Breaking Barriers: Susan Namangale Brings Chess to the Heart of Malawi

Susan Namangale, a passionate advocate for chess, is on a mission to democratize the game in Malawi, engaging rural communities, schools, and prisons to showcase that chess truly is meant for everyone.

In a nation often marred by economic disparity, Susan Namangale stands out as a beacon of hope and inspiration. Having discovered her passion for chess at the tender age of nine in her small village near Lake Malawi, Namangale has dedicated her life to spreading the game throughout the country. With the belief that chess can foster learning, creativity, and critical thinking, she is determined to ensure that every Malawian has the opportunity to engage with the game.

Fuelled by her early love for the sport, Susan began her long journey with an unconventional investment of her pocket money. She and friends pooled their resources to buy two chessboards for their local school. Reflecting on that moment, she remarked, "If my mother knew then what I had done with the little pocket money she had given me, I would have been in trouble." Yet, her conviction about the importance of introducing chess to her peers prevailed.

Now at 49, Namangale has successfully established over 150 chess clubs across Malawi, including in some of the country's most underserved areas. Her efforts span various environments, from rural schools to correctional facilities, proving her belief that "Chess is for everyone."

The catalyst for her fascination was her older sister, Gladys, who learned the game from Peace Corps volunteers. When Gladys returned home one holiday with a chessboard, young Susan was captivated. However, lacking peers to play with in the remote village of Chombo, she grew determined to share the game with others. This initiative has blossomed into the Dadaz Chess Academy, a center for education and empowerment in the heart of Lilongwe.

Through her tireless work, Namangale is effectively rewriting the narrative that chess is reserved for the elite. Her message resonates deeply: chess encourages mental growth and unity, transforming not just individual lives but entire communities. In a world where access to resources can often dictate success, Susan Namangale is ensuring that chess becomes a tool for social and economic change in Malawi.