Scrabble, the globally celebrated game of strategy, vocabulary, and critical thinking, is stepping into Rwanda’s spotlight as the country prepares for its first domestic Scrabble tournament. While the Rwanda Scrabble Federation (RSF) is yet to receive formal registration, efforts to popularise the game are already taking place. The inaugural Heroes Day Cup is set to take place on February 1-2. Anaclet Ruzindana, President of RSF, says Scrabble can be a tool to empower Rwanda’s youth by enhancing their English proficiency, cognitive abilities, and competitiveness. Scrabble is more than a game; it’s an educational and developmental tool. Neighbouring countries like Nigeria and Uganda have already integrated it into their school systems, and we aim to follow suit by introducing it in Rwandan schools, he noted. With an emphasis on learning and competition, RSF has already introduced the game to six schools in Kigali, including Excel Secondary School, Riviera High School, and Green Hill Academy. ALSO READ: India’s Gukesh makes history, wins World Chess Championship at 18 What Is Scrabble and how is it played? Scrabble originated in the United States over 75 years ago and has since grown to become a global phenomenon, played casually and competitively by over 150 million people. The game’s objective is to outscore opponents by forming words on a game board using lettered tiles. Players take turns placing tiles in a crossword-style arrangement, strategically earning points based on letter values and bonus spaces on the board. Recognised as a competitive sport since the 1980s, Scrabble combines fun with intellectual challenge.
