Chess For Success

I learned of an NGO in Portland, OR, called, Chess For Success. Phil Margolin, an attorney who became a NY Times best-selling author (https://phillipmargolin.com/) was one of three founders in 1996. He shared his story with me about being a wayward young man who learned how to play chess and it turned his life around. He decided to share that experience with other young folks.

The U.S. Congress commissioned a study of the Chess for Success program (www.chessforsuccess.org). The final 2006 report of the two-year study showed that Chess for Success had accomplished its primary goal of enabling children to be patient and analytical in all problem-solving situations so that there is an increase in their academic achievement and self-esteem. Chess for Success also had an impact on increasing the interest of strong proportion of girls in analytical problem solving.

We decided to start a Chess Club at Muko High School. Chess For Success (CFS) donated 50 chess sets and pieces that we took over in 2022. The Facilitator Coach Manual created by CFS is so comprehensive that the teacher/coach does not even have to know how to play chess! So, the club began!


We had about 40 students show up. When I shared that this club at Muko High School was the first outside of the U.S. They cheered! The teachers/coaches jumped right in and creatively began teaching the lessons. They turned the lesson on how to set up the chess board into a fun competition. 

Teacher/Coaches learning the first lesson.        Mathias (Science Teacher) teaching Club members

This program will provide greatly needed critical thinking skills, problem-solving, patience, strategic thinking and planning to enhance the Ugandan educational curriculum. And, the kids love it! 

Members of the Muko High School Chess For Success Club

We would love to have you join us at one of our two 20th Anniversary Dinners! Midland, Friday, September 8th or Traverse City, Saturday, September 16th. Please email Sue Waechter for tickets ($35 each).

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Comments

  1. AnonymousAugust 25, 2023 at 10:50 AM

    Wonderful that chess is being embraced! Absolutely wonderful!
    From Carolyn Hahne Traverse City, MI

    ReplyDelete
  2. AnonymousSeptember 8, 2023 at 6:09 AM

    So proud of ACT for initiatives with Chess for Success!!

    ReplyDelete

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