Across Africa, millions of children are being denied the opportunity to develop the foundational reading and STEM skills they need to thrive in school and in life. According to UNESCO, one in five primary school-age children in Sub-Saharan Africa is out of school, and among those who complete primary education, only about 3 in 10 achieve the minimum proficiency in reading. When completion and learning outcomes are combined, barely one in five children acquires the reading skills needed for future learning.
The challenge is even more alarming. UNESCO’s 2025 Spotlight Report estimates that only 10.8% of children in Africa achieve the minimum proficiency in both reading and mathematics by the end of primary school, while UNICEF estimates that fewer than one in ten children in many Sub-Saharan African countries acquire foundational learning skills on time.
In many under-resourced and crisis-affected communities, limited access to quality books, low motivation to read, overcrowded classrooms, and teaching approaches that rely heavily on theory make it difficult for children to develop a lifelong love of reading. As a result, many learners struggle to expand their vocabulary, improve reading comprehension, develop critical thinking skills, and build the confidence needed to excel in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). These foundational skills are essential for academic success, innovation, problem-solving, and preparing young people for the opportunities of the 21st century.
To help address this challenge, Sustainable Actions Afrika is implementing the Scrabble Scholars: Igniting STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) Reading Passion project — an innovative initiative that combines reading, discussion, and Scrabble to make learning fun, interactive, and rewarding.
The project aims to engage at least 300 under-resourced learners aged 7–17 in a dynamic fusion of STEM education and Scrabble-based learning. Through the combination of STEM-themed reading circles with exciting Scrabble sessions and competitions, learners are motivated to read books, discover new words, and apply what they have learned through gameplay.
Turning Reading Into an Exciting Experience
Many children are often more excited about games than books. This project transforms that challenge into an opportunity by using Scrabble as a motivation for reading and learning.
Learners read STEM-related books in groups, discover new scientific and technical words, discuss their meanings together, and later use these words during Scrabble games and competitions. The excitement of earning points through STEM vocabulary encourages learners to read more actively and pay attention to new concepts and words.
This approach makes reading more engaging while helping learners improve vocabulary, spelling, communication, creativity, and critical thinking skills especially in STEM courses and careers.
How the Project Works
Training of Trainers
Teachers, facilitators, and coaches are trained on how to play Scrabble and how to integrate STEM literacy into Scrabble learning activities. Learners are also introduced to the rules of the game, scoring systems, and word-building strategies.
STEM-Themed Reading Circles
Reading circles are formed, and STEM books are distributed to learner groups to read over a set period of time. These reading circles encourage teamwork, curiosity, and peer learning while helping learners gain access to books they may not otherwise have.
Discussion and Vocabulary Sessions
Discussion sessions are organised where learners share the new words and concepts they discovered during reading. A collective list of new STEM-related words is then created, and learners are encouraged to continue learning and practicing the vocabulary together.
Regular Scrabble Sessions
Regular Scrabble play sessions are organised at the Hub and in partner schools, creating consistent opportunities for learners to practice spelling, strategic thinking, and vocabulary development.
Scrabble Competitions with STEM Bonus Points
Scrabble competitions are organised where players receive an additional five (05) bonus points when they successfully play STEM-related words and explain their meanings correctly. This creates a strong motivation for learners to read more books, understand new vocabulary, and confidently use scientific terms.
Building a Reading Culture Through Play
The project is not only improving STEM literacy but also helping to build a stronger reading culture among children and young people. By connecting books with fun and interactive games, learners begin to see reading as exciting rather than difficult or boring.
In communities where access to books and educational resources remains limited, this initiative creates meaningful opportunities for learners to discover the joy of reading, develop confidence, and strengthen essential 21st-century skills.
Looking Ahead
As implementation continues, Scrabble Scholars remains committed to creating safe, inclusive, and engaging learning spaces where children can learn, play, and grow together. Through books, discussions, and Scrabble, the project is helping young learners unlock curiosity, creativity, and a passion for STEM education — one word at a time.
Call to Action:
very child deserves access to books, engaging learning opportunities, and the chance to discover their potential. Through Scrabble Scholars, children are not only learning new words — they are building confidence, improving critical thinking skills, and developing a lasting passion for STEM education and reading.
We welcome individuals, organisations, schools, libraries, companies, and partners to support or sponsor the expansion of the Scrabble Scholars project to more schools and communities across Cameroon.
Your support can help provide:
- STEM books and reading materials
- Scrabble boards and educational resources
- Training for teachers and community coaches
- Reading circle activities and competitions
- Access to fun and inclusive STEM learning opportunities for under-resourced learners
Together, we can help create a generation of curious readers, problem-solvers, and future innovators.
If you would like to partner with us, sponsor a school, donate books or Scrabble materials, or support the implementation of future Scrabble Scholars activities, we would be excited to connect with you.
Join us in turning reading into an exciting pathway for STEM learning and opportunity across Cameroon.
