While chess is often regarded as a game of kings and queens, it can serve as a lifeline for children and adults particularly those uprooted by war, violence, and persecution.
Founded in 2018 in Sudan, the White Nile Chess Academy is harnesses the power of chess to provide critical support to thousands of displaced individuals, including children and young adults.
Displaced persons are in dire need of assistance to rebuild and reconnect; the Academy has provided training to over 62 displaced trainees, improving their mental and physical well-being, teaching stress and anxiety management techniques, and facilitating community engagement.
At the local level, the Academy has trained 300 trainees and roughly 100 online trainees spanning various age groups.
Despite the war in Sudan, which has created significant challenges, including prolonged power outages, communication disruptions, water scarcity, and curfews, the Academy has continued to promote chess activities, hosting 200 local tournaments and participating in global competitions such as the FIDE100 Guinness World Record.
The Academy has also launched a specialized program for displaced persons’ centers, focusing on training displaced children and providing psychological support to those affected by war.
