The Initiative
The Jedi’s Chess Kids Initiative is a dynamic and transformative program tailored to empower the children of Ilesa in Osun State, Nigeria. Named after the passionate chess enthusiast Jedidiah.
Jedidiah Anjoorin, an 8-year-old Nigerian-American chess enthusiast who hails from the ancient city of Ilesa but presently lives with his parents in Atlanta Georgia, in the United States, is on a mission to empower his ijesha peers through the game of chess!
Jedidiah discovered chess when he was only 7 years old after being introduced to the game by his older sister Ayanfeoluwa. He fell in love with chess at first sight, and within a few days, he had begun to beat his older sister and his parents in the game. His parents noticed his affinity for the game of strategy, so they registered him in chess classes where he has gone on to train and compete with other children in his age group. A few months later, he won a third-place trophy in a chess competition.
Despite his young age, Jedidiah has already fallen deeply in love with chess, and his passion is inspiring others to do the same. With the support of the esteemed Promoting Queens Chess Foundation, led by Nigeria’s former Chess Champion and Coach, Perpetual Ogbiyoyo, Jedidiah is spearheading the Jedi’s Chess Kids Initiative, a dynamic program aimed at introducing the game of chess to children in Osun State.
Spearheaded by the Promoting Queens Chess Foundation team, renowned for their dedication to empowering young girls and women through chess, this initiative promises two weeks of immersive training and thrilling tournaments.
Goals and Mission
The Jedi’s Chess Kids Initiative aims to make a profound impact on the lives of children in Ilesa. Firstly, it seeks to introduce them to the captivating world of chess, fostering a lifelong passion for the game. Moreover, the initiative endeavors to provide financial support to underprivileged children, ensuring they have access to education and personal development opportunities that may have been otherwise out of reach. The maiden edition will be hosted by King Jedidiah International School, Ilesa, Osun State.
Through engaging chess training sessions, the initiative aims to cultivate critical thinking, problem-solving, and strategic planning skills among the participating children. It aspires not only to develop their prowess on the chessboard but also to equip them with valuable life skills that extend far beyond the game.
Furthermore, the Jedi’s Chess Kids Initiative endeavors to create a positive and inclusive environment where children can learn, compete, and forge lasting friendships with their peers. By fostering a sense of camaraderie and sportsmanship, the initiative seeks to instill important values that will serve the children well both on and off the chessboard.
In essence, the Jedi’s Chess Kids Initiative is not just about teaching children how to play chess; it’s about empowering them to think critically, navigate challenges with confidence, and build a brighter future for themselves and their communities.
Through this initiative, Jedidiah hopes to share the countless benefits of chess with his fellow young Nigerians, including improved critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills. But that’s not all – he also wants to instill a sense of self-worth and confidence in every child, teaching them that they are all “Kings and Queens” deserving of respect, dignity, and opportunities to thrive.