Empowering Minds: Susan Namangale Brings Chess to the Heart of Malawi

At the age of 49, Susan Namangale continues her invaluable mission to make chess accessible to every corner of Malawi, breaking the stigma that it is a game only for the privileged.

Susan Namangale's passion for chess blossomed in her village at the tender age of 9. While her peers splurged their allowances on snacks, she pooled resources with friends to buy chessboards for their school, leading her on a remarkable journey. "If my mother knew what I did with my pocket money, I would have been in trouble,” she recalls, now adorned in an outfit reminiscent of the game she loves.

Fast forward to today, Namangale is dedicated to proving that "Chess is for everyone." She has established 150 chess clubs across Malawi, including ones in prisons and rural schools, aiming to transform lives through the game. "My own journey with chess began when my sister, Gladys, brought a chessboard home. She learned from Peace Corps volunteers and shared her knowledge with me," Namangale recounts. Despite the lack of resources in her small village of Chombo on Lake Malawi, her passion propelled her forward.

Her pioneering efforts culminated in the creation of the Dadaz Chess Academy in Lilongwe, where hope meets strategy. There, children from various backgrounds gather to learn and connect through the game, a much-needed escape and an opportunity for growth.

Namangale is unwavering in her belief that chess cultivates critical life skills, providing a mental advantage that can lead to brighter futures. Her commitment stands as a beacon for many, showing that in mentoring and teaching, one can weave a stronger community tapestry. Through her advocacy, she is fundamentally redefining the cultural perception of chess in Malawi, ensuring that the game becomes a common thread in the fabric of society.