Upendo Friends School of Arusha has set an ambitious target: to become a national champion in chess and a breeding ground for the country’s next generation of intellectual athletes.
The school is among several institutions participating in the ongoing National Chess Championship taking place at the Russian Cultural Centre in Dar es Salaam.
The competition, which began yesterday, will conclude tomorrow, drawing young chess players from across Tanzania.
Speaking at the tournament, Upendo Friends School Director, Ms. Isabela Mwampamba, said the school is committed to building a strong foundation in chess as part of its broader educational mission.
“Our vision goes beyond winning. We want to nurture a culture of critical thinking, strategy, and discipline through chess. This is a unique sport where talent can easily be identified and developed compared to many others,” she noted.
Ms. Mwampamba, who brought five students to this year’s championship, said the experience has already yielded significant learning gains.
“This year, the students have learned vital tournament skills like using the chess clock and recording their moves something they previously struggled with. We’ve seen remarkable improvement,” she said.
Looking forward, the school plans to increase student participation in national events to build competitive experience and foster a deeper passion for the game.
“We intend to bring more children in future competitions. Regular exposure helps develop confidence and understanding of the game at a higher level,” she added.
The school has also made strategic investments to support the chess program, including the purchase of more than 100 chess boards.
Ms. Mwampamba said these resources will be used to run internal competitions and motivate learners with awards a move aimed at identifying top talent for international representation.
“We’re also taking on the role of chess ambassadors by encouraging other institutions, including public schools, to introduce the game. The more schools participate, the stronger our region and country will become in this discipline,” she emphasized.
Upendo Friends School is quickly emerging as a model for integrating chess into education, not just as a game, but as a tool for academic and personal growth.
With its structured approach and clear vision, the school is paving the way for future champions one move at a time.