Tunde Onakoya, founder of Chess in Slums Africa, recently shared exciting news on LinkedIn. Ten students from the academy, including the chess prodigy Deborah Quickpen, will be traveling to the United States next year to attend the CHESS & COMMUNITY CONFERENCE INC conference.

This trip marks a significant moment for the organization, fostering cultural exchange between Nigerian and American youth. Onakoya, reflecting on his own experience attending the conference, highlights the transformative power of such opportunities.

“This conference gave me the opportunity to travel to America for the first time in my life,” Onakoya writes. “Now the kids will enjoy the same experience and more importantly, realize that they too can make an impact on a global stage.”

Investing in the Future:

The trip offers the students a chance to:

• Expand their horizons: Experiencing a new culture firsthand will broaden their perspectives and understanding of the world.
• Connect with peers: Meeting and interacting with American students who share a passion for chess will foster friendships and cultural exchange.
• Gain inspiration: The conference itself will provide a platform to learn from chess masters, educators, and other inspirational figures, igniting their passion for the game and their potential.

Onakoya emphasizes the role of partnerships in making this dream a reality. He expresses gratitude to CHESS & COMMUNITY CONFERENCE INC for their collaboration and to his brother and role model, Lemuel LaRoche, for his unwavering support.

The upcoming trip is a testament to the success of the Chess in Slums Academy. It showcases the organization’s commitment to not only developing chess skills but also nurturing well-rounded individuals with the confidence and ambition to make a difference on the world stage.

Chess serves as a powerful tool for the academy, not just for strategic thinking but also for fostering cross-cultural understanding and empowering young minds to reach their full potential.

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