Chess |24 October 2023

Mr Bonne handing over the chess sets to PS Eulentin (Photo: Louis Toussaint)

Gift of Chess partners with the International Schools’ Library Month campaign

To commemorate this year’s International School Library Month, Unites States-based charity group, Gift of Chess, has partnered with the Ministry of Education through a donation of 51 chess sets which will be distributed to different school libraries around the country.

The International School Library Month is an annual celebration dedicated to highlighting the importance of school libraries and the crucial role they play in education.

It is a month-long observance that recognises the value of school libraries in supporting students’ academic success, fostering a love for reading, and promoting information literacy.

It was the Gift of Chess’ local representative Robin Bonne – an ex-teacher – who handed over the chess sets to the principal secretary for Educational Services, Merna Eulentin, yesterday, during a small ceremony at the Seychelles Institute for Teacher Education (SITE) in Mont Fleuri.

The gift is part of a batch of 1000 kits received from the charitable and non-profitable organisation, with the aim of helping the country to become part of the vibrant global chess community, more committed in pushing each other to new heights and creating a sense of belonging and inclusion.

The group distributes chess sets globally, leveraging the game as a low-cost high-impact catalyst for opportunity, especially among the youth.

Mr Bonne said that the initiative came about after hearing from a colleague about the International School Library Month, and thought it would be another opportunity to continue with his local campaign on behalf of the Gift of Chess.

“The donation is for all the schools both state-owned and private, whereby each will receive one set for them to use in their library,” said Mr Bonne, adding that the library is an ideal place for chess as it is quiet and the players will be able to concentrate.

“Normally you can play chess anywhere at school, but it is more ideal to play in the library,” he said.

He further noted that after completing the donation campaign across the country they are anticipating small clubs to emerge especially at the schools and also other places where they have made donations.

“I have already helped in setting up a chess club at Beau Vallon primary and I want to carry on with this at other primary schools, where the main focus will be on the development of chess,” noted Mr Bonne, concluding that the donations may inspire more parties to sponsor them with other equipment needed to play chess, such as clocks.

Neil Sirame