An environmental initiative is being implemented in the informal settlement of Kibera in Nairobi that combines environmental conservation with education. The company Kijiji Solutions recycles discarded plastic into chess pieces, which are then donated to local schools to help children learn the game and improve concentration.
Richard Haukom, founder of Kijiji Solutions, explains that the project involves collecting and sorting plastic waste before sending it for recycling. Granules are made from the resulting secondary material and molded into chess pieces using specialized equipment.
Haukom reports that this initiative has created nearly 2,000 chess sets using about 200 kilograms of plastic. He notes that meeting the growing demand will allow for the recycling of hundreds or even thousands of additional kilograms.
One of the beneficiaries is the Center of Hope School in Kibera, where chess is included in the curriculum. The school's founder, Isabel Omondi, emphasized that the game motivates students to participate more actively in classes, concentrate, and enjoy learning.
Esther Mutua, an eleven-year-old chess player, shares that regular training has helped improve her academic performance, especially in mathematics. She has also participated in tournaments, receiving certificates and medals for it.
This initiative provides a method for reducing the volume of plastic waste and expanding access to chess. The founders hope to reach more educational institutions, help more students, and change the perception that chess is a game exclusively for wealthy people.