DW: In Kibera, one of Nairobi’s largest informal settlements, a local NGO is turning recycled plastic into chess sets that are transforming young lives. Producing more than 1,000 sets each month, the initiative supports community chess schools where children develop critical thinking, creativity and problem-solving skills.

SocietyKenya

Desmond Tiro | Julia Mielke07/22/2026July 22, 2026

Kids in Kibera are discovering chess in a form that uses recycled plastic. The board game is opening up new possibilities for their future.

https://p.dw.com/p/5HFS4

In Kibera, one of Nairobi’s largest informal settlements, a local NGO is turning recycled plastic into chess sets that are transforming young lives. Producing more than 1,000 sets each month, the initiative supports community chess schools where children develop critical thinking, creativity and problem-solving skills. Teachers say the game also helps keep young people away from crime and other social risks, while opening doors to education. Some talented players have even secured scholarships after impressing sponsors. By combining recycling with chess, the project tackles plastic pollution while giving children new opportunities and hope for the future.

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About michelleclarke2015

Life event that changes all: Horse riding accident in Zimbabwe in 1993, a fractured skull et al including bipolar anxiety, chronic fatigue …. co-morbidities (Nietzche 'He who has the reason why can deal with any how' details my health history from 1993 to date). 17th 2017 August operation for breast cancer (no indications just an appointment came from BreastCheck through the Post). Trinity College Dublin Business Economics and Social Studies (but no degree) 1997-2003; UCD 1997/1998 night classes) essays, projects, writings. Trinity Horizon Programme 1997/98 (Centre for Women Studies Trinity College Dublin/St. Patrick's Foundation (Professor McKeon) EU Horizon funded: research study of 15 women (I was one of this group and it became the cornerstone of my journey to now 2017) over 9 mth period diagnosed with depression and their reintegration into society, with special emphasis on work, arts, further education; Notes from time at Trinity Horizon Project 1997/98; Articles written for Irishhealth.com 2003/2004; St Patricks Foundation monthly lecture notes for a specific period in time; Selection of Poetry including poems written by people I know; Quotations 1998-2017; other writings mainly with theme of social justice under the heading Citizen Journalism Ireland. Letters written to friends about life in Zimbabwe; Family history including Michael Comyn KC, my grandfather, my grandmother's family, the O'Donnellan ffrench Blake-Forsters; Moral wrong: An acrimonious divorce but the real injustice was the Catholic Church granting an annulment – you can read it and make your own judgment, I have mine. Topics I have written about include annual Brain Awareness week, Mashonaland Irish Associataion in Zimbabwe, Suicide (a life sentence to those left behind); Nostalgia: Tara Hill, Co. Meath.
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