Chess Enters School Curriculum in Kurdistan Region of Iraq

The Chess for Schools project has officially brought chess into the school curriculum of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, an initiative developed by Khanzad Chess Club in cooperation with the Kurdistan Regional Government’s Ministry of Education and with the backing of the Iraqi Chess Federation. As part of the rollout, 150 Physical Education teachers from Erbil have been trained to deliver chess instruction in classrooms, marking a significant expansion of structured chess education in the region.

A Curriculum Designed for Classrooms

The curriculum and educational materials for the project were developed by Khanzad Chess Club under the leadership of its President, Dr. Dlzar Hamasalih Qadir. The club prepared a specialized program intended to transform chess from a recreational activity into a structured educational offering. A dedicated 15-page section on chess was incorporated into the official Physical Education Teacher’s Guide, giving instructors a clear framework for bringing the game into their classrooms.

Integration into Grades 7, 8, and 9

A major milestone for the initiative came when the Kurdistan Regional Government Ministry of Education formally approved the inclusion of chess in the educational program for students in Grades 7, 8, and 9. The decision positioned chess alongside other recognized components of the school curriculum and reflected the authorities’ view of the game as a tool for developing critical thinking, concentration, creativity, discipline, patience, and problem-solving skills.

Teacher Training in Erbil

Before the program reached students, attention turned to preparing the teachers who would introduce chess in their schools. A one-week training course was held for 150 Physical Education teachers from Erbil, hosted by Khanzad Chess Club and conducted by the club’s international trainers in coordination with the Ministry of Education. The participating teachers received certificates upon completing the course, formalizing their readiness to lead chess sessions in classrooms.

Institutional Support and Rollout

The Iraqi Chess Federation has provided ongoing support for the initiative, contributing to the promotion of chess education and activities across the country. With the curriculum in place, teachers certified, and institutional backing secured, the Chess for Schools project is now being implemented in schools throughout the Kurdistan Region. Students are being introduced to the principles of the game as part of their regular educational experience, with the broader aim of nurturing intellectual and personal skills that extend well beyond the chessboard.

Key Highlights

• Chess officially added to the school curriculum in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq.
• Khanzad Chess Club led curriculum development, in cooperation with the Kurdistan Regional Government Ministry of Education and the Iraqi Chess Federation.
• Chess incorporated into the educational program for Grades 7, 8, and 9.
• 15-page chess section added to the official Physical Education Teacher’s Guide.
• 150 Physical Education teachers from Erbil completed a one-week training course and received certificates.

Source

This report is based on information published by FIDE — International Chess Federation.

Official source: https://www.fide.com/chess-enters-school-curriculum-in-kurdistan-iraq/