\/strong>, Mali<\/strong>, Sierra Leone<\/strong>, Egypt<\/strong>, Benin<\/strong>, Ghana<\/strong>, and Gambia<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

These sets have been distributed to schools, orphanages, prisons, and community centers, igniting a passion for chess and its life-changing benefits across the continent.<\/p>\n

<\/h2>\n

Our Programs: Building Minds, Skills, and Futures<\/h2>\n

\"ChessAt the heart of CISA’s mission is the C.A.S.T.L.E<\/strong> framework, a holistic approach to child development:<\/p>\n