Congratulations Christina ! Proud of you ❤️

We are beyond proud to share that — thanks to all of you — The Gambia has become the first country ever to host a Preparation of Teachers ( POT ) FIDE Chess training Course fully funded by the community! 🇬🇲♟️ You deserve the biggest THANK YOU of all! To every family, teacher, parent, child, school, institution, and corporation that believed in us and in our mission to bring chess to The Gambia — THANK YOU. Thank you for your belief, your trust, and your constant support in every possible way. None of this would have been possible without you! Our community came together to share the joy and gift of chess, helping make it accessible to teachers, students, and schools across the nation. The best part? The entire 4-day course was offered to teachers completely free of charge — made possible entirely by the community’s generosity. YOU have made Chess in Gambia schools possible!! @thegiftofchess @TheAlkambaTimes @FIDE_chess @FIDESocialChess @MOYSTheGambia @TC_BanjulBE @gambia_chess @FIDEschoolChess @FideWomen @ChessKidcom @schoolschess @MOYSTheGambia @GambiaOlympic @Olympafrica @achpr_cadhp @AfricanChessCon @Moherst_GMB @BBCAfrica @AfricellGM @HCKingFCDO @UKinTheGambia @FranceinGambia @EUinTheGambia @ChessbaseIndia

We are so excited to join @ChessScholar and @hari_neo21 from The Gambia ! ♟️🇬🇲 Chess is such a fun and powerful way to explore maths concepts and develop problem-solving skills. We’ll be taking this course, and we invite everyone curious about maths and learning to join us too! @thegiftofchess @FIDEschoolChess @FIDESocialChess @schoolschess @ECU_Education @ChessPlus

Grateful to Africell for standing with us in growing chess in Gambian schools 🏫♟️ Together we’re sharpening minds, empowering communities, and creating brighter futures, one move at a time! #AfricellSupportsEducation #ShapingSharperMinds #ChessForChange #StrengtheningCommunities @FideWomen @FIDEschoolChess @FIDESocialChess @ChessForCXT @gambia_chess @HCGIndiaGambia @TC_BanjulBE @EBanjul @Moherst_GMB @UKinTheGambia @thegiftofchess @schoolschess @MOYSTheGambia @AfricellGM @grtstvofficial @QTV_GMB @EUinTheGambia @achpr_cadhp @_AfricanUnion @AfricanChessCon

Catch Anzel Laubscher, International Woman FIDE Master and FIDE Senior Lead instructor, and Christina Aziz, Co-founder of Chess in Gambia Schools and Communities, and Candidate Senior Lead Instructor, on GRTS Radio sharing about the power of chess in education, the launch of The Gambia’s first-ever FIDE - International Chess Federation Preparation of Teachers Course, and what’s ahead for chess in schools and communities! Big dreams, bold moves — The Gambia is ready! ♟️🧠🇬🇲🏫🧑‍🎓👩‍🎓 @FideWomen @FIDEschoolChess @FIDE_chess @FIDESocialChess @gambia_chess @TC_BanjulBE @HCGIndiaGambia @MOYSTheGambia @UNDP_TheGambia @thegiftofchess @ChessForCXT @af_banjul @Moherst_GMB @schoolschess @ChessKidcom @lichess @ChessbaseIndia

🎙️Listen in! Anzel Laubscher and Christina Pauline Aziz had the pleasure of joining QTV Gambia on Good Morning Gambia Show, where they talked all about educational chess and our latest Preparation of Teachers Course! We trained 50 teachers from schools nationwide on how to use chess as a powerful game-based learning tool alongside the curriculum! Big steps forward for chess in education in The Gambia! ♟️🇬🇲 Thank you, QTV Gambia, for giving us a platform to talk about what we love most and share it with the rest of the country! @thegiftofchess @FideWomen @FIDEschoolChess @FIDESocialChess @FIDE_chess @Moherst_GMB @gambia_chess @MOYSTheGambia @HCGIndiaGambia @FranceinGambia @UKinTheGambia @TC_BanjulBE @EBanjul @achpr_cadhp @_AfricanUnion @AfricanChessCon @schoolschess @ChessForCXT @QTV_GMB @BBCAfrica @BBCSport @ChessKidcom @GambiaOlympic @GambiaNYC @NSC_TheGambia @ECU_Education @BaksBadjie @UniOfGambia @AfricellGM

