A long-standing issue in Sámi language education for children has been the lack of learning materials. Teachers have often had to create their own materials or rely on outdated ones.

In addition to teachers, parents have also expressed the need for a game similar to Ekapeli – a literacy game that can be played on computers and mobile devices – to support Sámi language learning. Ekapeli helps children practice the basics of reading and is especially designed for those who have difficulty learning to read and need extra practice.

Professor Pigga Keskitalo from the University of Lapland is pleased that this long-awaited wish is finally being realized. In February 2025, the University of Lapland, Umeå University, the University of Jyväskylä, and the Sámi University of Applied Sciences received approximately €1.2 million in Interreg Aurora funding from the EU for the Lohkanlihkku project for the period March 2025 to February 2028. The main goal of the project is to develop the Lohkanlihkku learning game.

Lohkanlihkku is North Sámi and means "the joy of reading." The game is designed especially for children aged 6 to 10, but it is also suitable for older children who struggle with reading. The new game will be integrated into the Reading Bubble game, which is a more extensive game developed after Ekapeli. In line with Lukukupla’s operating concept, Lohkanlihkku is able to place the child at the correct skill level both individually and content-wise, in order to support the development of reading skills. The game will be freely available to all and can be used at preschool, in school, or at home.

According to Keskitalo, early support for reading and writing is vital for Sámi culture:

“The game supports the development of children’s and young people’s literacy skills and increases knowledge about Sámi culture. Together, these contribute to children’s well-being and improve their opportunities for social participation,” Keskitalo summarizes.

The project will also produce other learning materials and support teachers' pedagogical skills in teaching Sámi languages.

The Joy of Reading in five Sámi Languages

The game will be developed in five Sámi languages: North Sámi, Inari Sámi, Skolt Sámi, South Sámi, and Lule Sámi. These versions can later serve as a foundation for developing additional language versions.

The game world is designed to highlight the unique characteristics of Sámi culture—not only through content, but also through graphical elements and music.

“Sámi storytelling comes to life when it’s interwoven into the game’s visual and sound design – in a way that speaks to children. This strengthens understanding and appreciation of the culture,” says project manager Kristiina Jomppanen.

The ideation phase has begun, and the content planning is underway. Jomppanen gives an example of how Sámi culture is reflected in the game’s design:

“At the beginning, the player creates their own character and can choose its clothing. As the game progresses, the player can use earned points to buy different accessories. So the culture is visible throughout the game’s visuals, including some graphical elements.”

The University of Jyväskylä, which co-developed Ekapeli with the Niilo Mäki Institute, is responsible for the technical development of the game. Umeå University is in charge of the game’s graphics and music. The Sámi University of Applied Sciences is responsible for the game’s didactic solutions in Sámi languages, and the University of Lapland focuses on pedagogical planning and support offer.

Further information

Pigga Keskitalo, Principal Investigator
University of Lapland
pigga.keskitalo(at)ulapland.fi
tel. +358 40 4844153

Kristiina Jomppanen, Project Manager
University of Lapland
kristiina.jomppanen(at)ulapland.fi
tel. +358 40 1395587

Berit-Ellen Juuso, Associate Professor
Sámi University of Applied Sciences (Sámi allaskuvla)
beritej(at)samas.no
tel. +358 40 5084954

Ulla Richardson, Professor
University of Jyväskylä
ulla.a.richardson(at)jyu.fi
tel. +358 40 024 7398‬

Coppélie Cocq, Professor
Umeå University
coppelie.cocq(at)umu.se
tel. +46 90 786 54 82