Busy Chess Mum

coordinator at Chess in Gambia Schools and Communities,a family run non profit organisation using chess as a tool to advance students' thinking and learning .

[Busy Chess Mum @AzizViv]

Congratulations Matthew 🥳🎉

[Chess in Gambia Schools and Communities @ChristinaAziz20]

So proud to see Matthew Aziz featured on @BruvsChessMedia and his achievement recognised internationally. Thank you for highlighting his achievement and celebrating this important milestone. We couldn't be prouder of Matthew for earning his FIDE Candidate Master title on his first Chess Olympiad appearance. A proud moment for him and for Gambian chess! 🇬🇲♟️

@FIDEschoolChess @MOYSTheGambia @NSC_TheGambia @BaksBadjie @BakauBm98685 @FIDE_chess @thegiftofchess @schoolschess @grtstvofficial @TheAlkambaTimes

[Chess in Gambia Schools and Communities @ChristinaAziz20]

So proud to be part of the Gift of Chess family and to share this journey with so many amazing people around the world. ❤️♟️

From Gambia 🇬🇲 to the rest of the world, we are united by our shared love of chess and the belief that it can create opportunities, bring people together and change lives.

Thank you, @thegiftofchess , for making us part of this beautiful journey, sharing the chess love around the world! 🌍♟️❤️

@FIDESocialChess
@FideWomen @FIDEschoolChess @schoolschess @ECUonline @YCGambia @gambia_chess @MOYSTheGambia @NSC_TheGambia @grtstvofficial

[Chess in Gambia Schools and Communities @ChristinaAziz20]

Following our meeting with Lord Mayor Talib Ahmed Bensouda @bensouda_talib and CEO Mr Pa Sait Ceesay of Kanifing Municipal Council @PublicKmc , we were delighted to visit the Kanifing Municipal Library to officially hand over 12 chess sets donated through The Gift of Chess ♟️🇬🇲
We met with the Vice Chair of the Library, Mr Sanyang, and Mr Sow to discuss the best ways to make the sets accessible to the public, creating opportunities for people of all ages to play, learn, practise and connect through chess.

The sets will also support our national teams in their training and preparation as they get ready to represent The Gambia at the Chess Olympiad next month! 🇬🇲♟️

This initiative at the KMC Library is also part of a wider vision. We would love to reach public libraries, youth centres and community spaces across The Gambia and explore how we can work together to make chess more accessible to the wider community.

If you are a public library, youth centre or community organisation interested in bringing chess to your space, we would love to hear from you!
Thank you to @thegiftofchess and the Kanifing Municipal Library for helping us take this step forward.

One board. One community. One move at a time. 🇬🇲♟️

@HCGIndiaGambia @NSC_TheGambia @FideWomen @BaksBadjie @SorokinaChess @schoolschess @MOYSTheGambia @YCGambia @AfricellGM @grtstvofficial @ChessKidcom @EUinTheGambia @gambia_chess @achpr_cadhp @IOMTheGambia @CorpsafricaGam @FIDE_chess @DanaReiznieceOz
@thegiftofchess @TheAlkambaTimes @FIDESocialChess @FIDEschoolChess @Moherst_GMB @HCKingFCDO @UNDP_TheGambia @AfricanChessCon @OfficialUTGSU @ChessForCXT @AfricaChess
#chess #ChessConnectsUs #chessclub #chessinschools #chessingambia #chessinafrica #chessineducation #ChessForAll

[Chess in Gambia Schools and Communities @ChristinaAziz20]

It was a pleasure to meet with Lord Mayor Talib Ahmed Bensouda @mayorKMC of Kanifing Municipal Council @PublicKmc , and CEO Mr Pa Sait Ceesay , to introduce our organisation and share more about our work to bring chess into schools and communities across The Gambia!♟️🇬🇲

We were particularly encouraged by the Mayor’s commitment to youth development and creating opportunities for young people within KMC. His openness to the role chess can play in education, personal development and community engagement, and his willingness to support initiatives that benefit children and young people, are greatly appreciated. It is encouraging to have the leadership of Kanifing Municipal Council on board as we work to make chess more accessible to the community!