✈️What began as a casual, impromptu chat on an airplane turned into an incredible meeting with Mme Abiola Idowu-Ojo, Executive Secretary of the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights @achpr_cadhp 🌍♟️ Sometimes the best opportunities come when you least expect them… and this one is just the beginning! 🇬🇲 Get ready, Gambia — we’ve got some exciting new projects in the works!! @FideWomen @FIDEschoolChess @FIDESocialChess @schoolschess @ECU_Education @thegiftofchess @ChessForCXT @schoolschess @MOYSTheGambia @Moherst_GMB @TC_BanjulBE @gambia_chess @UKinTheGambia @EBanjul @HCGIndiaGambia @_AfricanUnion @AfricanChessCon @ChessKidcom @AfricellGM @QTV_GMB

A big Thank you to @af_banjul for always supporting our chess activities and giving us the chance to share such a fantastic evening with WIM Anzel Laubscher! ♟️ We’re grateful for this partnership and for growing chess together in The Gambia. And of course, thank you to all our chess friends who joined us and helped make the evening a success! 🙏 @FIDEschoolChess @FideWomen @FIDE_chess @schoolschess @FIDESocialChess @thegiftofchess @TC_BanjulBE @UKinTheGambia @MOYSTheGambia @gambia_chess @achpr_cadhp @ChessKidcom @OfficialUTGSU @ChessForCXT @TheAlkambaTimes @Moherst_GMB @UNDP_TheGambia @AfricanChessCon @EBanjul @BBCAfrica @AfricellGM @QTV_GMB

🎉Reminder! 🎉 Tomorrow, Monday, 15th September, join us at Alliance Française de Banjul for an unforgettable chess evening! 5:00 – 5:30 PM – Meet & Greet with WIM Anzel Laubscher 🤝 From 5:30 PM onwards, Simultaneous Exhibition ♟️ 🍴 A special treat: Chef Bojan has prepared a special menu for you to enjoy during the evening! Let’s come together as a community to learn, play, and celebrate chess in a fun and inspiring way! ♟️ Free & open to all, don’t miss it! @FideWomen @FIDEschoolChess @FIDE_chess @FIDESocialChess @ChessForCXT @schoolschess @thegiftofchess @MOYSTheGambia @gambia_chess @HCGIndiaGambia @TC_BanjulBE @FranceinGambia @AfricanChessCon @Moherst_GMB @UNICEFGambia @af_banjul

🎉Exciting News! 🎉 We’re thrilled to announce The Gambia's First Ever POT (Preparation of Teachers) Course, happening September 11th–14th! I’m honored to co-lecture alongside WIM and FIDE SLI Anzel Laubscher ! Over four days, we’ll train 50 teachers from various schools across The Gambia, giving them the resources they need to bring chess into their classrooms! This course is organized by Chess in Gambia Schools and Communities in collaboration with FIDE - International Chess Federation , Chess in Education Commission - FIDE and Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, The Gambia. It is fully funded by our incredible community and supported by Gift of Chess , whose donation of chess sets will reach participating schools! A thank you to the Gambia Chess Federation for supporting our initiative! We can’t wait to see teachers and students inspired, and to grow chess as a tool for learning, creativity, and connection across The Gambia!♟️🎉 @FideWomen @thegiftofchess @FIDE_chess @TC_BanjulBE @HCGIndiaGambia @ChessForCXT @FIDESocialChess @ECU_Education @FIDEschoolChess @ChessKidcom @MoBSE_Gambia @MOYSTheGambia @UKinTheGambia @UNICEFGambia @UNDP_TheGambia @UNICEFGambia @CatholicRelief @AfricanChessCon @AfricellGM @QTV_GMB @schoolschess

This is a very special and emotional moment for us! After nearly a year of hard work, collaboration, and hope, we finally signed the Memorandum of Understanding with the Ministry of Education to introduce chess into our schools. This project is very close to my heart. I call it my baby, not just because of the effort and time it took, but because of the potential it carries. Chess is not just a game. It’s a powerful educational tool that teaches critical thinking, patience, focus, problem-solving, and social skills, all essential for success in the 21st century! Our goal is to empower students through the beauty of chess, and to create inclusive, inspiring learning spaces where every child can thrive in the classroom and beyond! We sincerely thank the Ministry of Education for believing in this vision and everyone who supported us. Let this be just the beginning of something truly transformative for education in The Gambia🇬🇲♟ facebook.com/share/p/19rbH6b… @thegiftofchess @TheAlkambaTimes @FIDESocialChess @FIDEschoolChess @gambia_chess @schoolschess @FideWomen @schoolschess @ChessKidcom @MOYSTheGambia @Moherst_GMB @HCKingFCDO @UNDP_TheGambia @AfricanChessCon @OfficialUTGSU @ChessForCXT #chess #chessevent #ChessConnectsUs #chessclub #chessinschools #chessingambia #chessinafrica #chessineducation #ChessForAll

