Chess club in a Congo refugee camp benefits children beyond just playing the game

In the conflict-affected region of eastern Congo, a refugee camp in Kanyaruchinya is home to a unique initiative – the Soga Chess Club for children. Despite limited resources, the club provides a distraction from the trauma experienced by the young refugees. The club’s founders aim to divert the children’s focus from the harsh realities of conflict, displacement, and loss that they have endured.

With over 5 million people displaced by prolonged conflict in eastern Congo, the region faces one of the world’s most severe humanitarian crises. The Soga Chess Club, operating in one of the vast displacement camps like Kanyaruchinya, offers solace to around 100 children who have signed up. One young club member, 9-year-old Heritier, finds solace and relaxation in the game, demonstrating a keen interest in protecting his king on the chessboard.

The club’s instructors emphasize how chess serves as a therapeutic escape for the children, encouraging focus and calmness in the midst of chaos. As aid agencies struggle to meet the basic needs of millions of displaced individuals, including a quarter million children living in camps, the Soga Chess Club stands out as a beacon of hope.

The club organizers believe that introducing chess to these children diverts their attention from engaging in violent games mimicking the conflict they witness daily. Through Heritier’s enthusiasm and flourishing skills in the game, the organizers witness a positive shift in the children’s perspective, marking a transformation in their approach to life.

President of the Soga Chess Club, Akili Bashige, highlights the passion and resilience displayed by the children in the club, aiming to extend the initiative to orphanages and street-dwelling children. The club not only impacts the children but also brings relief to parents who witness their children finding joy and engagement amidst the harsh realities of displacement and uncertainty in the region. Arusi, a 13-year-old club member, recently gained acclaim for her chess skills, bringing pride and joy to her mother.

As Soga Chess Club continues to provide a sense of normalcy and hope in the lives of displaced children in eastern Congo, the initiative demonstrates the power of a board game in offering solace and distraction in the midst of turmoil and upheaval.