Let’s take chess to rural areas

Nkosilathi Sibanda, [email protected]

CHESS Mates Academy director, Prisca Sibanda, believes that rural areas should not be a barrier for youngsters interested in playing chess.

Despite the concentration of resources and means in urban areas, Sibanda and the academy aspire to spread the game to as many schools and communities as possible.

Sibanda views chess as a means to bridge the inequality between urban and rural schools.

The academy aims to instruct children in rural areas, nurturing their talents and providing new possibilities. Sibanda also plans to take advantage of opportunities provided by the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education to include all sports codes in the school curriculum.

“We are committed to spreading the game of chess in rural areas. This is a game that knows no boundaries and we want to look for players in rural areas that we can teach and make out their talent,” said Sibanda.

“The aim in reaching out to communities outside the city is not simply to gather school children and instruct them on the fundamentals of chess, but to educate and encourage them to engage in the game in a manner that will positively impact their lives and create new possibilities.” — @NkosieLegend