The Gift of Chess Global Ambassador
Kenya
Joined May 2012
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Kosi Danford retweeted
No posters. No PA system. Just word of mouth.
I left home to look for kids to train, in 30 minutes 34 RAN to come.
Look at their eyes. Focused. Hungry to learn. ♟️
We don't have fancy boards, we use Chess Sets produced using Discarded waste by Kijiji Solutions and @thegiftofchess In Kibera. We don't have a hall, we have a thatched Shed at Future hope in Vipingo, Kenya
But we have TALENT.
This is what hunger for opportunity looks like. Barefoot, on a discarded paper board, but their minds are playing like grandmasters.
We complain about lack of resources. These kids just need a chance. A board. A teacher. Someone to believe in them.
Today we didn't just play chess. We taught patience, strategy, and how to think 5 moves ahead in life.
We are creating opportunities, one pawn at a time.
Help us keep them off the streets and on the board.
No posters. No PA system. Just word of mouth.
I left home to look for kids to train, in 30 minutes 34 RAN to come.
Look at their eyes. Focused. Hungry to learn. ♟️
We don't have fancy boards, we use Chess Sets produced using Discarded waste by Kijiji Solutions and @thegiftofchess In Kibera. We don't have a hall, we have a thatched Shed at Future hope in Vipingo, Kenya
But we have TALENT.
This is what hunger for opportunity looks like. Barefoot, on a discarded paper board, but their minds are playing like grandmasters.
We complain about lack of resources. These kids just need a chance. A board. A teacher. Someone to believe in them.
Today we didn't just play chess. We taught patience, strategy, and how to think 5 moves ahead in life.
We are creating opportunities, one pawn at a time.
Help us keep them off the streets and on the board.
Off to the ground again. Looking for kids, teaching chess, creating opportunities. One board, one child, one future at a time. ♟️
Kosi Danford retweeted
Chess indeed is a universal language, building bridges and creating opportunities globally❤️❤️❤️
The Gift of Chess had the privilege of visiting Ziwani School for the Deaf in Mombasa to donate chess sets made from Discarded waste by Kijiji Solutions in Kibera, Kenya.
In the photo, you can see 9 of the first students who immediately showed interest in learning the game. They were holding their new green-and-white chessboards with so much pride. In total, the school has over 40 learners who are eager to join the chess club once training starts.
What struck me most was their reaction. Chess is a silent game - you don't need to speak to play. For these children, that was powerful. The moment they held the boards, their faces lit up. Some were already making the sign for "game" and "king" in sign language, others were just smiling and showing each other the pieces. One of the teachers told me, "This is the first time they are getting a game where everyone is equal."
It was a humbling and emotional experience. This is more than just a donation; it's giving them a new language to think, compete, and express themselves.
We are now planning weekly training sessions at Ziwani School for the Deaf in January when Schools re-open.
@Doshbg
Kosi Danford retweeted
The Gift of Chess had the privilege of visiting Ziwani School for the Deaf in Mombasa to donate chess sets made from Discarded waste by Kijiji Solutions in Kibera, Kenya.
In the photo, you can see 9 of the first students who immediately showed interest in learning the game. They were holding their new green-and-white chessboards with so much pride. In total, the school has over 40 learners who are eager to join the chess club once training starts.
What struck me most was their reaction. Chess is a silent game - you don't need to speak to play. For these children, that was powerful. The moment they held the boards, their faces lit up. Some were already making the sign for "game" and "king" in sign language, others were just smiling and showing each other the pieces. One of the teachers told me, "This is the first time they are getting a game where everyone is equal."
It was a humbling and emotional experience. This is more than just a donation; it's giving them a new language to think, compete, and express themselves.
We are now planning weekly training sessions at Ziwani School for the Deaf in January when Schools re-open.
@Doshbg
Standing at the gate of Ziwani School for the Deaf.
Before I even entered, their wall taught me something:
CUSTOMER FOCUS, INTEGRITY, TEAM WORK, WE CARE.
These are not just words painted on a wall - they are exactly what chess teaches ,We @thegiftofchess are bringing chess to a place where silence is not a barrier, but a superpower. The Chessboard doesn't need you to hear, it needs you to think.
Kosi Danford retweeted
Eli drove from Colorado to NYC to deliver nearly 2000 chess sets that were designed and manufactured by his father William Holden. As sales became challenging, the desire to share these beautiful chess sets with the world became the priority. In that spirit Eli loaded up his truck and drove across the USA arriving in NYC for the very first time.
This holiday season, these sets will be gifted to students and chess enthusiasts across NYC and beyond.
Thank you Holden Art.
Today, @thegiftofchess had the honor of conducting a community outreach at Ziwani School for the Deaf, in Mombasa, Kenya
We donated chess sets and launched coaching for their learners. Chess is proven to improve concentration, critical thinking, and social inclusion — but deaf children are often left out due to lack of Chess Sets.
Today we changed that. These brilliant learners showed that chess has no barriers. Silence speaks, minds think.
This is just the beginning 🚀 @BerniceWambui22 @davidllada @FIDESocialChess
Kosi Danford retweeted
We are a community of dreamers fighting for change. We are not armed with weapons that destroy but chess sets that empower. Our greatest tool is the stories of hope we tell because through those simple stories we can inspire global hope and opportunity.
This young girl living in a refugee camp in The Democratic Republic of Congo, carries a story of resilience and courage. She has endured unimaginable trials, yet despite the challenges, she remains a beacon of hope, w/ incredible potential. @SogaChess @CongoleseYoung
Kosi Danford retweeted
Calling all builders, makers, dreamers and entrepreneurs. We need all hands on deck!! We are transforming waste plastic into recycled chess sets in the most unlikely of places. These sets are used for education to children living in these communities as seen here in Goma, DRC
Kosi Danford retweeted
In parership with @SogaChess, our factory in Goma DRC has now produced 1,500 chess sets. These sets have reached many new communities including this school for the deaf.
This is what girl's empowerment looks like , not in a Conference hall but a small blue bench in Vipingo Village , Kenya ❤️💙 @thegiftofchess @BerniceWambui22 @FIDESocialChess @davidllada @JenShahade @ShawnaLaing
Kosi Danford retweeted
Trash gets 2nd chance as chess pieces. This local entrepreneurial initiative is helping provide local jobs, increasing access to chess education and cleaning up the environment.
♟️ FROM VIPINGO VILLAGE TO CHESS MASTERS ♟️
This evening at Future Hope Montessori, Vipingo...Kenya
After school, instead of going straight home, these amazing kids from Vipingo Village, in Kenya come together to practice chess. No fancy hall. Just an Open hut, focus, and passion.
What makes it special?
We are playing on eco-friendly chess sets made from discarded waste by *Kijiji Solutions* - turning trash into tools for young minds!
This is more than a game. Chess is teaching them:
✅ Problem-solving & critical thinking
✅ Academic focus
✅ Social skills, patience & discipline
From village dust to grandmaster dreams. This is why we do what we do. @thegiftofchess @BerniceWambui22 @davidllada
