Program Overview
The Go Community Play Program is a weekly program for community members to learn to play Go. Over four fully booked sessions, participants in Piarra Waters of all ages and backgrounds came together to explore the fascinating game of Go. It has been the most popular Go Community program to date, with each session at capacity and a growing waiting list.The Go Community Play is a non-for profit initiative by Institute 361 delivered in partnership with Multilingual Australia and City of Armadale. The program builds on several previous programs supported by local governments and delivered in partnership with the local libraries.
Highlights
Community Engagement: The enthusiasm from the community was great. From families with young children to curious adults, older participants, and researchers intrigued by the psychological and cognitive benefits of Go, the program attracted a diverse group.
Cultural and Linguistic Diversity: One of the most enriching aspects was the cultural and linguistic diversity. Facilitators engaged with players in multiple languages, creating a welcoming and inclusive environment. We had the benefit of multilingual facilitators, including Kevin Chu, who speaks Mandarin, and myself, conversing Russian, Korean, and English.
Support and Accessibility: Thanks to the generous support from the City of Armadale, the program was provided free of charge, with all equipment supplied, including traditional bamboo Go sets and AI-powered Go boards for the participants.
Challenges: Providing a structured and ongoing Go workshops is challenging with people of various ages, cultural backgrounds and levels of playing Go. While the sessions are fun and engaging, a more structured Go course, where the same participants attend and improve their Go skills would be beneficial.
Participant Comments
- “I never knew Go could be so much fun! My kids loved it, and they are already asking when the next session will be.” – Parent
- “The diversity in the room was fantastic. We had people speaking different languages, yet everyone was able to connect over the game.” – Adult Participant
- “As a researcher, I found the cognitive benefits of Go fascinating. This program is a great initiative!” – Researcher
- “The facilitators were amazing. They made the game accessible and enjoyable for everyone, regardless of their background.” – Older Participant
- “I’m thrilled to see Go being introduced in a community setting. Libraries are indeed the perfect venues for such inclusive workshops.” – Community Member
Next Steps
We are now planning a structured 8–10 week Go program for children, designed to be fun and engaging while helping young players advance in their Go journey and learn life-long skills.
If you’re interested in partnering with us to bring Go to your school or library, we’d love to hear from you!