Help 5 children from Chess in Slums go compete in Harvard!

This fundraiser is organized by The Gift of Chess.

Tax deductible

Pawns can truly become Kings & Queens.

We need your help, we have secured American visas for 5 children from across our Chess in the Slums outreach programs including Ferdinand Maumo who was born with cerebral palsy and was identified as a chess protégé from Makoko the largest floating slum in the world to Mary who lives in an IDP camp in Norther Nigeria, and who's family was displaced by Boko Haram. This is a golden opportunity for the children to showcase their talent on a global stage and show the world what they're truly made of.

All donations will go directly towards booking flights, accommodation and meals during their two week stay from the prestigious Chess and Community conference in Athens, Georgia, to the heart of Times Square New York where they'll be competing against NYC top chess talent, to the hallowed lecture halls of Harvard University.

These kids have prepared all their lives for this moment, it's our turn to stand up for them. Kindly donate to help us bring their dreams to fruition and show them it is indeed possible to do great things from a small place.

Yours Truly,

Tunde Onakoya

With a heart so full it aches, our kids from Nigeria arrived today with in America, where they’ll compete in Athens Georgia, New York City and Harvard University.

Typing these words fill my eyes with tears all over again because I know their stories.

Ferdinand- Differently abled child, living with cerebral palsy, used to be bullied by other children in his community , born to poor fisherman in the Largest floating slum in the world. But when he plays chess, the world standstill.

Mary- her family was almost killed by Boko Haram terrorists. Forgotten in an IDP camp in Northern Nigeria where dreams go to die. But hers didn’t.

Mabel-radiant and full of promise. Met her 7 years ago in the slums of Ikorodu with a sparkle in her eyes but no opportunity to go to school. Today a fierce chess queen with dreams to be a doctor.

Jamiu—Abandoned by father as a child, watched his mum die in my hands, Homeless. Yet undefeated and already one of the best chess players in the country for his age category.

They have braved all odds to be here today to represent children like them who have been told they were invincible.

To the kids: play with heart, walk with pride. Know that the dreams of many others fly with you today, not as a burden but as light.

You are becoming the kind of story the world cannot ignore.

We still need all the help and support we can get, so if you’re in Georgia, NYC or Boston, come support the kids as they show the world what they’re truly made of.

Dates:

Athens Georgia (March 29th)

New York City (April 2nd)

Harvard University. (April 4th)