Reaching More Queens Across Nigeria

After our free online chess lessons in June, we realised something important — the need to reach even more girls and women across Nigeria. The question was: how?

Nigeria's vast geography poses many challenges, but like the pawns on a chessboard, we move forward one step at a time — determined, strategic, and full of purpose.

That next step took us to Trans-Ekulu Girls Secondary School in Enugu, a public school in the heart of Nigeria's beautiful coal city. Joined by our enthusiastic member, Dr. Jovita, the Promoting Queens team set out to share the gift of chess with young girls eager to learn and grow.

It was a heartfelt experience for both us and the wonderful students of Trans-Ekulu — one that reminded us why we do what we do.

Empowering Queens Through Education

Trans-Ekulu Girls Secondary School is home to bright, hopeful young women with big dreams. Yet, like many public schools in Nigeria, it faces a number of challenges — from limited learning resources to students who balance school with domestic responsibilities.

We were warmly welcomed by the school authorities, who were open and eager to support initiatives that could enrich their girls' education. For many, chess was something entirely new. So we took time to show how it builds critical thinking, patience, problem-solving, and confidence — skills that go far beyond the board.

Challenges We Overcame

Of course, no mission comes without challenges.

• Some students struggled to stay engaged due to academic pressures and household duties.
• The school's primary academic needs included support in mathematics and English, which we gladly incorporated into our outreach program.
• Attendance dropped from 50 to 30 girls during the two-week program — but our passion didn't waver.

Through it all, the radiant smiles of the girls kept us going. Their enthusiasm for learning was infectious, and their energy made every obstacle feel small.

Chess, Confidence, and Change

Despite the hurdles, the chess sessions became the highlight of every day. The girls’ excitement over the board rekindled even our own love for the game.

To them, it was more than just chess — it was empowerment. It was proof that they could think strategically, compete gracefully, and stand tall as queens both on and off the board.

As part of our outreach:

• We awarded chessboards to the winners of our in-house tournament.
• We provided 24 scholarships to help deserving students remain in school.

Two weeks passed like a moment — and when it was time to say goodbye, the girls’ faces said it all. But with Promoting Queens, it’s never truly goodbye. This is only the beginning of our continued mission to empower women through chess.