Two World Vision sponsored children recently won a local chess competition in Costuleni commune, Iasi County, northeastern Romania. Almost 200 children from three of the four villages in Costuleni commune entered last month's competition and put their talent and concentration to the test. Finally, only 12 of them made it to the finals.

Organized by the members of a World Vision initiated Community-Based Organization (CBO), in collaboration with schools in Costuleni commune, the chess match mobilized people from the community to work together for the betterment of their children

'I think that learning to play chess was one of the best things that happened to me. My brother and I learned from our father and now, we both won. I still can't believe it!' said World Vision sponsored Maria, 11, who won the competition for her age group.

'Our classmates came over to us and congratulated us. They said they were proud of us. It was an amazing feeling,' said Maria's 13-year-old brother, Andrei, who is also sponsored by World Vision. He won the competition for his age group.

'It was an exciting competition for all those involved. The children took it very seriously. We are always glad when we can find creative ways to challenge their talent,' said Liliana Nechita, the local community social worker.

'It takes a lot of concentration and patience to play chess. You have to know all your pieces and always try to anticipate your opponent's every move. It was a wonderful experience for me and I really didn't expect to win,' said Cristian, another winner.

'We appreciate and value any initiative that is aimed at using the children's free time to develop their natural abilities. We are living in a world suffocated by computers and technology and there is a need to encourage the more simple but effective ways of stimulating children's minds – chess is a great way to do this,' said Beatrice Darie, World Vision's 'Help children to hope' project coordinator.

'We started working in Costuleni commune ten years ago and one of the goals we've accomplished was to create the community based organization and to enable it to become an active catalyst in the future development of the community,' said Ms. Darie.

The CBO gained legal recognition this summer and now, with World Vision's support, its members have already started writing proposals to access funds and partner with local authorities.