Changing Pawns to Queens: A Journey from Kenya to Uganda

By Chris Major

President, Novato Chess Club

Changing Pawns to Queens: A Journey from Kenya to Uganda

By Christopher Major

One of the greatest rewards of chess outreach is watching young people discover opportunities they never thought possible.

Many years ago, the Novato Chess Club began supporting chess development efforts in Kenya. At the time, our focus was simple: provide chess boards and help local leaders introduce more children to the game.

What happened next exceeded our expectations.

Under the leadership of dedicated educators and coaches such as Jacinta Ouma, the Migori AllStars Chess Club continued to grow. Children learned the game, developed their skills, and began competing at increasingly higher levels.

Recently, we received exciting news from Kenya.

A team of young players from Migori AllStars traveled to Uganda to participate in the African Youth Chess Championship. For many of these students, it was their first opportunity to leave their community and compete internationally as part of Team Kenya.

The Novato Chess Club was honored to contribute $500 to help make that journey possible.

According to Jacinta, the support allowed players to travel safely to Uganda, compete against strong opponents from across Africa, and gain valuable experience that will benefit them for years to come.

The results were impressive. Several players achieved strong performances in their divisions, including top placements in the Under-12 and Under-14 categories. More importantly, they returned home with greater confidence, new friendships, and a broader vision of what is possible.

Jacinta shared a phrase that deeply moved me. She described their mission as "changing pawns to Queens."

That phrase perfectly captures what chess outreach is all about.

The real goal is not producing champions. The real goal is helping young people recognize their potential. Chess becomes the vehicle through which children learn discipline, patience, strategic thinking, and perseverance.

As the program continues to grow, the needs are evolving. While chess boards remain important, transportation and travel support are becoming increasingly critical. Talented children now have opportunities to compete beyond their villages, but many lack the resources needed to get there.

This is where our future efforts can make an even greater difference.

Every tournament attended, every bus ride funded, every meal provided, and every chess board donated creates opportunities for young people to grow into leaders within their communities.

The Novato Chess Club is proud to stand alongside Migori AllStars and our friends throughout Kenya.

Together, we continue to prove that chess is more than a game.

It is a pathway to education, opportunity, friendship, and peace.

– Chris Major

Novato Chess Club

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