BY: LESEGO POTO
Chess Kidding is on a mission to make chess accessible to all persons aged 4 years and above, with interest. Two phenomenal South African ladies named Thokozani Ndaba and Seadi Motlale are committed in enriching and expanding the chess community of South Africa, with a particular focus on introducing chess to underprivileged communities across the country.
They have teamed up with the Ntethelelo Foundation to teach chess at their after-school program in the vibrant Johannesburg township of Alexandra. As Chess Kidding coaches, they are currently provide free weekly chess coaching at the Foundation.
Because practice makes perfect, they wish every young person at the Foundation to have their very own chess set so that they are able to practice, play and immerse themselves in the wonderful world of chess outside the weekly coaching sessions. Playing chess does not require sports fields or expensive equipment – only a chess board and pieces that can be set up and used anywhere! They believe that by providing the players at the foundation and other similarly positioned community groups with, we are making chess more accessible for them and providing them with a real opportunity to grow in the sport.
Why Chess?
Chess is more than just a game; it is beautifully positioned at the intersection of art, sport, entertainment, math’s and science. Chess unlocks the mind, shapes character, and nurtures a holistic approach to personal growth and development. Some of the known benefits of chess are early cognitive development, executive function skills, life skills and holistic development, unique academic advantage and mental health benefits. For the youth Ntethelelo Foundation, chess can provide a gateway to better problem-solving abilities, improved academic performance, and increased self-confidence.
Chess Kidding Partnership with Ntethelelo Foundation:
Since Chess Kidding has started to provide weekly coaching at Ntethelelo Foundation, they have witnessed firsthand the excitement, curiosity, and potential of these young minds. To capture the spirit of their mission, they have produced a short documentary showcasing their shared experiences and the positive impact of chess in these young lives. These two young women are doing a prominent job
Chess Kidding Roll Up Chess Sets:
Their roll up chess sets contain a durable vinyl chess board with standard tournament pieces in an African-print drawstring bag for ease of travel. This ensures that the chess sets can be taken and set up anywhere, and will likely last a lifetime, if well taken care of. The sets also adhere to international tournament standards and are equipped with legible algebraic notation on the sides. Each set costs R350.00
The Goal:
Our goal is to raise funds to provide 100 chess sets to the Ntethelelo Foundation. By contributing to the purchase of these sets one would further strengthen their efforts to nurture the budding grandmasters of tomorrow. Every contribution, big or small, can create ripples of change. Your support could be the move that changes the game for Ntethelelo Foundation.
Stay connected with them and follow their journey on social media: @chess.kidding.
