Chess in Slums Africa – Nominated for Social Enterprise of the Year at the MOI Awards

Chess in Slums Africa (CISA) is a non-profit organization founded in 2018 by Tunde Onakoya, dedicated to empowering underprivileged children through the game of chess.

What began as a small community initiative in the slums of Lagos has grown into an international movement redefining education and opportunity for Africa’s most marginalized youth.

Using chess as a gateway, CISA nurtures critical thinking, patience, and problem-solving skills while connecting children to scholarships, digital literacy, and mentorship opportunities.

Its innovative C.A.S.T.L.E. framework, Chess, Art, STEM, and Lifelong Empowerment, creates a holistic model for sustainable learning and personal growth.

Through projects in communities such as Makoko, Majidun, and Oshodi, CISA has successfully reintegrated hundreds of out-of-school children into formal education, offering them a pathway out of poverty.

Tunde Onakoya’s vision, to show that “brilliance can be found everywhere” has inspired global attention, including recognition from UNESCO, CNN, and the UN.

By turning the chessboard into a classroom of hope, Chess in Slums Africa is proving that talent knows no social class and that with the right opportunity, every child can become a grandmaster of their own destiny.