Parents and guardians in Murang’a County have been urged to introduce their children to chess, especially during school holidays.
The sport has been underscored to impact significant benefits for mental development, discipline, and time management among school going children.
According to the Murang’a Chess Club Chairperson, Carol Wambui, chess sharpens children’s minds by inducing strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities.
Wambui pointed out that the sporting activity has attracted over 25 children who have participated in tournaments nationally and globally since the club’s formation in 2020.
“Chess develops children’s brains by forcing them to think before acting and solve problems creatively. Since its inception in 2020, the club has grown to include over 25 children, some of whom have participated in national and international tournaments.
We started with one student in 2020, and we currently have 25 children in our Warlords team who have competed globally and nationwide,” Wambui stated.
However, Wambui noted that some families perceive chess as a sport for the wealthy, calling parents and guardians from all socioeconomic backgrounds to debunk the misconception and introduce their children to the sport.
The chairperson spoke during a county tournament held at Murang’a town where she added the club is working with several local schools to introduce the sport to pupils thus encouraging many learners to embrace chess.
Reverend Kamau Nderitu of PCEA Murang’a, a key facilitator of chess programmes, emphasised the importance of nurturing children’s talents during the school holidays.
The bishop said that parents can introduce their children to several productive activities like sports especially during this long holiday so as to keep the learners busy.
“Chess helps children discover other hidden talents and build mental and physical capabilities. Parents should also explore other sporting activities like football and music to aid in their children’s moral and intellectual growth. This holiday is long and leaving children without busy engagement they can be lured to indulge themselves in inappropriate social behaviours,” added the reverend.
Sarah Wambui, the Secretary General of the Chess Club, echoed the sentiments and further revealed that they have a programme where young children, from three years, are trained during this holiday season.
“I urge all parents to enroll their children with our chess club as the skills they gain will help them improve in their academic performance,” she said.
By Bernard Munyao
