Chess in Slums Africa (CISA) is thrilled to announce the grand opening of its first Innovation Hub, a transformative space for learning, creativity, and empowerment. Located in the heart of Lagos, Nigeria, this hub represents a leap forward in our mission to use chess as a vehicle for positive change and community development. In partnership with Lufthansa and Help Alliance, this project is a dream come true and a testament to the power of collaboration in making a lasting impact.
A Vision Realized
What started in 2018 as an effort to teach children chess under makeshift canopies in sun and rain has blossomed into a movement. With this Innovation Hub, we are providing a dedicated space where children can not only learn chess but also engage in exciting fields like robotics, virtual reality, graphic design, coding, and civic education. It’s a place where curiosity and imagination meet opportunity—a sanctuary for the brilliant young minds from the communities we serve.
Located in Yaba, Lagos, this hub is more than just a physical space; it’s a symbol of hope and potential. It’s a place where children from disadvantaged backgrounds, including those who have faced homelessness or life on the streets, can find refuge and a chance to unleash their talents.
A Space for Learning, Growth, and Community
At the CISA Innovation Hub, we aim to redefine what education can look like for children who may have fallen through the cracks of traditional schooling. The hub will be free and accessible to children in Public schools, Makoko and homeless children from Yaba, Ebute Metta, Surulere, and surrounding areas. Here, we’re cultivating a culture of learning that is inclusive, creative, and inspiring.
Children who come to the hub will not only learn to master the game of chess but will also have access to mentorship programs and hands-on experiences in various skill areas. This holistic approach allows them to dream beyond their immediate surroundings and prepares them for a future where they can thrive.
Why This Hub Matters
For years, our team has been working tirelessly to empower children through chess, one move at a time. The innovation hub will be providing the following:
- Safe Learning Environment : Children will have a safe, comfortable, and inspiring place to learn, free from the distractions and hardships that they may face at home.
- Access to Technology and Mentorship : With resources like a smart TV, robotics kits as well as mentorship from seasoned professionals, the hub offers children an opportunity to learn about emerging fields and dream bigger.
- Community Engagement : The Innovation Hub will serve as a focal point for community involvement, attracting volunteers, mentors, and supporters who share our vision for an empowered future.
This is only the beginning. We envision the CISA Innovation Hub as the first of many, a model that can be replicated across Nigeria and beyond. We aim to build more hubs like this, reaching thousands of children and creating spaces where dreams can be nurtured and where the future of our country is shaped.
We’re incredibly grateful to Lufthansa and Help Alliance for their unwavering support in making this hub a reality. But there’s still much to be done, and we need your help to keep the momentum going. If you’d like to support the work we’re doing at Chess in Slums Africa, there are many ways to get involved. You can donate, sponsor a child, or even volunteer your time and skills. Every little bit counts, and together, we can continue to make history.
To everyone who has been part of our journey so far, thank you. Whether you’ve donated, shared our story, or simply believed in our mission, you’ve played a role in helping us reach this incredible milestone. The CISA Innovation Hub is a testament to what’s possible when people come together with a shared purpose.
