HE teaches mathematics and natural science and sees the need to develop the cognitive levels of learners.
To continue his vision of developing learners, Rassie Durais launched a book at Laerskool Suidheuwels Primary in South Hills on October 24.
The book is titled Chess: The Gymnastics of Your Mind and is aimed at elaborating the need for chess in the school system.
It also further details the beneficial aspects of having chess in the school as he believes chess will help schools grow their organisational skills.
Kajol Naidoo, South African u-8 chess champion also attended the launch.
The Grade Two learner is famously known for inspiring and motivating young and old in chess.
Naidoo has been to the India Commonwealth Chess Championship and to China for the World Chess Cadets Championship.
She presented a well-detailed presentation to the learners, teachers and parents who were at the book launch.
Naidoo’s informed a host of people on the benefits of chess and how it can assist the young in their academics as she’s benefiting from chess to elevate her academics.
As part of her chess development campaign, she donated trophies for a recent Laerskool Suidheuwels Primary tournament to the young development chess recipients.
Durais admires Naidoo’s love and commitment to the game of chess and has a chapter in the book which details how Naidoo can help learners with chess.
Durais told the COURIER this is the first book and hopes it will inspire people to play chess and schools to adopt chess and put it in their curriculum.
“ Some countries have implemented the concept of chess at school and I’m striving on doing so in this country of ours. The book is one of the first strategies to implement chess in schools. Chess helps one to think and the level of thinking when playing chess is amazing,” said Durais.
Durais’s book is available on Amazon and Kindle. Hard copies can be obtained from Laerskool Suidheuwels Primary or House of Chess in Randburg.
