PwC has restated its commitment to continue to boost skills and talents of secondary school kids.
In Nigeria, children from underprivileged backgrounds face many challenges in accessing quality education and extracurricular activities that promote their intellectual and social development. PwC, through its Chess4Change programme has been significantly impactful in this area.
Launched by PwC in 2014¸Chess4Change aims to connect people from diverse backgrounds and leverage chess as a tool for social change in alignment with the company’s vision.
The program’s primary goal is to positively impact young secondary school kids by teaching them chess and promoting valuable life skills. The program has been operating in various communities across Lagos, Nigeria, with support from the Lagos state government including the Ministry of Education, the Lagos Sports Commission, and the Lagos State Chess Association.
PwC in a statement said, “the yearly program by PwC is focused on supporting kids in public secondary schools.”
The Company noted that these kids are the most in need of support and encouragement. Many of them come from low-income families, while others may live with distant relatives or random helpers, saying that “due to the challenges they face in their daily lives, these kids often experience mental lows and may struggle to maintain focus on their studies. Therefore, the PwC initiative is designed as a game-changer, aimed at keeping these children engaged and off the streets.”
It added that “through its support of the Chess4Change initiative, PwC is helping to provide underprivileged kids with an opportunity to learn and compete in the game of chess, promoting cognitive development, social skills, and mental well-being.
“By focusing on kids in public secondary schools, the auditing firm is keeping true to its CSR policy by making a significant and sustainable impact in the lives of those who are most in need of support, empowering them with valuable life skills that are essential for success in any area of life.”
On May 18, 2023, the eighth edition of the Chess4Change series will commence with a coaching session followed by the mentorship scheme, mini-challenge scheme, and the grand slam tournament.
Over the years, various schools have participated in the tournament, with King’s College holding the championship title for four consecutive years until Lagos City College claimed the championship cup in 2018.
The following year, Birrel Avenue Senior High School emerged victorious, and Lagos City College reclaimed its title in 2021.
The current holder of the championship title from last year’s tournament is Iheanyichukwu Michael from Ireti Senior Grammar School, Ikoyi.