Through @thegiftofchess we were also able to donate 12 chess sets to the Kanifing Municipal Library. These sets will be available to members of the community for casual chess games, chess meetups, training workshops and, hopefully, tournaments in the future!

A sincere thank you to Lord Mayor Talib Ahmed Bensouda for taking the time to meet with us, listening to our vision, and being supportive of our efforts to use chess as a tool for youth development and community empowerment!

We look forward to working together and to seeing these chess sets bring people together at the KMC Library, while continuing to create new opportunities for children and communities across KMC and The Gambia. ♟️🇬🇲

@HCGIndiaGambia @NSC_TheGambia @FideWomen @BaksBadjie @SorokinaChess @schoolschess @MOYSTheGambia @YCGambia @AfricellGM @grtstvofficial @ChessKidcom @EUinTheGambia @gambia_chess @achpr_cadhp @IOMTheGambia @CorpsafricaGam @FIDE_chess @DanaReiznieceOz
@thegiftofchess @TheAlkambaTimes @FIDESocialChess @FIDEschoolChess @Moherst_GMB @HCKingFCDO @UNDP_TheGambia @AfricanChessCon @OfficialUTGSU @ChessForCXT @AfricaChess
#chess #ChessConnectsUs #chessclub #chessinschools #chessingambia #chessinafrica #chessineducation #ChessForAll

[Busy Chess Mum @AzizViv]

Congratulations Christina ! Proud of you ❤️

[Chess in Gambia Schools and Communities @ChristinaAziz20]

A milestone I am so incredibly proud of!! ♟️
In December 2025, I was officially awarded the FIDE Senior Lead Instructor (SLI) title by @FIDE_chess , The International Chess Federation !
At 19, I’m honored to be the youngest FIDE Senior Lead Instructor in the World 🌍, and the first from The Gambia 🇬🇲to receive this title!

Chess education is my passion, using chess as a tool to build confidence, critical thinking, academic growth, and essential 21st-century skills in young people. Seeing students grow and learn through chess continues to inspire everything I do!

I’m deeply grateful to everyone who believed in me, especially @AnzelLaubscher , Rita Atkins , and Boris Bruhn for your guidance, encouragement, and trust.

Excited for what’s ahead and to keep sharing the joy of chess with more young minds and helping them grow one move at a time ♟️
@FIDE_chess @AfricellGM @gambia_chess @thegiftofchess @TheAlkambaTimes
@FIDESocialChess @FIDEschoolChess
@FideWomen @schoolschess @MOYSTheGambia
@NSC_TheGambia @AfricanChessCon @QTV_GMB
@Moherst_GMB @ChessForCXT @ChessKidcom
@TheAlkambaTimes
#chess #ChessConnectsUs #chessinschools #chessingambia #chessinafrica #chessineducation #ChessForAl

[Chess in Gambia Schools and Communities @ChristinaAziz20]

We are beyond proud to share that — thanks to all of you — The Gambia has become the first country ever to host a Preparation of Teachers ( POT ) FIDE Chess training Course fully funded by the community! 🇬🇲♟️
You deserve the biggest THANK YOU of all!
To every family, teacher, parent, child, school, institution, and corporation that believed in us and in our mission to bring chess to The Gambia — THANK YOU.
Thank you for your belief, your trust, and your constant support in every possible way. None of this would have been possible without you!
Our community came together to share the joy and gift of chess, helping make it accessible to teachers, students, and schools across the nation.
The best part? The entire 4-day course was offered to teachers completely free of charge — made possible entirely by the community’s generosity.
YOU have made Chess in Gambia schools possible!!

@thegiftofchess @TheAlkambaTimes @FIDE_chess @FIDESocialChess @MOYSTheGambia @TC_BanjulBE @gambia_chess @FIDEschoolChess @FideWomen @ChessKidcom @schoolschess @MOYSTheGambia @GambiaOlympic @Olympafrica @achpr_cadhp @AfricanChessCon @Moherst_GMB @BBCAfrica @AfricellGM @HCKingFCDO @UKinTheGambia @FranceinGambia @EUinTheGambia @ChessbaseIndia

[Chess in Gambia Schools and Communities @ChristinaAziz20]

We are so excited to join @ChessScholar and @hari_neo21 from The Gambia ! ♟️🇬🇲
Chess is such a fun and powerful way to explore maths concepts and develop problem-solving skills. We’ll be taking this course, and we invite everyone curious about maths and learning to join us too!
@thegiftofchess @FIDEschoolChess @FIDESocialChess @schoolschess @ECU_Education @ChessPlus

[Chess in Gambia Schools and Communities @ChristinaAziz20]

Grateful to Africell for standing with us in growing chess in Gambian schools 🏫♟️
Together we’re sharpening minds, empowering communities, and creating brighter futures, one move at a time!

