South African schools face a literacy crisis, with recent studies showing that 82% of Grade 4 learners are unable to read for meaning. In a bid to address this urgent issue, the Toy Library Association of South Africa (TLASA) has teamed up with Scrabble to boost literacy levels in underserved communities.
The partnership was launched in celebration of International Literacy Day, on the 8th of September, with Scrabble donating board games to 10 Toy Libraries across the country. These libraries offer a range of play-based learning tools, and the inclusion of Scrabble is expected to enhance children’s literacy through vocabulary-building, spelling, and strategic thinking.
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Toy libraries offer valuable learning resources for communities
Toy libraries have become vital in many South African communities, providing access to educational toys, games, and structured play sessions. In areas where educational resources are limited, these libraries help bridge the gap by offering not only toys but also training for facilitators, who educate others about the importance of play in early childhood development. The libraries also lend educational games and toys for families to use at home, encouraging parental involvement in children’s learning.
“This initiative aims to promote literacy and learning through play, reaching communities that are often underserved in terms of educational resources,” said Debbie Cockrell, chairperson of TLASA. She highlighted how play is key to developing critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration skills. The introduction of Scrabble is expected to further support these goals.
Scrabble donation aims to create lasting impact
By incorporating Scrabble into their offerings, TLASA hopes to have a long-lasting effect on children’s literacy. Cockrell emphasized the importance of such resources in communities where access to educational tools is scarce: “This initiative is not just about donating games; it’s about creating fun opportunities for children of various age groups to develop a love for words, reading, and learning that will serve them well through primary and high school years.”
The partnership represents a step towards addressing South Africa’s ongoing literacy crisis, offering a creative and engaging solution to help improve literacy rates for the country’s future generations.
