Shaping A Brighter Tomorrow Through Chess…..Clara Robert’s Inspiring Journey
Clara’s journey stands as a powerful example of what can be achieved when young people are given access to opportunity and support.
LILONGWE, Malawi-From Milala Full Primary School in the rural north-western part of Lilongwe District in Malawi, to competing against some of Africa’s most talented young chess players. Clara Robert’s journey is a compelling illustration of the transformative power of opportunity, determination, and sustained investment in youth development, write Fran Malila & Isaac Kambwiri.
Clara was first introduced to chess at the age of 11 through the Chess in Schools Initiative at Milala Full Primary School.
The programme, sponsored by Alliance One Tobacco Malawi/Pyxus, was designed to help address child labour in tobacco-growing communities by providing children with meaningful after-school activities and pathways for personal growth.
What began as a simple extracurricular activity soon evolved into a passion. Clara quickly demonstrated exceptional aptitude and dedication, and within two years, she had developed into one of Malawi’s most promising young female chess players.
As her skills and confidence grew, Clara began competing in national championships, where she consistently earned recognition, prizes, and valuable competitive experience.
Her success at the national level created opportunities for international exposure.
In 2024, with sponsorship from the Chess Programme, Clara represented Malawi for the first time at the African Youth Chess Championship in Gauteng, South Africa.
Competing against some of the continent’s strongest junior players, she secured two draws and gained invaluable exposure to high-level competition.
While the experience presented significant challenges, it marked an important milestone in her development and strengthened her resolve to improve.
Upon returning home, Clara continued to train diligently. Her determination yielded outstanding results in 2025, when she won the Under-14 Girls’ category at the Alliance One/Pyxus-sponsored National Youth Chess Championship.
Achieving a perfect score throughout the tournament, she was crowned Malawi National Youth Chess Champion, earning both a gold medal and a brand-new bicycle in recognition of her exceptional performance.
In 2026, Clara built on this success by once again representing Malawi at the African Youth Chess Championship, held in Entebbe, Uganda.
Competing in the Under-16 Girls’ category, she demonstrated remarkable growth and competitive maturity.
Entering the tournament as the 52nd seed, she significantly exceeded expectations by finishing 25th out of 58 participants, with an impressive score of 5 out of 9 points.
Clara’s continued progress highlights the long-term impact of grassroots development initiatives and the importance of consistent support in nurturing young talent.
Now in Standard 8, she remains an active competitor, representing Malawi at both national and regional chess events.
For Clara, the opportunities created through the Chess in Schools Initiative have been truly life-changing.
What once seemed unimaginable for a young girl growing up in a rural village has become a reality.
Through chess, she has developed confidence, critical thinking skills, and resilience, while also gaining exposure to new environments and opportunities beyond her immediate surroundings.
The Chess in Schools Initiative forms part of a broader commitment to addressing child labour in tobacco-growing communities.
By providing structured after-school programme, sports activities, and chess clubs, the initiative supports children’s physical, mental, and social development while encouraging them to stay in school and reducing the risk of their involvement in tobacco-related labour.
Implemented in partnership with the Chess Association of Malawi (CHESSAM), the programme has established chess training in schools across grower communities.
Since its launch in 2021, the initiative has reached more than 2,000 students across 34 schools.
Clara’s journey stands as a powerful example of what can be achieved when young people are given access to opportunity and support.
From a rural primary school in Lilongwe to representing Malawi on the continental stage, her story demonstrates how strategic investments in education and youth development can unlock potential, transform lives, and inspire the next generation of leaders.