The Godwin Lawson Foundation was delighted to take part in the recent Haringey Community Event, a fantastic day dedicated to bringing together families, organisations, and young people to celebrate the strength and potential of our local communities.
As part of our presence at the event, we ran a chess workshop for young people—many of whom had never played the game before. The response was overwhelmingly positive. From the curious to the competitive, young participants quickly became engrossed in learning the rules, planning their next moves, and thinking several steps ahead.
But why chess?
At the Godwin Lawson Foundation, we’re committed to equipping young people with the tools they need to make positive life choices. Chess might seem like just a board game, but its benefits go far deeper. It teaches:
These qualities are especially important for young people navigating difficult choices in challenging environments. Chess encourages calm and considered thinking, even under pressure—an invaluable life skill for anyone.
The event gave us a brilliant opportunity to connect with families, talk about our work, and most importantly, engage with young people in a meaningful, empowering way. Watching them learn, improve, and enjoy the process was a real reminder of the power of community-based engagement and the simple, transformative tools we can offer.
A huge thank you to the organisers, attendees, and all the young people who joined us for a game. We look forward to continuing our work in Haringey and beyond, creating safer, stronger futures—one move at a time.
Interested in bringing a chess and mentoring workshop to your school or community group?
Get in touch with our team today to find out more.