In celebration of International Literacy Day on the 8th of September, the Toy Library Association of South Africa (TLASA) and Scrabble is teaming up to make a significant impact on literacy across the country, considering that eight out of 10 South African school children struggle to read by the age of ten.
The collaboration will see the donation of Scrabble board games to 10 Toy Libraries across South Africa. The importance of such initiatives cannot be overstated, especially considering the ongoing literacy crisis in South Africa. Recent studies reveal that 82% of Grade 4 learners in the country are unable to read for meaning. This troubling statistic is an increase from 78% in 2017, highlighting the urgent need for interventions that can help improve literacy skills from a young age.
“This initiative aims to promote literacy and learning through play, reaching communities that are often underserved in terms of educational resources,” says Debbie Cockrell, chairperson of the Toy Library Association of South Africa. “The collaboration between Scrabble and TLASA directly addresses this need by providing engaging and educational tools that can help children develop critical reading, social and cognitive skills through play. Many of the skills required in the 21st century are engaged through play. This includes critical thinking, problem solving and collaboration to name a few” she says.
Toy libraries play a crucial role in communities by providing access to play resources, including toys, games, and train facilitators who educate others on the importance of play in child development. Currently, toy libraries also offer a safe environment for children thrive, particularly in the early learning years, an environment which is often lacking in communities fraught with socio-economic challenges. These libraries offer both play sessions and a lending service, allowing families to borrow educational toys and games to use at home. This approach not only supports the child’s development but also encourages family involvement in the learning process.
By incorporating Scrabble into the offerings, these Toy Libraries will be able to provide children with a fun and interactive way to enhance their literacy by improving their vocabulary, spelling, and strategic thinking. Scrabble Junior in particular, is designed to help younger children build their literacy skills in a playful and engaging manner.
“This donation is expected to have a lasting impact on a range of communities and demographics served by these Toy Libraries. For many children, especially those in underserved areas, access to such educational resources is limited”, says Debbie. “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.
By focusing on literacy through fun and engaging tools like Scrabble, these efforts contribute to a brighter future for South Africa’s children, helping to turn the tide on the country’s literacy challenges.