#AfricellSupportsEducation #ShapingSharperMinds #ChessForChange #StrengtheningCommunities
@FideWomen @FIDEschoolChess @FIDESocialChess @ChessForCXT @gambia_chess @HCGIndiaGambia @TC_BanjulBE @EBanjul @Moherst_GMB @UKinTheGambia @thegiftofchess @schoolschess @MOYSTheGambia @AfricellGM @grtstvofficial @QTV_GMB @EUinTheGambia @achpr_cadhp @_AfricanUnion @AfricanChessCon

[Chess in Gambia Schools and Communities @ChristinaAziz20]

Catch Anzel Laubscher, International Woman FIDE Master and FIDE Senior Lead instructor, and Christina Aziz, Co-founder of Chess in Gambia Schools and Communities, and Candidate Senior Lead Instructor, on GRTS Radio sharing about the power of chess in education, the launch of The Gambia’s first-ever FIDE - International Chess Federation Preparation of Teachers Course, and what’s ahead for chess in schools and communities!
Big dreams, bold moves — The Gambia is ready!
♟️🧠🇬🇲🏫🧑‍🎓👩‍🎓

@FideWomen @FIDEschoolChess @FIDE_chess @FIDESocialChess @gambia_chess @TC_BanjulBE @HCGIndiaGambia @MOYSTheGambia @UNDP_TheGambia @thegiftofchess @ChessForCXT @af_banjul @Moherst_GMB @schoolschess @ChessKidcom @lichess @ChessbaseIndia

[Chess in Gambia Schools and Communities @ChristinaAziz20]

🎙️Listen in!
Anzel Laubscher and Christina Pauline Aziz had the pleasure of joining QTV Gambia on Good Morning Gambia Show, where they talked all about educational chess and our latest Preparation of Teachers Course!
We trained 50 teachers from schools nationwide on how to use chess as a powerful game-based learning tool alongside the curriculum!
Big steps forward for chess in education in The Gambia! ♟️🇬🇲
Thank you, QTV Gambia, for giving us a platform to talk about what we love most and share it with the rest of the country!

@thegiftofchess @FideWomen @FIDEschoolChess @FIDESocialChess @FIDE_chess @Moherst_GMB @gambia_chess @MOYSTheGambia @HCGIndiaGambia @FranceinGambia @UKinTheGambia @TC_BanjulBE @EBanjul @achpr_cadhp @_AfricanUnion @AfricanChessCon @schoolschess @ChessForCXT @QTV_GMB @BBCAfrica @BBCSport @ChessKidcom @GambiaOlympic @GambiaNYC @NSC_TheGambia @ECU_Education @BaksBadjie @UniOfGambia @AfricellGM

[Chess in Gambia Schools and Communities @ChristinaAziz20]

✈️What began as a casual, impromptu chat on an airplane turned into an incredible meeting with Mme Abiola Idowu-Ojo, Executive Secretary of the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights
@achpr_cadhp 🌍♟️
Sometimes the best opportunities come when you least expect them… and this one is just the beginning!

🇬🇲 Get ready, Gambia — we’ve got some exciting new projects in the works!!

