The Curaçao Youth Chess Institute (CYCI) is a grassroots educational program that uses chess as a transformative tool to promote cognitive development, social mobility, and equal opportunity among youth in Curaçao. Founded with the belief that intellectual growth is a path to personal and social advancement, CYCI provides structured chess education across schools, neighborhoods, and community centers—particularly reaching children who might otherwise have limited access to enrichment programs.
Our activities include:
- Teaching chess in public schools and underserved communities
- Training and mentoring local chess instructors
- Hosting youth tournaments that reward discipline and strategic thinking
- Developing age-appropriate learning materials and digital tools
- Partnering with parents, schools, and local stakeholders to foster lasting engagement
What makes CYCI unique is not just the game we teach, but the mindset we cultivate. In a society where sports and entertainment are often seen as the only escape routes for youth, CYCI introduces a new arena: the chessboard. Through our programs, children learn critical thinking, emotional regulation, strategic planning, and resilience—skills that extend far beyond the 64 squares.
We believe that every child deserves access to systems that reward thought over status, and effort over inheritance. Your support helps us level the playing field—literally and figuratively—by investing in future thinkers, leaders, and problem-solvers of Curaçao.
More information about our organization can be found in our annual reports.
