Through Chess, Children Poor Uganda Change Life

                            

KAMPALA, KOMPAS.com - Sitting in a room with dim light district Katwe, Kampala, Uganda, Phiona Mutesi looked serious chess pieces in front of him, thinking about steps to be taken .

"Chess changed my life," said the 16-year-old girl.

"In the past, I do not have hope. Now, I have hope. I can be a doctor and a grandmaster , "said Mutesi while justifying his glasses.

First Mutesi very bad life. Her father died when she was a baby so Mutesi practically grew up in the streets.

But now, at the age of just 16 years, Mutesi was the first Ugandan woman to reach the level of the candidate to achieve the grandmaster title chess. He is also the defending champion chess tournament under the age of 20 years in Uganda.

Now Disney has purchased the film studio Mutesi life story to be appointed to the silver screen.

Although currently merengguk success, Mutesi intersection with chess coincidental.

When he was nine, Mutesi join her older brother to a chess club. They did not come because they want to play chess, but simply looking for a free bowl of porridge.

"I then asked myself 'what the game of chess is that?' and I then started to try, "he recalls.

Apparently Mutesi keep hidden talent to play the chess pieces. In the short time he has defeated almost all visitors chess club, and would even beat people who are older than him.

His talent was incredible Mutesi bring a young team and a chance to compete Uganda in The most prestigious tournaments, Chess Olympics.

"I do not suppose I could get here today," said Mutesi.

strong soccer player

The person credited with guiding and introducing Mutesi and other children in Katwe slums with chess is Robert Katende.

Former soccer player began to pursue chess in 2003, when he got the idea to train chess for street children.

"I need a runway to reach the children, so I took my old chess board and took him to the slums," said Katende (30).

Apparently, the children quickly absorb the lessons of chess given Katende.

For the children in the slums of the struggle for food and residence, Katende said that chess can provide incredible life lessons and give them confidence.

"Chess is not just a game. Chess is a way to change lives, "said Katende.

" In chess, you face the challenge and you have to think the best move. For children who are likely to be a thief or criminal, chess gives them discipline, "said Katende.

Giving hope Katende

chess club has now got a lot of progress. In the first days, Katende should make your own chess board and bidaknya using bottle caps.

Despite the many limitations, chess club already has 63 members, with the youngest member of the four-year-old.

One of its members is Michael Talemwa (11). As with the other kids in the club, Talemwa not see much chance before she knew chess.

"In the past I did not have anything until a friend invited me to play chess," said Talemwa.

"At first I was hesitant because I did not know anything about chess, but my friends kept asking and assured me," added Talemwa.

Now, after practicing for two years and see a member of the club's success as Phiona Mutesi, Talemwa said he wants to succeed as his friends.

"I am very happy to hear one of our friends achieve outstanding. I hope I can be as successful as they are, "said Talemwa.

Hope Talemwa and other children in Kampala, Uganda, is also now hung on a chessboard.