@FideWomen @FIDEschoolChess @FIDESocialChess
@schoolschess @ECU_Education @thegiftofchess
@ChessForCXT @schoolschess @MOYSTheGambia
@Moherst_GMB @TC_BanjulBE @gambia_chess
@UKinTheGambia @EBanjul @HCGIndiaGambia @_AfricanUnion @AfricanChessCon @ChessKidcom @AfricellGM @QTV_GMB

[Chess in Gambia Schools and Communities @ChristinaAziz20]

A big Thank you to @af_banjul for always supporting our chess activities and giving us the chance to share such a fantastic evening with WIM Anzel Laubscher! ♟️
We’re grateful for this partnership and for growing chess together in The Gambia. And of course, thank you to all our chess friends who joined us and helped make the evening a success! 🙏
@FIDEschoolChess @FideWomen @FIDE_chess @schoolschess @FIDESocialChess @thegiftofchess
@TC_BanjulBE @UKinTheGambia @MOYSTheGambia
@gambia_chess @achpr_cadhp @ChessKidcom
@OfficialUTGSU @ChessForCXT @TheAlkambaTimes
@Moherst_GMB @UNDP_TheGambia
@AfricanChessCon @EBanjul @BBCAfrica @AfricellGM @QTV_GMB

[Chess in Gambia Schools and Communities @ChristinaAziz20]

🎉Reminder! 🎉
Tomorrow, Monday, 15th September, join us at Alliance Française de Banjul for an unforgettable chess evening!
5:00 – 5:30 PM – Meet & Greet with WIM Anzel Laubscher 🤝
From 5:30 PM onwards, Simultaneous Exhibition ♟️
🍴 A special treat: Chef Bojan has prepared a special menu for you to enjoy during the evening!
Let’s come together as a community to learn, play, and celebrate chess in a fun and inspiring way! ♟️
Free & open to all, don’t miss it!
@FideWomen @FIDEschoolChess @FIDE_chess @FIDESocialChess @ChessForCXT @schoolschess @thegiftofchess @MOYSTheGambia @gambia_chess @HCGIndiaGambia @TC_BanjulBE @FranceinGambia @AfricanChessCon @Moherst_GMB @UNICEFGambia
@af_banjul

[Chess in Gambia Schools and Communities @ChristinaAziz20]

🎉Exciting News! 🎉
We’re thrilled to announce The Gambia's First Ever POT (Preparation of Teachers) Course, happening September 11th–14th! I’m honored to co-lecture alongside WIM and FIDE SLI Anzel Laubscher !
Over four days, we’ll train 50 teachers from various schools across The Gambia, giving them the resources they need to bring chess into their classrooms!
This course is organized by Chess in Gambia Schools and Communities in collaboration with FIDE - International Chess Federation , Chess in Education Commission - FIDE and Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, The Gambia. It is fully funded by our incredible community and supported by Gift of Chess , whose donation of chess sets will reach participating schools!
A thank you to the Gambia Chess Federation for supporting our initiative!
We can’t wait to see teachers and students inspired, and to grow chess as a tool for learning, creativity, and connection across The Gambia!♟️🎉
@FideWomen @thegiftofchess @FIDE_chess @TC_BanjulBE @HCGIndiaGambia @ChessForCXT @FIDESocialChess @ECU_Education @FIDEschoolChess @ChessKidcom @MoBSE_Gambia @MOYSTheGambia @UKinTheGambia @UNICEFGambia @UNDP_TheGambia @UNICEFGambia @CatholicRelief @AfricanChessCon @AfricellGM @QTV_GMB @schoolschess

[Chess in Gambia Schools and Communities @ChristinaAziz20]

This is a very special and emotional moment for us! After nearly a year of hard work, collaboration, and hope, we finally signed the Memorandum of Understanding with the Ministry of Education to introduce chess into our schools.
This project is very close to my heart. I call it my baby, not just because of the effort and time it took, but because of the potential it carries. Chess is not just a game. It’s a powerful educational tool that teaches critical thinking, patience, focus, problem-solving, and social skills, all essential for success in the 21st century!
Our goal is to empower students through the beauty of chess, and to create inclusive, inspiring learning spaces where every child can thrive in the classroom and beyond!
We sincerely thank the Ministry of Education for believing in this vision and everyone who supported us. Let this be just the beginning of something truly transformative for education in The Gambia🇬🇲♟
https://t.co/kpEPPJqsa8
@thegiftofchess @TheAlkambaTimes @FIDESocialChess @FIDEschoolChess @gambia_chess @schoolschess @FideWomen @schoolschess @ChessKidcom @MOYSTheGambia @Moherst_GMB @HCKingFCDO @UNDP_TheGambia @AfricanChessCon @OfficialUTGSU @ChessForCXT
#chess #chessevent #ChessConnectsUs #chessclub #chessinschools #chessingambia #chessinafrica #chessineducation #ChessForAll