Honored to meet with the British High Commission! Grateful for the support and encouragement towards our mission of using chess for education, inclusion, and community development♟️♟️🇬🇲🇬🇧 @UKinTheGambia @HCKingFCDO @FIDESocialChess @FIDEschoolChess @schoolschess @ECUonline @FIDE_chess @UNGambia @AfricanChessCon @thegiftofchess @MOYSTheGambia @MOIGambia @Moherst_GMB @Carl_Portman @OfficialUTGSU #ChessForChange #BritishHighCommission #GambiaMeetsUK #chess #chessevent #ChessConnectsUs #chessclub #chessinschools #chessingambia #chessinafrica #chessineducation #ChessForAll

From Gambia to the world, from a single pawn to a powerful queen! We’re chasing dreams together. ♟️ — Chess in Gambia Schools and Communities

Happy international Chess Day to all our Chess friends !!

Chess Behind Bars. Hope Beyond Walls. As ambassadors of @thegiftofchess , we are proud to see the recognition of this transformative initiative by @UNESCO Chess is not just a game; it is a tool for rehabilitation, growth, and second chances. In correctional facilities across the United States and now in The Gambia, chess is helping reduce violence, ease isolation, and promote critical thinking and self-discipline. With over 120,000 incarcerated individuals reached globally, the movement is growing, and we are honored to be part of it. Read the full UNESCO feature here: The Gift of Chess, USA unes.co/qtgilw Thank you to Tony Ballard and the entire team for the vision and inspiration. Let us continue to spread the power of chess, one set, one person, one move at a time. @FIDESocialChess @FIDE_chess @gambia_chess @schoolschess @UNESCOGAMBIA @AfricanChessCon @UNDP_TheGambia @thegiftofchess @MOIGambia #ChessForChange #TheGiftOfChess #ChessInPrisons #UNESCO #RehabilitationThroughChess #ChessInGambia

This Saturday, July 19th, our organization, Chess in Gambia Schools & Communities, with the support of The Gift of Chess, will join the International Voluntary Mental Health Organization (@ivmho_gambia) at Tanka Tanka Psychiatric Hospital for a powerful morning of mental health and psychosocial support activities, featuring live music, games, art, and CHESS!♟️♟️ As part of FIDE’s Month of Recovery and ahead of International Chess Day (July 20), we’re bringing our chessboards to share the joy, calm, and connection that chess brings. From hospitals to schools, from classrooms to community centers, we’ve seen how chess can support healing, focus, and inclusion. Whether it’s teaching children, engaging persons with special needs, or sharing a quiet game in a hospital, we believe in the power of chess for recovery. Huge thanks to The Gift of Chess, International Voluntary Mental Health Organisation, Maryama Cham Officials and all those working to support mental wellness and dignity! @FIDESocialChess @FIDEschoolChess @FIDE_chess @schoolschess @ChessForCXT @thegiftofchess

Love seeing the amazing work Chess for Connection @ChessForCXT is doing! They continue to lead inspiring intergenerational initiatives. If you’re in Canada 🇨🇦, don’t miss the 2025 Canadian Intergenerational Chess Challenge, a beautiful way to bring generations together through chess in celebration of the FIDE Social Chess Year! 🎉🎉♟️🤝 @thegiftofchess @FIDESocialChess @FIDE_chess

We had the honor of meeting the Director General Ansumana Manneh and dedicated staff at Mile 2, The Gambia’s central prison, to discuss the launch of our latest initiative — Chess for Freedom , in partnership with Gift of Chess♟️ Using chess as a powerful tool for rehabilitation, growth, and second chances. We also had the opportunity to visit and view the amazing work done by Jollof Care Center and Insight Training Centre @Insight1999 Let the transformation begin! @thegiftofchess @FIDESocialChess @FIDE_chess @gambia_chess @FIDEschoolChess @FideWomen @ChessForCXT ChessKid.com @schoolschess @ChessbaseIndia @MOYSTheGambia @UNDP_TheGambia @NHRCGambia #ChessForFreedom #RehabilitationThroughChess #ChessInPrison #SocialImpact #TheGambia #Mile2Prison #ChessForChange

🎬Another great video for the collection to generate discussion in the classroom! 👉See the whole collection in English here 👉 edu.europechess.org/2025/05/… @ECUonline #ChessinEducation youtube.com/watch?v=9W3F_YDp…

Proud mama here ❤️