Chess project boost for pupils
BROWN’S School in Pinetown, which caters to children with a variety of disabilities, recently partnered with the International Chess Federation (commonly referred to by its French acronym, FIDE) Social Commission and KZN Chess Academy to start the Infinite Chess Project.
The project will run for five months at the school. It is aimed at teaching chess to children who have autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
Erick Takawira, the project facilitator and the director of the KZN Chess Academy, said: “Playing chess will help the children’s social, communication, and cognitive skills. The goal is not simply to teach children with ASD how to play chess but to improve their communication, thinking, self-esteem, quality of life and confidence via the game.
“The project is also being implemented in France, Belarus, Spain, Norway and Gibraltar. This project will provide valuable feedback on how to make the programme available and appropriate for children with ASD worldwide.
“The project has been going on for three weeks now at Brown’s School and there are 26 children participating in the programme. It is facilitated during lessons within school hours.
“This project will also work towards raising mental health awareness in our community. It will teach people not to label and not to discriminate against children or people with certain conditions.”
Brenda Hattingh, the principal at the school, said: “I express my gratitude to the partners in this project for the wonderful opportunity.”
Anastasia Sorokina, FIDE vice president and project leader of the Infinite Chess Project, said: “I sincerely hope that our joint efforts will help develop this project and benefit children.”
The FIDE's Social Commission is dedicated to using chess as a tool for social development.
Takawira said other schools interested in the programme could call him at 073 434 8634.