[Chess in Gambia Schools and Communities @ChristinaAziz20]

Honored to meet with the British High Commission! Grateful for the support and encouragement towards our mission of using chess for education, inclusion, and community development♟️♟️🇬🇲🇬🇧

@UKinTheGambia @HCKingFCDO @FIDESocialChess @FIDEschoolChess @schoolschess @ECUonline @FIDE_chess @UNGambia @AfricanChessCon @thegiftofchess @MOYSTheGambia @MOIGambia @Moherst_GMB @Carl_Portman @OfficialUTGSU
#ChessForChange #BritishHighCommission #GambiaMeetsUK #chess #chessevent #ChessConnectsUs #chessclub #chessinschools
#chessingambia #chessinafrica #chessineducation #ChessForAll

[Chess in Gambia Schools and Communities @ChristinaAziz20]

@thegiftofchess From Gambia to the world, from a single pawn to a powerful queen! We’re chasing dreams together. ♟️
— Chess in Gambia Schools and Communities

[Busy Chess Mum @AzizViv]

Happy international Chess Day to all our Chess friends !!

[Chess in Gambia Schools and Communities @ChristinaAziz20]

Happy International Chess Day !!
Kicked off The International Chess Day with the National Amputee Football Team! We joined them during training to introduce the game of chess and share a moment of play and connection. One board, endless possibilities — proving that chess truly is for everyone. ♟️♟️

@FIDESocialChess @schoolschess @FIDEschoolChess @FIDEschoolChess @FideWomen
@ChessForCXT @FIDE_chess @AfricanChessCon @gambia_chess @ChessKidcom
@thegiftofchess @MOYSTheGambia
#InternationalChessDay #ChessForInclusion #FIDE #ChessConnectsUs #chess #chessevent #ChessConnectsUs #chessclub #chessinschools #chessingambia #chessinafrica #chessineducation #ChessForAll

[Chess in Gambia Schools and Communities @ChristinaAziz20]

Chess Behind Bars. Hope Beyond Walls.
As ambassadors of @thegiftofchess , we are proud to see the recognition of this transformative initiative by
@UNESCO
Chess is not just a game; it is a tool for rehabilitation, growth, and second chances. In correctional facilities across the United States and now in The Gambia, chess is helping reduce violence, ease isolation, and promote critical thinking and self-discipline. With over 120,000 incarcerated individuals reached globally, the movement is growing, and we are honored to be part of it. Read the full UNESCO feature here:
The Gift of Chess, USA https://t.co/7JKHaqTxfG
Thank you to Tony Ballard and the entire team for the vision and inspiration. Let us continue to spread the power of chess, one set, one person, one move at a time.
@FIDESocialChess @FIDE_chess @gambia_chess @schoolschess @UNESCOGAMBIA @AfricanChessCon @UNDP_TheGambia @thegiftofchess @MOIGambia

#ChessForChange #TheGiftOfChess #ChessInPrisons #UNESCO #RehabilitationThroughChess #ChessInGambia

[Chess in Gambia Schools and Communities @ChristinaAziz20]

This Saturday, July 19th, our organization, Chess in Gambia Schools & Communities, with the support of The Gift of Chess, will join the International Voluntary Mental Health Organization (@ivmho_gambia) at Tanka Tanka Psychiatric Hospital for a powerful morning of mental health and psychosocial support activities, featuring live music, games, art, and CHESS!♟️♟️

As part of FIDE’s Month of Recovery and ahead of International Chess Day (July 20), we’re bringing our chessboards to share the joy, calm, and connection that chess brings. From hospitals to schools, from classrooms to community centers, we’ve seen how chess can support healing, focus, and inclusion.

Whether it’s teaching children, engaging persons with special needs, or sharing a quiet game in a hospital, we believe in the power of chess for recovery.

Huge thanks to The Gift of Chess, International Voluntary Mental Health Organisation, Maryama Cham Officials and all those working to support mental wellness and dignity!
@FIDESocialChess @FIDEschoolChess @FIDE_chess @schoolschess @ChessForCXT @thegiftofchess