Jasmine Shines for Braeburn Mombasa: A Celebration of Multilingualism at the 2025 African Chess Championship
7th June 2025
The 2025 African Schools Individual Chess Championship, hosted at Pride Inn Hotel in Mombasa, Kenya, was more than just a display of intellectual talent; it was a vibrant celebration of Africa’s rich cultural and linguistic diversity. Over 1,100 young players from eleven African federations gathered to test their skills and represent their countries in a shared spirit of excellence and unity. Among them was Jasmine, a Year 5 student from Braeburn Mombasa, a shining example of determination and discipline, who scored an impressive 6 points out of 9 rounds across eleven competitive categories. Her participation reflected the core values of the tournament: focus, resilience and sportsmanship.
However, the most lasting lesson of the championship extended beyond the chessboard: the realisation that multilingualism is not only an asset but a necessity in Pan-African engagements. In such a multicultural setting, young athletes encountered fellow players who spoke a wide array of languages—English, French, Portuguese, Arabic, and numerous indigenous African tongues. These interactions created opportunities for authentic cultural exchange, empathy, and mutual respect.
Multilingualism served as a bridge, enabling players to form friendships, understand different cultures, and communicate effectively across linguistic boundaries. It fostered collaboration, broke down barriers, and revealed how language skills enrich participation and expand horizons.
In conclusion, the 2025 All-African Schools Chess Championship demonstrated that Africa’s strength lies not only in its talented youth but also in its linguistic wealth. Events like these show that when children are empowered to learn and use multiple languages, they become more open-minded, adaptable, and united in their diversity. Multilingualism in action is not just a communication tool—it is a key to continental solidarity and future leadership.
Congratulations once again to Jasmine for her outstanding performance at the 2025 African Schools Individual Chess Championship and for proudly raising the Braeburn Mombasa flag high!
Ms Oira,
French and Kiswahili teacher
