More than a game: Free chess programme teaches valuable life skills
Professor Tony Reddy, who co-ordinates the programme, says the goal is simple: to give every young person in the community a seat at the board, regardless of background or experience.
The Nelson Mandela Community Youth Centre is re-launching its weekly chess development programme for young people this Friday evening.
The programme runs every Friday evening from 5:30pm to 7pm and is completely free of charge.
Professor Tony Reddy, who co-ordinates the programme, says the goal is simple: to give every young person in the community a seat at the board, regardless of background or experience.
“Beginners will learn the moves while more advanced players can sharpen their strategies with volunteer mentors assisting. Chess does more than teach checkmate. When young people learn to play, they train their minds to slow down, think ahead, and weigh consequences before acting. Those same skills show up in schoolwork, problem-solving, and daily decisions,” said Prof Reddy.
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A game of chess builds patience, focus, and confidence that lasts long after the pieces are packed away.
“For one, chess is basically a workout for decision-making. Young people get used to pausing before they act. In the game, every move has a consequence, and you can’t take it back. That habit of thinking ‘If I do this, then what?’ carries straight into exams, friendships, and tough choices off the board. Memory and concentration get sharper too. Then there’s creativity. The best players aren’t just memorising moves. They’re finding patterns nobody else saw and inventing new ideas under pressure,” added Prof Reddy.
Chess rewards curiosity and thinking outside the box. At the Chatsworth youth centre on Friday nights, children from different backgrounds sit across from each other, shake hands, and talk after the game.
“It teaches respect and good sportsmanship. So beyond making minds sharper, chess gives young people tools for life: patience, planning, humility, and the confidence that comes from solving hard problems yourself,” Prof Reddy concluded. For more information, contact Clive Pillay on 061-429-2574.
