Concentration is at its peak as the next round of chess gets under way. Every Monday, Norwegians and Ukrainian refugees meet each other over the chessboard in Molde. – It’s nice, because I like playing chess and talking to people. If I hadn’t been here, I would have probably just been at home playing computers, says Kostiantyn Stasheniuk (13). Ruslan Savosko (9) on the left thinks it’s fun to play chess. Photo: Roar Strøm / news Together with Ruslan Savosko (9), he is among the Ukrainian refugees who have become part of the chess club in Molde. – It is easier to get to know people this way, and we have learned both a little Norwegian and English, the two say, while they list some of the Norwegian words they have learned. Ruslan’s mother, Maryna Savosko, also sees the benefits of being part of the local chess club. – Here we get to talk to the locals, which makes it easier to learn the language. In addition, it is very important to have something to do here, she says. Both Maryna Savosko (in a light brown sweater) and her son Ruslan Savosko (backmost in the picture) have become part of the Molde chess club. Photo: Roar Strøm / news – Important integration measure Tor Wetle Wetlesen, leader of the Molde chess club, had the idea behind the integration measure. He has previously worked in adult education and knows how important it is to learn the language in order to be integrated. Wetlesen therefore contacted the adult education in Molde and presented the chess club to those who go there. And the response was immediate. Tor Wetle Wetlesen, leader of the Molde chess club, believes that chess is well suited for use in integration. Photo: Roar Strøm / news – A week later there were 20 pieces. All foreign linguists are welcome, not just those from Ukraine, but it was because of the situation there that I came up with this. Wetlesen believes that chess is well suited to integrating people into a new society. Through a common hobby, you can both find friends with the same interest and learn the language at the same time. – We started by learning the Norwegian names on the chess pieces. Chess is a game where you can sit down with anyone, regardless of language, gender and age. It’s a reasonable hobby and anyone can learn it. Here the nine-year-olds beat them at 60, he says. Both children and adults play chess against each other in Molde. The leader of the chess club says that it is a short way from theory to practice and that anyone can learn chess. Photo: Roar Strøm / news Positive for all parties Now the chess club has also received NOK 100,000 in integration funds from Møre og Romsdal county council. The money goes, among other things, to equipment, teaching materials and an interpreter to facilitate communication. And the new members have contributed to a more vibrant club, says club manager Wetlesen. – We get a living club. We get strong competition from the internet and playing at home. With more people, it will also be a better environment. We also benefit from having a greater spread when it comes to age, gender and ethnicity, says the leader of the chess club. All the players have gained membership locally and in the Norwegian Chess Federation. Thus, they can play tournaments all over the country and elsewhere in the world. Ukrainians are known to be good at chess, so maybe there will be a talent among the new members. – Do you hope that a chess talent can emerge? – Yes, one always has, says Wetlesen with a smile.
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Molde chess club uses chess to integrate Ukrainian refugees and teach them Norwegian – news Møre og Romsdal – Local news, TV and radio
