Project ``The Chess in the Rural Schools of Moldova``

Wednesday, 30 January 2008 00:00

Starting September the 1st, 2007, under the patronage of Mr. Kirsan Ilyumzhinov and due to the financing received from the World Chess Federation (FIDE) and with the support of the local Federation of Chess of Moldova (FSM), the Project ``Chess in the Rural Schools of Moldova`` started. Now, more than 600 pupils from 15 rural localities of Moldova study chess in schools, being taught by experienced teachers. The localities involved in the project are as follows: Costuleni (Ungheni), Racovat (Soroca), Iargara (Leova), Risipeni (Falesti). Grigorauca (Singerei), Radoaia (Singerei), Draganesti (Singerei), Cuhnesti (Glodeni), Saseni (Calarasi), Rusestii Noi (Ialoveni), Micauti (Straseni), Ciobruciu (Stefan Voda), Valea Perjii (Taraclia), Popestii de Sus (Drochia), Jura (Ribnita), including all the geographical regions of Moldova, even one locality from Transdniestrian region.

All the chess centers received chess materials, necessary for the lessons. Also, in some of the localities, the material is used as a base for local chess clubs, where amateures gather on weekends and play chess. It is a sort of sportive and cultural event that unites the local communities.

On October 12th - 13th 2007, in the capital of Moldova, Chisinau, a seminar for the chess teachers was held in order to increase their professional skills. Also, during a press conference, this project was officialy presented to the mass-media by GM Victor Bologan, who is the director of the project, and who aims to continue sustaining the development of chess in Moldova for the next years, especially in rural areas.

During his visit to Moldova, GM Bologan attended one of the lessons (photo) and was very pleased with the results that the project brings already from the beggining.

All the teachers received special chess manuals for this object, and the pupils received two different copybooks (photo: yellow and green copybooks) with diagrams that will help them understand the game of chess more easily.

During winter, the first inspection started in the schools and the first data about the process of education was gathered. Soon a detailed report, including statistical and methodic data will be available, describing the process of education in rural schools inside this Project.

From the further activities, it can be mentioned: the second seminar that will be held at the end of February 2008, and a lot of activities for the May 2008, as simultaneus games played by international masters in the rural chess centers, a competition with the best young players that will be held in Chisinau, a Week of Chess that should be celebrated in all the localities at the end of the education year (end of May) etc.

Here are some photos: