“Transforming Lives in Malawi: How Susan Namangale is Spreading the Joy of Chess”

From a young enthusiast to a pioneering educator, Susan Namangale has established over 150 chess clubs in Malawi, advocating for the game as a tool for learning and empowerment in various vulnerable communities.

In Malawi, a country often characterized by its challenges, one woman is using a game of strategy to inspire change. Susan Namangale, a lifelong chess enthusiast, is dedicated to spreading her passion for chess far beyond its traditional boundaries. Beginning her love affair with the game at just nine years old, in the humble village of Chombo along Lake Malawi, Namangale has turned a childhood hobby into a powerful movement.

During her school days, when most of her peers were content with treats and small purchases, Namangale invested her meager allowance in chessboards for her school, a move that reflects her deep-seated commitment to the game. “If my mother had known how I spent my pocket money, I would have been in trouble,” she recalls, wearing a black suit with a checkered tie, reminiscent of the chess pieces that inspire her life’s work.

Today, at 49, her mission has grown exponentially. Through her initiative, she has set up over 150 chess clubs across Malawi, reaching into rural schools and even prisons. “Chess is for everyone,” she insists, exemplifying how the game can transcend social and economic barriers, opening doors for individuals in the most underserved areas.

Namangale's introduction to chess came from her sister, Gladys, who learned the game from Peace Corps volunteers after excelling in math. After Gladys returned to school, young Namangale faced the challenge of learning alone in a place where resources were scarce.

Despite these obstacles, she forged ahead, determined to change the perception that chess is a game reserved for the elite. Her efforts at the Dadaz Chess Academy in Lilongwe are proof of her dedication to making chess accessible. The academy serves as both a training ground and a community hub, where lives are transformed one move at a time.

With a blend of passion and perseverance, Namangale continues to advocate for chess as a vital educational tool. Her ambition is clear: to empower individuals through the strategic thinking and problem-solving skills that chess cultivates. In doing so, she not only fosters a love for the game but also encourages a brighter future for Malawi’s youth.