Chess in Slums Africa, the non-profit organisation founded by chess advocate Tunde Onakoya, has secured funding from the World Bank Group’s Youth Innovation Fund to expand its educational programme for public secondary school students in Lagos.
The organisation announced that it emerged as one of seven successful projects selected from 57 proposals submitted for the highly competitive grant programme.
According to Onakoya, the funding will support the next phase of the organisation’s “Chess to Dream” After-School Programme, an initiative that combines chess education with digital skills training for students in public schools.
The new funding is expected to increase student participation, strengthen the programme’s digital skills curriculum and improve access to technology-driven learning opportunities.
“We believe that talent is universal and opportunity shouldn’t be the exception,” Onakoya said while announcing the development.
Founded to provide educational opportunities for underserved children and young people, Chess in Slums Africa has gained local and international recognition for using chess as a tool for learning, critical thinking, leadership development and social inclusion.
The latest grant is expected to deepen the organisation’s impact within the education sector by expanding access to skills that prepare students for future opportunities in a technology-driven world.
Onakoya also acknowledged the contributions of team members Evangeline Inyang, Precious Ozegbe and Levon Gyozalyan for their roles in developing the successful proposal.
He further expressed appreciation to Lufthansa and Help Alliance for supporting the organisation’s Innovation Hub, which serves as a centre for learning and youth development.
The World Bank Youth Innovation Fund supports youth-led initiatives focused on education, innovation, entrepreneurship and sustainable development.
