Ivanplats is actively building a state-of-the-art, technologically advanced mine in Mokopane that aligns with the principles of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR). In line with this vision, the company remains committed to supporting programs that foster STEM skills.
Motshitshi Primary School in Masehlaneng, with assistance from Ivanplats, is one of the institutions offering the Mini Chess Program to Foundation phase learners. The game of chess has been proven to foster cognitive abilities such as concentration, problem-solving, pattern recognition and memory retention.
The initiative involves weekly sessions where learners are taught the fundamental aspects of the game.
The implementation of the Mini Chess Program has yielded positive outcomes for Motshitshi Primary School, particularly in the improvement of Mathematics and English marks. This achievement was recognized at the Department of Education, Mokopane Circuit Award Ceremony, where the school received acknowledgment for outstanding Mathematics results. Motshitshi Primary School was honoured as the best Primary school in Mathematics within the entire circuit.
Motshitshi was the pioneering school to pilot the Mini Chess program in the first Social and Labour Plan. They have since experienced a noteworthy improvement in Mathematics scores. Thanks to the financial support from the Bonega Community Trust, Ivanplats has expanded the Mini Chess program to two additional primary schools. With further funding, Ivanplats hopes to extend the program to additional schools in the future.
