Areas of Focus
SOM Chess Academy is a for-impact organization using chess as a teaching tool to restore hope and holistically transform lives of children living in underserved communities of East Africa. With the skill-building that comes through chess, the organization enables youth to be proactive in the way they lead life in order to break the viscous cycle of slum life, illiteracy and poverty. The Impact of our work inspired the Disney movie "Queen Of Katwe".
Founder & CEO
Cohort Year
2022
Robert Katende is a life coach, who uses Sports (particularly Chess) as a platform to Restore Hope and transform lives. He is known world over as a man who took the elite game of chess in the slums/ghetto. His philosophy enabled him to serve as General Secretary for the World Chess Federation (FIDE) Social Action Commission, a commission that promotes Chess for Social impact. Robert dedicated himself to using chess as a tool for social improvement. He is the founder and Executive director of SOM Chess Academy and the Robert Katende Initiative.He has also published a book, 'A Knight Without a Castle' an inspirational memoir about determination, hope, Resilience and success. He is currently working to expand the SOM Chess Academy programs across Uganda by setting up other Chess Centers and determined to establish a permanent skills school to harness talent in Technology and vocational skills.
Cohort Year
