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Global Outreach Program Update: New Beginner Class & Growing Participation

CTC launched a Beginner Chess Class at Salama Gachie Community School, a donation-supported school in Nairobi, Kenya. The Beginner Class has been taught weekly by high school junior David Li via Zoom. This new class supplements the long-running Advanced Class, which has been mentored by high school senior Evan Park for the past three years.

With both classes now active, the total number of students participating in CTC’s chess program at Salama Gachie has grown to more than 30. The increased training has strengthened the school’s chess community and prepared students for competitive play.

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Chicago Students Host Fundraiser for Salama Gachie Students in Kenya

A week-long fundraising event in Chicago benefiting underprivileged children in Nairobi, Kenya, concluded with great success. The initiative was led by Chess Through Challenges member David Li in partnership with Bridge to the Future, a student-led nonprofit dedicated to empowering underprivileged youth through education and community engagement.

From October 4 to October 8, volunteers sold handmade crafts, including custom-designed blankets, kitchen towels, and backpack tags, created by students at Salama Gachie Community School in Nairobi, Kenya. The items were showcased and sold at several Chicago locations, including the University of Chicago campus and the University’s Laboratory Schools (K–12). In total, the collaboration raised $300, all of which will support educational programs for the Salama Gachie students.

The event sparked heartfelt reactions from buyers and volunteers alike. One young buyer, after purchasing a blanket, shared:

“When I sleep with my blanket, I feel like I can smell the air from Kenya. I hope the kids there know how special their work is.”

Several college students and community members also expressed interest in volunteering with both organizations, eager to contribute to their shared mission of building bridges between youth communities across continents.

“Our goal was not just to raise funds, but to connect people,” David Li said. “It was extremely valuable to see how these handmade crafts created a tangible sense of global friendship.”

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