Creating safe spaces for refugee youth through chess, soccer, education and mentorship

Raise Chess Academy is a refugee youth-led organisation building belonging, healing, and opportunity in Nakivale Refugee settlement, Uganda

Young boy with a broad smile playing chess with another person at a wooden table in a rustic room.

For many refugee youth, Raise Chess Academy is a safe space

Through daily community activities, youth led football programs and chess leagues, Raise Chess Academy works with young people to learn, make new friends, and develop life skills.

“Our mission is to provide equal and inclusive education to refugees. We believe in equal access to opportunities for all genders, nationalities, tribes and economic status.”

-Julien, Founder of Raise Chess Academy

Group of people in colorful clothing sitting on grass, raising cups, celebrating outdoors, with a woman standing above them holding a cup, in a rural area with trees and a cloudy sky in the background.

Creating belonging through chess and football

Our refugee youth center provides refugee children, orphans and many vulnerable young people with a sense of belonging and a feeling of being loved, heard and cared for.

So far, Raise Chess Academy has served over 15,000 young people from several countries, including Democratic Republic of Congo, South Sudan, Burundi, Rwanda, Somalia, Ethiopia and Uganda.

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