Debswana donates to Kgalagadi school

KENNETH BOIKHUTSWANE
Correspondent | Thursday September 27, 2007 00:00

The donation of 50 chess sets and 40 clocks was presented to the schools by the mine's security manager Moagi Ndlovu at a ceremony attended by officials from the Botswana Chess Federation (BCF), the mine and the school. Speaking at the ceremony, Ndlovu said chess is a game of imagination that provide opportunities for intellectual growth.

'Chess teaches students to think logically and take responsibility for their actions and consequences. In essence, chess is a game that trains the individual to face challenges that they encounter in life,' Ndlovu told the gathering.  He said chess can be used to develop minds in order to achieve some of the goals envisioned in Botswana's Vision 2016. He thanked teachers who have identified the importance of chess as an educational tool.

KPS chess coach, Tshimologo Kolaatamo said the donation has come at the right time because they have been struggling in their training sessions due to shortage of equipment. The former Botswana Chess Federation (BCF) secretary general said he started a chess club in the school to highlight the benefits of the game. 'My aim is not to make these players grandmasters, but the most important thing is that I want chess to help them with their academic performance. Prior to Debswana's help, we used to have a problem as we had only five chess sets, which could not be utilised by the huge number of players in our chess club. I am therefore happy with Debswana and thank them for this generous donation,' a delighted Kolaatamo said.

He encouraged parents to support the chess initiative. He said teachers have reported that chess playing students have improved in their studies at the school. The school head Edith Moikabi echoed Kolaatamo's sentiments. She added that they have been helped on many occasions by the mine. She pointed out that Debswana has financed a resource centre for the school and provided fully paid staff.

After the donation, mine officials were treated five-minute chess games which left the spectators completely enthralled.