Transforming Lives Through Chess: Shimo La Tewa Borstal Institution’s Journey in the Year of Social Chess
“Every chess master was once a beginner”
As the world welcomed 2025, the Shimo La Tewa Borstal Institution in Mombasa, Kenya, embarked on a transformative journey. The Robotics Society of Kenya (RSK) — Mombasa Chapter, in collaboration with its parent organization, made an inspiring start to the year by donating chessboards to the institution. This initiative resonates with the International Chess Federation’s (FIDE) declaration of 2025 as the ”Year of Social Chess”, an effort to use chess as a tool for addressing global social challenges and promoting inclusivity, education, and mental well-being.
The Vision Behind the Initiative
The program is deeply rooted in the Robotics Society of Kenya’s core mission and mantra: ”Innovating AI, Robotics, IoT, Chess, and Research in Kenya.” By introducing chess to the Shimo La Tewa Borstal Institution, the RSK aims to empower young offenders with skills that extend beyond the chessboard, fostering critical thinking, emotional resilience, and social development.
The Power of Chess in Rehabilitation
The introduction of chess into the juvenile borstal setting is a significant step towards rehabilitation. Chess provides a constructive platform for young offenders to develop crucial life skills. By engaging in the game, they learn critical thinking, problem-solving, and strategic planning. Furthermore, chess fosters essential qualities like patience, self-control, and resilience, all of which are vital for personal growth and successful reintegration into society.
Beyond cognitive benefits, chess promotes valuable social skills. Playing chess encourages respect, teamwork, and sportsmanship, fostering a healthy environment for interaction and communication. It provides a healthy outlet for stress, boosting self-esteem and improving mental well-being.
The impact of chess extends beyond individual development. It complements educational initiatives by enhancing cognitive growth and encouraging long-term planning. By developing strategic thinking and decision-making skills on the chessboard, young offenders can learn to make better choices in their lives and plan for a more positive future.
Chess is more than just a game; it is a powerful rehabilitative tool that offers young offenders a platform to develop skills that prepare them for life beyond the institution. The game fosters:
- Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving: Chess encourages players to analyze situations and anticipate consequences, skills essential for personal and professional success.
- Emotional Resilience: By teaching patience, self-control, and persistence, chess helps young offenders manage emotions and cope with challenges.
- Social Development: The game promotes teamwork, respect, and sportsmanship, cultivating healthy interactions and building trust.
Moreover, chess aligns seamlessly with educational initiatives, boosting cognitive growth and fostering long-term planning. It inspires better decision-making, instills ethical understanding, and nurtures future-oriented thinking, empowering juveniles to envision a better path forward.
A Step Towards Reintegration
Through structured programs, tournaments, and mentorship, chess offers a bridge for young offenders to reintegrate into society. It equips them with essential life skills, improves self-esteem, and provides opportunities for personal growth. By creating a positive and empowering environment, the Shimo La Tewa Borstal Institution is redefining rehabilitation, showing that even in the most challenging circumstances, transformation is possible.
Key Contributors
This initiative owes its success to a team of passionate individuals. Special thanks are extended to Special thanks and heartfelt gratitude are extended to Senior Superintendent of Prison (SSP) Jostinah Wawasi Mwang’ombe,OGW,S/GBV-I , the Shimo La Tewa Borstal Institution, and the correctional center management team for their unwavering support.
Among the driving forces behind the initiative is Joseph Ondieki Isaboke, a Maths and Physics teacher at Hassan Joho Girls Secondary School, Mombasa County. As a volunteer teacher and Chess Coach at the Shimo La Tewa Borstal Institution Chess Club, as well as Chairperson of the Robotics Society of Kenya — Mombasa Chapter, Joseph played a pivotal role in bringing this vision to life.
Also instrumental was Fred Sagwe, a Computer teacher at Sajiloni Girls Secondary School, Kajiado County, and Co-founder and CEO of the Robotics Society of Kenya. His contributions have been vital in ensuring the program’s alignment with the organization’s broader mission and goals.
Looking Ahead
As 2025 unfolds, the Shimo La Tewa Borstal Institution and the Robotics Society of Kenya remain committed to expanding this initiative, demonstrating the profound impact of combining innovation with compassion. In the ”Year of Social Chess,” their work stands as a testament to the power of collective action in creating meaningful change.
This inspiring story reminds us that sometimes, all it takes to change a life is a game — and the vision to see its potential.
This initiative at the Shimo La Tewa Borstal Institution serves as a shining example of how chess can be a catalyst for positive change, contributing to a more just and equitable society.
Resources:
1] International Chess Federation:World Social Chess Initiatives Marathon announced
[2.] Chessify:Seven Remarkable Mental Benefits of Playing Chess
[3.] Chess.com.: Top 10 Benefits of Chess
[4.] ChessKid.com.Chess Online for KIds
[5.] Lichess.org.Free Online Chess
[6.] Parliament of Kenya:Report on the Petition Concerning the Introduction of Chess Game in the School Curriculum as a Tool for Education and Promotion of Good Health
[7.] thechessworld.21Ways to improve at chess
[8.] Global Teacher Prize.Global Teacher Prize:Chess and Robotics: Two Worlds United
[9.] Chess.com.Chess and Mathematics: Exploring the Connection
[10.].Google Doc.Teaching Chess with Google Gemini App: A Personalized Approach
[11.] United Nations: World Chess Day 20 July
[12.] Chess in Education.Using Generative AI for Chess in Education Planning
]13.] Chess.com.Breaking Barriers: Chess As An Inclusive Game For All Abilities
[14.] ResearchGate.The Benefits of Chess for the Intellectual and Social-Emotional Enrichment in Schoolchildren
[15.] Novus:The Benefits of Chess in Prison Education
[16.]FIDE:Chess in Schools
“We learn by chess the habit of not being discouraged by present bad appearances in the state of our affairs, the habit of hoping for a favorable change, and that of persevering in the search of resources.”
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