CSC’s work with refugees
CSC is delighted to have recently been able to support refugees from two countries on their arrival in the United Kingdom.
Afghanistan
CSC ran chess activities for families from Afghanistan who were being temporarily housed in hotels in the City of London. The sessions were suitable for players of all ages and abilities and ran weekly across two hotels for 8 months in 2022. The sessions were always well-attended and gave the participants a much-needed leisure activity as well as the chance to develop their language skills. In total, CSC tutors delivered over 250 hours of tuition before the families moved to more permanent accommodation elsewhere. The programme was delivered in conjunction with the City of London Corporation.
Ukraine
Thanks to generous donations from many private individuals, CSC has been able to support several young Ukrainian chess players now resident in the UK. In Liverpool, CSC CEO Malcolm Pein has been supporting Ukrainian prodigy Svyatoslav Bazakutsa, who recently arrived in the city with his mother, fleeing fighting in Kharkiv.
In addition, CSC has provided free training and employment opportunities for Ukrainian chess coaches looking to work in schools in the UK.
In Bracknell, CSC has supported the Ukrainian Centre with chess equipment for children. Separately, two CSC tutors independently offered a programme of free chess lessons for refugees from Ukraine on their arrival in London.
Why Chess?
Chess lessons can develop English skills that are critical for integration into school environments and wider society.
Chess provides a leisure activity to improve mental wellbeing at a time of immense pressure and hardship.
Success at a sporting activity improves self-esteem and confidence.
Learning chess develops a life skill and a pass-time that can be shared with friends and families.
For more details about our work with refugees, please contact us here.
