Chess Association of Malawi (Chessam), through support from National Bank of Malawi (NBM) plc online chess sponsorship has presented tablets to three government schools to enhance online chess training and tournaments.

President of Chessam Susan Namangale said they presented four tablets to three government pilot schools in three regions of the country in a bid to improve the game of chess amongst students in the country.

“This is part of a long term plan to foster the game of chess within schools across the country. With social limitations posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, we intend to enhance online chess training and accessibility to online tournaments for schools that cannot afford to purchase their own electronic equipment. This is part of the NBM plc online chess sponsorship presented to us earlier in the year,” said Namangale.

She added that the school selection was based on the location and participation of the school in chess activities before the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Only government schools were considered as most of the private school chess students can ably purchase gadgets that online chess play. Schools selected for the pilot project are Katoto Secondary School in the north, Kamuzu Barracks Secondary School in the centre and Blantyre Secondary School in the south,” said Namangale.

She hailed NBM plc for the financial support to Chessam to fulfil its programmes.

“CHESSAM appreciates the support provided by National Bank which is helping push CHESS in schools. As a game of strategy, Chess is used as educational tool that would benefit many students and schools across the country,” said Namangale.

NBM plc Marketing and Corporate Affairs Manager Akossa Hiwa said the bank is impressed with management of Chessam in the development of chess at grassroots level, especially in government schools.

“Chess develops one’s mental faculties as it requires careful thought, planning and time management among others. We are therefore highly impressed by Chessam’s drive to take Chess to pupils and students as this will help elevate their mental capabilities both in the classroom and beyond.”

“As a Bank that is known to support best performing students in tertiary institutions through awards and scholarships, we are eager to see these young chess players work their way up to University! Additionally, in a highly digital world, it is good to note that Chessam is helping these students adapt to the digital dimension through provision of online training and tournament. The tablets will be vital in making sure that the players still practice and play chess even during this time when we are all observing Covid-19 safety measures, ” said Hiwa.

With funding from NBM plc, Chessam held an inaugural online chess tournament on 27 March 2021 which attracted a record number of chess players at 166. The tournament is expected to run for a six-month period.