1,000 Chess Sets Reach South Africa
I aim every day to use chess as tool to uplift communities & help produce winners in different spheres of life. I am the ambassador for The Gift of Chess in South Africa . Meet Erick Takawira ,who is leading the distribution of 1,000 chess sets across South Africa.
Erick’s Story..
The journey began in the dusty streets of Mbare when at the age of 14 I was first introduced to chess by my friend Joseph. The fascination grew and in no time I representing my school team in tournaments. The kids I met and played with are still friends more than 2 decades later.
My impression about chess as a social equalizer was formed during these school days because township kids (with very little resources) were the ones excelling in tournaments. I learnt that w/ the right opportunity & guidance anyone could make it no matter the circumstances or where one comes from.
The experience has had its ups and downs, but the most important thing were the lessons learnt. I started a chess club which was short-lived and same year in 2003 I had my greatest highlight at the time when I became a national team player.
Fast forward to 2012 I’m part of a team conducting teacher workshops and helping set up chess clubs and district chess structures in KwaZulu-Natal Province. I learnt that people had a lot but need someone to believe in them. My time as head coach for KZN and national coach for the South Africa juniors was an eye-opener as I started to see the need to establish a platform to upskill young people and give them an equal footing.
I founded the KZN Chess Academy in 2014 as part of this mission to use chess as tool for education and to uplift communities. I have been part of programs and partnerships which has an impact in orphanages, township schools, the visually impaired, children with autism, youth-at-risk shelters, homeless people, prisons etc. I have learnt to wear many hats in the chess community so I can help where I can and give back even if it’s just time (Important resource).
I have won awards including an international award and hoping it inspires other people. Chess opened doors I would have never dreamt of and gave me opportunity to connect with people doing amazing community work throughout the world and a case in point is Gift of Chess.
This partnership with The Gift of Chess is in line with the vision to provide opportunities to people so they can reach their full potential. This intervention by Gift of Chess is not only about giving chess sets but also giving people a voice to be heard and a pathway to the several academic and social benefits.
There is inequality and many social ills in our society and chess bridges the social gap. Chess is low-cost means of promoting social cohesion. The 1000 chess sets from The Gift of Chess will go a long way in helping those who need them the most and hopefully ignite a fire within the SA communities which will see volunteers, government, local organizations, and companies coming on board to partner and provide resources (opportunities).
The story continues to be told…
If you are interested in helping volunteer or need chess sets for your community please connect w/ Erick. We will be distributing 5 sets gifts across schools, orphanages, prisons, clubs, using chess as a low-cost tool to expand opportunities & release human potential.
https://twitter.com/takawirachess
