UAE Chess Federation Launches New School Centres To Enhance Student Engagement In Chess

The UAE Chess Federation has unveiled plans to establish new chess learning centres in schools throughout the Emirates. This initiative aims to popularise chess and increase the number of players. The Federation noted a strong response from students in both public and private schools, indicating a keen interest in the programme and its benefits for enhancing cognitive skills.

In collaboration with the Ministry of Education and educational bodies, activities are scheduled every Saturday and Sunday. These sessions will culminate in student competitions soon. The curriculum from the International Chess Federation’s (FIDE) Education Commission will be integrated into training sessions.

The phased rollout of this plan involved several key steps. Initially, over 500 teachers were trained nationwide to instruct students in chess. Following this, chess equipment and tables were provided, and coordination was established with numerous schools and official bodies to support the initiative.

The Federation highlighted that more than 8,000 students have shown great enthusiasm for the programme. Schools, educational districts, and clubs have also expressed significant interest in supporting its implementation. This reflects a growing commitment to achieving the programme's goals, backed by guidance from the Ministry of Sports and relevant authorities.

Training courses are being conducted to assist chess instructors in obtaining international titles. This effort is part of a broader strategy to enhance the quality of chess education across the country. The Federation believes that these measures will contribute significantly to developing students' mental abilities through chess.

The Federation's statement emphasised that this initiative is not only about teaching chess but also about fostering a culture of strategic thinking among young people. By engaging with various stakeholders, including schools and educational authorities, the Federation aims to create a sustainable environment for chess education in the UAE.

This comprehensive approach underscores the UAE Chess Federation's dedication to promoting chess as an educational tool. By integrating it into school curriculums, they hope to nurture future generations of strategic thinkers who can apply these skills beyond the game itself.

With inputs from WAM