Projects in Social Commission

 

Geir Nesheim
Chair, Social Commission

It was interesting to be part of the Projects in FIDE's Social Commission

Different projects w ere shared with location, outline of programmes, organisations, programmes in schools, tournaments, girl's club and how these programmes are integrated into the curriculum or community and how they are sustained

Two questions I asked:

Often times we define help as taking those suffering out of the situation and sadly this includes out of the country. Is it that we cannot help people to remain influencers within their own community.

In his response, the chair of the social commission, Mr. Geir Nesheim, agreed that the example he used of refugee turned chess player currently studying in London played into my hands but this is not the only example. He admitted that a lot needs to be done to raise influencers within refugee camps so that such influencers can continue to promote the game of chess.

My second question was on whether we can have chess for mental wellness or mental health and as well as to provide human resources that can help increase capacity.

Amongst social projects mentioned are:

Chess for Protection

Chess in Slums

Chess in Prison

Chess in Refugee Camps and Settlements

Chess in Slums

Chess in Preschool

Chess and the Aging Brain (Dementia)

Smart Families

These social projects are commendable in that they endear many to Chess. Valid contributions were made by members and participants including Mr. Robert Katande.

It is important to train facilitators to instill values in children using chess as the tool. It is important to identify suitable influencers to drive the social projects and initiatives.

I was happy to hear that projects is not only target at few but at the chess community which includes facilitators, trainers, coaches as a way of connecting minds beyond chess.

Part of the challenge shared includes getting chess boards to different locations as transportation actually cost more.

Things required to move chess forward include training, recruiting more volunteers and doing more chess activities. Achievements and lesson learned were also shared.

I wondered if we can use chess to advantage by proposing Counselling and Chess, Chess in Counselling or Chess for Mental Wellness, Chess Counsel Clinic and Chess in Gyms

FIDE Infinite Chess for those with autism continued the pilot programme in 16 countries among which are Spain, France, Turkey, Norway, but excluding Nigeria. research is presently ongoing in Armenia on this.

Plan to make proposals stand out include the following:

1. Generate [research based] idea

Make the plan

Ensure availability of resources

Provide human/financial resources

Locate partners

launch the project (kick-off)

Deliver the proposed project in full

Wrap up the project

Share success factors

Stick to the original plan

Adjust the plan when necessary

Engage with other stakeholders e.g. talk to a member of the social commission or join a commission

If you have to copy, do so with pride

Believe in your own ideas

Be sure to have fun all the way!

Report from 44th Chennai Olympiad by Omolola