Carla B.

In 2023, Fawaz was very close to joining a cult and his life would have taken a different turn, but we met him and introduced chess to him. Fast forward to this day… he represented his school in the Ecobank National Chess Schools Team Championship and finished the tournament with a perfect score of 6/6, with an impressive performance rating of 2200. He won a bronze medal and a cash prize and was celebrated by national dignitaries, with cameras on his face. It was such a beautiful moment for him, and to witness his growth and achievements in the past few years is something really special to us. “You can’t tell a child there is no hope.”

Four years ago, we partnered with Anchor Heritage Initiative and introduced chess into a juvenile correctional facility in Abeokuta as a tool for rehabilitation and character development. It was there we met twin boys who had been arrested and were about to be taken to a police station. They spoke up and told the officers that they were orphans, living with their grandmother who was about 70 years old. At the time, the boys were just 13 years old. One of them, Taiwo, shared that he had almost joined a cult because he was frequently sent to deliver unclean things. With no real guidance, protection, or access to education, the streets were slowly pulling them into a dangerous life. After speaking with their grandmother, the police officers and officials agreed that the boys should be taken to the correctional facility, where they would be properly cared for and supported. When we met them, it was clear they were very intelligent children. The structure and learning environment of the facility helped shape them positively. They told us themselves that if not for the facility, they would most likely have joined a cult and never had access to education at all. We also learned that many of the children in the facility had been picked up during street raids and brought in from similar circumstances. Taiwo later became the chess champion of the facility. Through chess, he learned discipline, patience, and critical thinking. His character transformation was so remarkable that it was openly commended by the controller and staff of the facility. Their lives were truly changed. Our point is simple: the government must put a long-term plan in place to ensure that children like these are educated, rehabilitated, and supported. When given the right opportunities, these boys do not just survive—they grow into individuals who can add immense value to society. This is the power of education, structure, and belief in children. @Tunde_OD

The young inmates made another board . They are getting obsessed with the game of chess …. Nothing stopped them from making this, not the situation they are in, nor limited resources.. they made the board and we gifted them the piece. “When life gives you a sh*t sandwich, don’t say WHY ME??!! Say TRY ME!!!” @CT_themovie @JohnLeguizamo @CarlaBerkowitz