On the last two days of her third trip to Nairobi, Kenya, WIM Ellen Wang visited Salama Gachie Community School and was warmly welcomed by chess club members and alumni. The visit was packed with engaging games and instruction but was also a celebration of the amazing chess accomplishments that the Salama community had achieved.
There was indeed a lot to celebrate since last year after the CTC team came to Salama for the first time. The school brought home their first team trophy at the 2023 Potterhouse Chess Championship, 20 Salama players made it to the Kenya National Youth Chess Championship, and most impressively, Gloria Wakoli Mbolo became the very first Salama player to qualify for the African Youth Chess Championships. In addition, the first puzzle contest was a lively success and rewarded the best efforts Salama players had put over the board. Ellen also took this opportunity to thank the volunteer coach Hillary, who constantly came to the school to coach the club members and helped out at various events.
But first and foremost, an immense thank you to Catherine, the head teacher and the mother of all Salama kids! Her unwavering commitment and pivotal contribution is nothing short of life-changing for all Salama players, driving their continued chess progress and success.