Learners encouraged to play chess
Playing chess helps improve the memory of learners in terms of planning, thinking, conflict resolution, discipline, and boosting their confidence.
Two primary schools in Mamelodi were on Wednesday gifted chess boards and sports gear to help learners focus on their schoolwork.
The generous donations were made by Gauteng police commissioner Lieutenant-General Tommy Mthombeni together with different stakeholders to Agnes Chidi Primary and Pfundzo Ndi Tshedza Primary schools in Mamelodi East and West.
Mthombeni said the donation is part of the School Safety Project, which is aimed at using sports to prevent learners from getting involved in criminal activity.
He said participating in different sports activities, including chess helps learners a lot, especially with concentration and memory, as most have a tough time concentrating in class.
“The aim of the project is to use sports to prevent learners from being involved in criminal activity as well.
Soccer gear and soccer fields will motivate the learners to stay away from criminal activities,” said Mthombeni.
“We have also donated chess boards to the schools to make sure that learners don’t roam around committing criminal activities but instead engage in a game of chess, which stimulates one’s mental capacity.”
He said together with partners, the SAPS visited over 50 schools in Gauteng recently to make similar donations.
“This School Safety Project is aimed at assisting schools to proactively keep learners occupied with sporting activities,” said Mthombeni.
He said he chose chess as it helps one to analyse a situation using focusing on important factors and eliminating distractions.
Mamelodi West CPF chairperson Lesiba Legwabe said learners should stay away from drugs and crime.
“No to drugs; you still have many years to go before you go to university, so don’t spoil those years on drugs,” Legwape warned.
Famous Amapiano music star DJ Dinho advised learners to speak to their teachers, especially when struggling with their subject.
“Never give up on your dreams; believe in everything you do, and your dreams will come true,” said Dinho.
He told the learners to stay away from drugs and crime.
Dinho said learners should also respect their teachers and parents.
Linkie Mampane, acting Agness Chidi primary school principal said the school is honoured to receive the donation.
She said the generous donations will not turn into a white elephant; the school is going to make use of the chess board painted on the floor.
“We are going to make sure the schoolchildren make use of the chess floor.
Local businesses also donated sanitary pad packages and toiletry, and each learner went home with a loaf of bread courtesy of Blue Ribbon, one of the main sponsors.
Councillor Shiba Madonsela said chess is a game of life. Learners should make use of the opportunity to play chess every day; it will develop them into better people.
“The chess game will enhance your thinking ability, and help you make correct decisions in life,” said Madonsela.
The schools will compete against each other, and the winner will receive a donation of R5 000.
Before his departure, Mthombeni played a game of chess with the learners.
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