A transformative era is imminent for chess in Malawi’s schools, with the Chess Association of Malawi’s award for Best Executed Sports Development Programme at the 2024 Malawi Sports Awards serving as a testament.
The Chess In Schools Programme has a far-reaching impact that extends far beyond the chess board, creating an environment where every young chess enthusiast can learn about chess, play, compete, and be part of the chess community.
They have genuinely revolutionized the game of chess where the values of inclusivity, commitment, and passion for chess development shine brightly.Magret Ngugama is instrumental to the achievements and advancements of the Chess In Schools Programme.
Magret’s chess journey commenced in 2010 as a schools patron, and before long, the Physical Education teacher was participating in chess competitions. She competed in her first tournament in 2011.
Hello Magret, thank you for taking the time to speak with us. Could you please introduce yourself to our readers and tell us more about yourself?
I am a dedicated Physical Education teacher at an international school in Blantyre, Malawi, I have cultivated a strong passion for chess education and development. My chess journey began in 2010 as a school patron, where my interest quickly evolved from observing tournaments to participating in them.
Since my inaugural tournament in 2011, I have maintained an active role in chess as both a player and educator.
I achieved the certifications of National Instructor (NI) in 2012 and National Arbiter (NA) in 2015, the same year I emerged victorious in the Mdina Malawi Open Ladies Chess Championship.
Through my collaborations with schools across Malawi, I have promoted chess, eventually assuming the role of Schools’ Coordinator for the Chess Association of Malawi in 2018.
My leadership in chess has expanded to international representation, serving as Head of Delegation for Malawian chess teams at multiple international tournaments, including three African Youth Chess Championships, two Chess Olympiads, and regional competitions across Africa.
Additionally, I served as Ladies Captain for the 2018 Chess Olympiad in Batumi, Georgia.
Congratulations on winning the ‘Best Executed Sports Development Programme’. Kindly share with us how the Chess in schools program is going in Malawi.
Chess in schools is spreading faster than a bishop pair on an open board! We’ve been working hard to get chess into more classrooms, and guess what? Teachers are loving it.
The impact has been more significant in the past two years. This has been possible through the engagement of Malawi Schools’ Sports Association (MASSA) which works directly under the Ministry of Sports and Culture and links CHESSAM with all primary and secondary schools in the country.
Our sponsors, Pyxus/Alliance One supporting chess learning in primary schools in the tobacco producing areas of the Central Region of Malawi in an effort to reduce child labour in the farms. All champions for this tournament have a chance test their mantle at international level.
And Nico Asset Managers promoting formation of chess clubs in schools as they sponsor schools’ league championships which is for secondary schools, teams compete. Malawi is blessed with vibrant academies like Dadaz Chess Academy, Khisho Board Games and Mwale Chess Academy have contributed immensely to chess development in schools.
Academies provide coaching and support for players especially the youths. A number of players from academies have competed in international tournaments. In addition, through the Gift of Chess Global Head, Susan Namangale, more than 200 schools received chess sets across Malawi.
We also have awesome parents and supporting school administrations. The game is still on, we have challenges such as funding for the program, limited material and trained personnel to teach chess in schools. In spite of the challenges, we shall continue to push the chess agenda.
How does it feel to win an award at the Malawi Sports Awards?
Honestly, it was a great honor for me to represent the Chess Association of Malawi (CHESSAM) at Malawi National Sports Awards, and winning was both a humbling and motivating experience. It validated the work we have put into chess development in schools as an association. More importantly, it was a win for chess in Malawi, proving that chess is gaining more recognition.
Who are the chess players, administrators and technical officials you admire?
• Players: Judit Polgar – who doesn’t love a queen who can destroy kings?
Magnus Carlsen – he makes chess look way too easy.
GM Bassem Amin – our African chess needs superheroes too!
• Administrators: Arkady Dvorkovich, for running FIDE like a grandmaster.
Tshepiso Lopang her ability to multitask, I suspect she has some extra hours in a day and the rest of us do not have.
And all those unsung heroes in African chess who juggle chess development with trying to explain to their families why they spend more time with pawns than people.
Technical Officials: Top-notch arbiters like Laurent Freyd, because without them, tournaments would be like a game of blitz with no clock, total chaos!
Where do you see yourself in the chess world in the next five years?
• Hopefully, not still explaining to people that “chess is a sport.”
• Becoming an International Arbiter, so I can travel the world while reminding grandmasters to press their clocks.
• Growing chess in Malawi so much that parents start saying, “You better do your chess homework first!” instead of math.
• Training and mentoring more girls in chess because we need more queens ruling the board!
• Sitting at a Chess Olympiad, sipping tea watching my students crush the competition.
