Susan Namangale fell in love with chess at age 9 in her small village and has dedicated her life to spreading the game across Malawi. While her peers spent their pocket money on snacks, she and her friends pooled their resources to buy chessboards for their school. "If my mother knew what I had done with my little pocket money, I would have been in trouble," she recalled during a recent interview in Lilongwe. Now, at 49, Namangale is on a mission to challenge the notion that chess is a game for the elite, emphasizing, “Chess is for everyone.”
Her journey began when her older sister gifted her a chessboard received from Peace Corps volunteers. After her sister returned to school, Namangale was left without anyone to play with in Chombo, a remote village along Lake Malawi, known for its limited resources and opportunities. This cultivated her desire to share the game with others, leading her to establish the Dadaz Chess Academy in Malawi’s capital.
Over the years, Namangale has launched 150 chess clubs throughout the country, creating platforms in rural areas, schools, and prisons. Her focus is to foster inclusivity in chess-related activities, demonstrating its cognitive and social benefits. "Through chess, communities can grow, develop strategic thinking, and build relationships amongst players," she emphasized.
The movement is gathering momentum, with many now witnessing the transformations occurring in participants' lives. Educators, parents, and community leaders are increasingly recognizing the importance of champing the game as a means of engaging the youth and enhancing their educational and life skills.
Namangale continues to be a beacon of inspiration for many in Malawi, advocating for chess as more than just a game but as a vital tool for personal and communal development in the nation.
