Fianchetto Chess Academy to go digital

THE Fianchetto Chess Academy will be launching its website at The Kitchen restaurant in Windhoek on Thursday.

Fianchetto is the brainchild of two young Namibian women and renowned international chess representatives, who have made a move towards social entrepreneurship, and are eager to share the objective of inspiring and enabling tactical thinkers in Namibia through offering comprehensive chess lessons.

According to Jolly-Joice Nepando of the academy, their vision is to form a chess culture in Namibia that is in constant pursuit of intellectual and creative excellence, while creating a platform to ensure future generations embrace chess as a sport, and implement what they learn from it in life.

The website launch is expected to outline the aims and goals of the academy, including the project called ‘;Chess Meets Underprivileged’;, where the less fortunate learn chess with the assistance of sponsors.

“In one of the schools in Windhoek, we spent the day with children for about four days, and taught them how to play chess. They were able to name the pieces, such as the knights and pawns. It was quite a success. We want to provoke discussion about the programme and raise awareness, which we hope will also raise funds and donations.”

Through more initiatives like this, the academy aims to “reach out to more schools in the near future, growing the chess community not only in schools, but in the country as a whole”. With events such as the website launch, the academy’;s overall goal is to unite people from various sectors of the economy, and inspire them.

Tshoopara Tshoopara, better known as Chops, is expected to be the master of ceremonies, alongside El-Shaddai Aluteni. Jazz saxophonist Suzy Eises will be one of the guest performers, as well as Mr Shines and comedian Slick.

The Kitchen is located along Reverend Michael Scott Street at Freedom Plaza 1990 in Windhoek, and the event is expected to start at 18h00. Entrance is free.

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