The project involves chess education for pupils in the youngest grades (I–III) at all 12 primary schools. Since September, 675 pupils have taken part in chess lessons—nearly 52 percent of all first-graders. The classes are free of charge. The project is a pioneering initiative on a nationwide scale.
In the following years, the programme will include additional grades of early primary education. Classes are held after school hours. Funding of approximately PLN 100,000 comes from the city budget. All pupils have also received special chess exercise books.
The programme received a high assessment from the Polish Chess Federation, which provided the schools with chess sets. The Polska Miedź Foundation in Lubin is also supporting the project financially and will provide PLN 150,000 in funding over three years.
The European Union also greatly appreciates the teaching of chess at various educational stages. The European Parliament’s 2012 Written Declaration on the introduction of the “Chess in School” programme into the education systems of the European Union stated, among other things:
Chess is a game accessible to children from every social group; it can contribute to achieving social cohesion and political objectives such as social integration, combating discrimination, reducing crime rates and even fighting various types of addiction.
Regardless of a child’s age, chess can improve concentration, increase patience and perseverance, and develop intelligence, creativity, intuition, memory, analytical-thinking and decision-making skills. Playing chess also teaches determination, motivation and sportsmanship.
UM Legnica/ii