Despite new record, donations for Onakoya''s fundraiser miss target

Guardian NG Apr 27, 2024

Tunde Onakoya at Makoko. Photo THEKASHOPE

The previous world record was 56 hours, nine minutes, and 37 seconds by Norwegian duo Hallvard Haug FlatebÃ¸ and Sjur Ferkingstad in 2018.

Onakoya began the historic challenge with two goals: to break the record and raise $1 million for his "Chess in Slums Africa" initiative, that provides educational opportunities for children in underserved communities.

While his endurance won the day, the donations to raise $ 1 million for underprivileged children through the Chess In Slums Africa missed the target.

Doing this for the dreams of millions of children across Africa without access to education," Onakoya said in an Instagram post.

This is by far one of the hardest things Ive ever had to do, but one thing I know for sure I will not be alone through it all. Need everyones support now more than ever to raise awareness and support for the incredible work we do @chessinslums and @thegiftofchess.

Tunde Onakoya at Oshodi

At the end of the record-setting adventure, the donations received was only $161,065, missing the $ 1 million target.

The GoFundMe account set up to achieve the target said the funds would be used to empower children to reach their potential - with the game of chess as a framework - to teach academic skills, critical thinking and a lifelong appreciation.

"We use a 3-fold strategy to help kids stay in school and reach their potential: mentorship, Love and structure, a statement on the GoFundMe account said.

Onakoya, 29, credits chess for saving him from overwhelming poverty while growing up in a floating slum in Lagos.

His non-profit, Chess in Slums Africa, teaches Chess to children from poor communities and helps fund their education.

Onakoya is a board member of the US non-profit The Gift of Chess, which works to transform lives through chess.

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