In the heart of Malawi, Susan Namangale is on an empowering mission to popularize chess among the nation's underserved populations, including street kids, inmates, and students in rural schools. Nurtured by her love for the game since childhood, Susan aims to change the perception that chess is an elite pursuit.
Growing up in Chombo, a modest lakeside village, her introduction to chess came from her elder sister Gladys, who received a chessboard as a gift from Peace Corps volunteers. At just nine years old, Susan’s passion for the game led her to divert her allowance to purchase two chessboards for her school, an act she recalls fondly, understanding the sacrifice it represented for her family.
Today, at the age of 49, Namangale embodies the spirit of chess advocacy, running over 150 clubs across Malawi. "Chess is for everyone," she firmly states, emphasizing the game’s potential to foster critical thinking, discipline, and social interaction. At her Dadaz Chess Academy in the capital, Lilongwe, she encourages students to embrace chess, ensuring that disadvantaged youth have access to its benefits.
In a country where resources are scarce, Susan's initiatives aim to democratize the game, instilling hope and resilience in communities that often feel overlooked. Through her tireless efforts, she is not only popularizing chess but also fostering a sense of belonging and achievement among Malawi's youth.
