Argentina’s Ministry of Human Capital, led by Sandra Pettovello, is making significant strides to expand school chess nationwide through the National Secretariat of Education, which is headed by Carlos Horacio Torrendell. This initiative follows productive meetings in Argentina with senior officials from the International Chess Federation (FIDE) and builds on projects presented at last year’s School Chess Congress of the Americas held in Vicente López.
Key Measures for Chess Expansion in Schools
In collaboration with the Argentine Chess Federation (FADA) and FIDE, authorities have introduced two pivotal measures to enhance the presence of chess in schools. The first is the restoration of the National Chess Coordinator position within the Education and Socioemotional Development unit. This role will be filled by Professor Juan Durán, who is expected to bring valuable expertise to the program. The second measure involves appointing 24 provincial representatives—one for each province—to design and implement Chess in Schools projects tailored to the needs of their respective regions.
The initiative is further supported by contributions from Ludovico Grillo, Mario Petrucci, and Alejandro Sass, who have been instrumental in shaping this program. In parallel, the newly established Association of Chess Teachers and Educators (APEA), chaired by Ricardo Luna, will work in conjunction with FADA to enhance teacher training and strengthen school chess programs across Argentina. This collaborative effort is aimed at integrating chess more firmly into the educational framework, promoting it as a valuable tool for learning, inclusion, and socioemotional development, consistent with FIDE standards.
The growing emphasis on chess education reflects a broader understanding of its benefits, which include improving critical thinking, fostering creativity, and enhancing social skills among students. As the program gains momentum, it is expected to not only elevate the game of chess within educational settings but also contribute to the overall development of children across the nation. The commitment shown by the Argentine government and chess authorities demonstrates a promising future for chess in schools, setting a precedent for other countries to follow.