The educational program ‘aulaDjaque’, promoted by the Regional Ministry of Educational Development, has brought chess into the classrooms of 76 centers in Almería, using the game as a tool to teach thinking and learning differently.
During the past academic year 2025/2026, more than 1,180 teachers participated in this initiative. The main objective was not to train grandmasters but to leverage the dynamics of the game, such as decision-making, anticipation, problem-solving, and learning from mistakes.
The Minister of Education, María del Carmen Castillo, has highlighted the program as a “pedagogical ally” for creating “transversal, playful, and creative” learning environments.
For the upcoming academic year, ‘aulaDjaque’ is preparing new features such as a Congress and the ‘Corto y Jaque’ contest, where students will create videos about their experiences. The regional Lichess tournament will also return, along with new activities.
Centers interested in participating next academic year can register from September 1st to 30th through the Séneca system. The initiative is open to all centers wishing to use chess as an educational tool beyond competition.
