Aware International hosts chess championship with LCF to build students’ minds

Published: June 20, 2025

PAYNESVILLE — Aware International School System, in collaboration with the Liberia Chess Federation (LCF), on Thursday hosted a one-day in-house chess championship aimed at enhancing students’ critical thinking and strategic reasoning.

Held on the school’s campus along GSA Road, the event brought together students from the elementary, junior high and senior high divisions under the theme, “Mastering Moves, Building Minds.”

Parents, teachers and administrators turned out in large numbers to support the young competitors, who faced off in a three-hour tournament marked by intense but respectful play.

In the senior high division, Vassanani P. Soham delivered a dominant performance, winning all four of his matches to claim best individual honors. Grade 8C emerged victorious in the junior high category, while Grade 5C scored a perfect four points to win the elementary division.

At the conclusion of the tournament, the Liberia Chess Federation presented trophies and chess boards to the winners, part of its broader effort to promote grassroots participation in the sport.

Speaking ahead of the event, Aware International Vice Principal Ibitayo A. Tewe praised the partnership and emphasized the role of chess in education.

“Chess is a game that helps to build the minds of young people,” Tewe said. “We appreciate the LCF for bringing this sport to our school.”

LCF President Thomas Karyah highlighted the intellectual benefits of chess and advocated for its expansion in school curricula.

“Chess is one of the oldest and most impactful games in the world,” Karyah said. “It enhances decision-making, strengthens the mind and supports academic performance in subjects like math.”

He commended Aware International for its initiative and expressed optimism about future collaborations with other educational institutions across Liberia.

Aware International School System, an Indian-managed institution, is recognized for integrating extracurricular programs into its academic framework to foster well-rounded student development.