The Knysna Initiative for Learning and Teaching (KILT) has been working to inspire the next generation of chess players, and it is working; the youth are joining clubs and taking part in competitions.
Knysna, South Africa (06 May 2022) – The Knysna Initiative for Learning and Teaching (KILT) was established in 2016 to help build an empowered community through education. The initiative has been working on several projects, and one of them is developing a love of chess in the youth.
KILT was started by Ms Gill Marcus after she retired. Knysna-based school principals approached her and asked for help with problems they faced in their schools. Together they were able to address many of the problems these schools faced. Today, KILT runs 18 projects in 17 public schools in the Knysna District.
“We run 18 projects to address these specific issues, each managed by experts in their fields. We have created projects aimed at children, and others supporting principals and teachers, and some that are infrastructure and community-oriented. In addition, COVID related projects continue as communities struggle with a lack of food.”
One of the projects has been to nurture a love of chess in the youth. One such youth that has thrived, is 9-year-old Eugeniel Jacobs from Fraaisig Primary. According to KILT, he is a courageous young chess champ following his passion by soaring to the top of the local chess community.
Last year he was invited to participate in a high school chess tournament after his remarkable skill and ability were seen. He played well and won first place, playing against 85 high schoolers.
In a more recent event hosted by KILT, Terry Quirk and the Knysna Rotary, Eugeniel came 2nd in the under-13 group. A total of 490 competitors joined the day.
“In early 2020, KILT provided life-size chess sets in the playgrounds of four schools in the Knysna area, which caught the kid’s attention during the lockdown. Chess isn’t just a game— it’s a safe space to learn after school while empowering kids to dream BIG.
The chess-buzz and excitement quickly grew during break times, when competitive games soon sprang up. KILT supported afterschool chess programmes throughout lockdown, and chess clubs were established at Fraaisig Primary, Percy Mdala High, Concordia High and Knysna Senior Secondary.”
By continuing to nurture chess at these schools and hosting competitions, KILT, in partnership with Safer Schools, Knysna SAPS and volunteer chess coach Terry Quirk, the youth of Knysna are taking chess seriously and finding themselves more excited about the sport.
“While KILT may have been there initially, we say thank you to the schools, the kids, the parents, the teachers, Coach Terry and Rotaract Knysna, for making momentous opening moves with us and proving that we all hold power to truly change lives!”
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Sources: KILT – Supplied
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