Synergy For Women Development Initiative

We participated in the AI & Robotics Youth Training Program – Training of Trainers for Teachers earlier this week.
The program was designed to equip educators with the skills, tools, and knowledge required to effectively teach Artificial Intelligence and Robotics to young learners. It was a privilege to receive hands-on training and resources from top Indian robotics instructors to enable us deliver high-quality AI and robotics education within our communities.

We equally presented a customized chess set to the local facilitator of the program in Nigeria. We are humbled by this opportunity to do more for young people. We hope to do more with AI and Robotics education, just as we have done with chess.
Please stay tuned for our big announcement next week.

A few years ago, we launched the Ogbonge Chess Initiative — handmade chess sets crafted from recycled materials. Then the recognition came:
- We got featured in the FIDE Social Chess Year 2025 — our story shared with the global chess world
- We made the Top 10 in the Glo Innov8 STEM Competition for Girls in Nigeria
- We got communities transformed, minds sharpened and generations connected.

While the world may have noticed, the local traction didn't follow. Our youth community groups didn't pick up chess the way we hoped. Yet, we kept showing up, believing and listening.

It is like Nigerians are trying to tell us something loud and clear:
"We love what's beautiful, fashionable and what generally excites us!"

So we have gone back to the drawing board to design something to match this taste.

We are introducing the EcoBeads, unique handcrafted beads made from the same recycled pure water sachets choking our streets and gutters. These pollutants are getting transformed into garlands, bags, vases, and neck beads. They are becoming wearable art with a purpose. Every piece you wear will keep pure sachets off our streets.

This is not a retreat from our mission. It's the same waste, same hands, same heart but a new form. We are just getting started!

In a matter of weeks, we will be launching our first official EcoBeads product. You don't want to miss this inspiring story! Tell a friend by sharing this post. Because when Nigerians wear the Ecobead, the environment wins!

Our intergenerational chess journey continues to unravel beautifully across our two pilot locations in Lagos.

At MASC Care Home, we have dedicated two days every week to training senior citizens and caregivers. The atmosphere provides a calm, reflective space where chess becomes therapy, conversation, and connection.

Meanwhile, the energetic students of Green Kreative Stars Academy meet once weekly, bringing curiosity, excitement, and youthful enthusiasm on board.

One of our most touching discoveries so far:
Participating seniors are deeply attentive listeners, absorbing every instruction with patience — while young learners light up the room with rapid energy, questions, and bold moves.

Two generations.
Two learning styles.
One chessboard.
One shared human connection.

This initiative is proudly inspired by our partner organization, Chess for Connection Canada, whose global mission is to bridge social gaps through chess. Together, we are proving that the game can reduce isolation, build empathy, and create friendships across generations.

Beyond the board, we are also introducing our handmade eco-chess sets made from recycled pure water sachets, turning environmental waste into tools for education and healing.

WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT!

Programs like this receive no funding locally, yet their impact is profound. Your financial support will help us to sustain weekly training sessions, provide learning materials and eco-chess production supplies as well as expand the scope to more schools and senior care facilities.

Every contribution helps keep this life-changing program running.

To support or partner with us, please send a message or email us at [email protected].

Together, we are proving that chess is more than a game — it is a bridge between generations, a therapy for the mind, and a tool for building compassionate communities.

We’re excited to kick off chess training sessions with the amazing students of Green Kreative Stars Academy as part of our growing social impact initiatives.

This program prepares the students to participate in the youth arm of the intergenerational chess initiative led by Chess for Connection, Canada, where young minds will connect with senior citizens through the universal language of chess.

But that’s not all. The students will also learn how to produce our eco-friendly chess sets made from recycled pure water sachets, turning environmental waste into tools for learning and connection.

Through this initiative, we are:
- Teaching strategic thinking and discipline through chess
- Promoting environmental responsibility through recycling
- Building bridges between generations through shared experiences

It is really inspiring to see young people becoming champions of sustainability and community connection.

The future is being shaped—one move at a time.

This weekend, we make history in Lagos.

We’re piloting a unique initiative that brings senior citizens and young people together through the game of chess — creating moments of learning, connection, and shared purpose across generations.

At the same time, we’re taking a stand for our environment by transforming discarded pure water sachets — a growing environmental menace — into our innovative eco-chess sets.

So while minds are sharpening over the chessboard, we’re also working to keep our communities cleaner.

Two generations.
Two locations.
Two missions.

One purpose: Connection, learning, and a cleaner future. Follow our story!

We’re proud to announce a meaningful new partnership that expands the reach of chess beyond competition—into connection, purpose, and community.

We are officially partnering with MASC CARE HOME, a senior citizens residential facility to champion the Chess for Connection Canada's intergenerational chess initiatives here in Nigeria.

This collaboration brings something powerful to life:
A space where seniors, caregivers, and young people connect through chess.

At MASC Care Home, we will:
1. Host weekly chess sessions for residents and caregivers
2. Train seniors to produce our eco-friendly chess sets made from recycled materials, turning waste into purpose
3. Connect youths from nearby schools with residents for intergenerational chess activities, fostering learning, storytelling, and shared experiences

This is more than a chess program. It’s a movement to:

- Reduce social isolation among seniors
- Promote environmental responsibility
- Build bridges between generations using a universal language—chess

As a pilot initiative, this project sets the stage for expanding intergenerational chess programs across multiple care homes in Nigeria, with the support of partners, organizations, and changemakers who believe in the power of community.

Every move now carries more meaning, from recycled boards to restored connections. This is what social chess looks like!

We’ve been refining Ogbonge chess sets with deliberate, user-focused improvements. Here’s what’s new:

1. Redesigned Knight – Now features a side-facing, more realistic horse form. This is our third iteration, and the most refined yet in terms of detail and character.

2. Safer King Design – The King’s cross now has rounded edges on all ends, improving safety—especially for children—without compromising aesthetics.

3. Improved Material Consistency – We’ve standardized the paper and production materials for better durability, finish, and overall uniformity.

Every upgrade is intentional. We’re committed to continuously enhancing quality, safety, and experience—so you get a 100% Nigerian chess set that’s not just handmade, but thoughtfully made.

WEEKLY ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT 💡

Dada Philip. @⁨Dada Philip⁩
Cohort 1 (2018)

Dada Philip is a passionate social innovator from Nigeria, dedicated to transforming lives through the power of collaboration. As Convener of The Synergy For Women Development Initiative, he is the driving force behind Ogbonge Chess, a locally handcrafted chess set made by indigenous women in Nigeria, as well as associated educational programs, which fuses chess education, environmental sustainability, and community engagement using recycled materials.

An alumnus of FUTA and a fellow of the FES Open Minds, Young Voices program, Dada has used the knowledge gained from his fellowship to retrofit chess and creative skill education into impactful community initiatives. His work has been recognized by the World Chess Federation (FIDE) in its 2025 Year of Social Chess, celebrating his commitment to using chess as a tool for empowerment in underserved Nigerian communities.

https://www.instagram.com/fes_omyv/

Chess meets Climate Action.
We have formed a partnership with GreenẸ̀ Climate Initiative GreenÉ Climate Initiative. Together, we are reintroducing our eco-friendly chess sets made from recycled pure water sachets to schools and organizations.
In the FIDE - International Chess Federation designated year of Chess in Education, we are using chess to teach critical thinking and environmental responsibility - turning waste into wisdom.
Join us to promote this cause and let's clean our environment.

Happy new year from SWDI!
In a world that often pulls us apart, we're committed to using chess to bring people together - to think deeply, connect meaningfully and build stronger communities.
Here's to a brand new year of play, purpose and shared growth!