Chess in School and Communities Announces Ground-Breaking Project in London Borough Newham

Chess blog for latest chess news and chess trivia (c) Alexandra Kosteniuk, 2013

Hi everyone, 

Chess in Schools and Communities has announced the first Charity-Public-Private initiative in ground breaking project to teach 20,000 children how to play chess in London Borough of Newham.

Chess in Schools and the Communities (CSC), a UK registered charity and Newham Borough Council are working together with East Village in an innovative project to deliver chess to all 64 primary schools in Newham and teach 20,000 children to play the world's most enduring game.

The 'Urban Chess' program was launched on 13th March, just 2 days ahead of the World Chess Candidates Tournament in London - which will see 8 of the world's greatest players including world
number one Magnus Carlsen compete for a €500,000 prize fund - East Village will celebrate its sponsorship of CSC, by welcoming local schools to Stratford Library for a fun and educational morning of hess games and classes on a giant board - led by British Champion Grandmaster Gawain Jones.

CSC’s ‘Newham Chess Project’ began in the London Borough of Newham in June 2010 when England women’s international Sabrina Chevannes began teaching at Ravenscroft Primary School. The innovative approach of teaching the game to an entire class in school time led to her work being featured on Breakfast Television. As a result, 5 Newham schools and over 500 children have already enjoyed the arrival of chess into their classrooms, a programme of weekly chess lessons, and entry into national tournaments – such as the Delancey UK School’s Chess Challenge.

The additional support from East Village will allow CSC and Newham Council to extend this innovative programme to a further 10 schools, reaching thousands more children across the local area Participating schools are:

 Ravenscroft Primary School
 Selwyn Primary School
 Sheringham Primary School
 St Antony's Primary School
 St Stephen's Primary School
 Tollgate Primary School
 Upton Cross Primary School 
 William Davies Primary School
 Carpenters Primary School
 Calverton Primary School
 Dersingham Primary School
 Keir Hardie Primary School
 Lathom Primary School

Mayor of Newham, Sir Robin Wales, said: “Chess is a great way for our young people to build their confidence, concentration and problem-solving skills. I hope as many children as possible take up the opportunity to play this wonderful game. This is a great example of how Newham Council works with other organisations to innovate. Every child in Newham matters and they should have the same chances as youngsters in wealthier parts of the country.”

As well as promoting chess in schools, the partnership will develop chess clubs and lessons in libraries, look at hosting a chess festival and provide giant chess sets in the borough’s parks if there is a significant take up of the scheme.

From Alexandra Kosteniuk's
www.chessblog.com
Also see her personal blog at
www.chessqueen.com
Don't miss Chess Queen™
YouTube Channel