81%
of South African Grade 4 learners cannot read for meaning (PIRLS 2021)
Education · Development · Impact
Every child reading for meaning.
EyeBrainGym® is a science-based reading programme that helps learners develop the reading speed and comprehension they need for academic success.
Developed by EyeBrainGym (Pty) Ltd.
Arcstone Partners supports the presentation and facilitation of funding opportunities for its educational initiatives.
The problem
A reading crisis
hiding in plain sight.
81% of South African Grade 4 learners cannot read for meaning in any language — the lowest result of all countries in PIRLS 2021. Only 51% of the 2013 Grade 1 cohort finished Grade 12. About 674,000 learners repeat Grades 4, 6, 8 or 10 each year, costing the state roughly R17.3 billion.
The gap opens in Grade 4, when learners switch from mother-tongue instruction to English or Afrikaans. A child who cannot read for meaning cannot learn any other subject.
51%
of the 2013 Grade 1 cohort finished Grade 12
674,000
learners repeat Grades 4, 6, 8 or 10 each year, costing ~ R17.3 billion
The solution
Meet EyeBrainGym.
Developed by EyeBrainGym (Pty) Ltd over 38 years, EyeBrainGym® is a neuroscience-based cognitive training platform that develops reading for meaning through improved visual processing, vocabulary development, fluency and comprehension.
Every learner follows a personalised pathway, beginning with a diagnostic assessment and adapting in real time. Progress is measured continuously against internationally recognised norms, with a live dashboard for schools, districts and funders.
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Assess
Diagnostic placement to identify each learner's starting point.
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Train
Adaptive, personalised training via web and mobile app.
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Measure
Track reading speed and comprehension against international norms.
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Support Teachers
SACE-accredited training and practical classroom resources.
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Build a Reading Culture
WordPlay, Phonics to Meaning and Reading Riot.
Evidence of impact
Measurable gains
in reading and learning.
Learners typically gain 4–6 years in reading-with-comprehension level. At every level they roughly double their silent reading speed while holding or raising comprehension, and partner schools report higher marks. These are programme data, not yet a controlled trial — which is what the funding would deliver.
Silent reading speed
(2,971 learners, 15 sessions)
100
208
Baseline
After 15 sessions
Programme-reported assessment of 2,971 participants. Programme-reported pre/post outcomes; not a controlled causal study.
- 4–6 years
- Typical improvement in reading-with-comprehension level
- 230,000+
- Learner profiles across eyebraingym® and LAB-on-line
- 11,886
- Grade 6 learners in Reading Riot 2026, all nine provinces
Institutional recognition
Endorsed by the South African National Commission for UNESCO.
On 24 May 2026, the South African National Commission for UNESCO endorsed EyeBrainGym, presented by LectorSA (Pty) Ltd, as a partner organisation of the National Commission.
A separate 9 June 2026 letter invited EyeBrainGym to a Paris presentation at the organisation’s own expense.
Read the endorsement
Current funding opportunities
Projects seeking partners.
Reading for meaning
University of Pretoria
19,181 students in Year 1 growing to 43,158 in Year 3
€985,000
proposed Year 1 funding
View Project
Reading for meaning
Gauteng
19,181 learners in Year 1 (Grades 4, 6, 8 & 10)
€985,000
proposed Year 1 funding
View Project
Reading for meaning
KwaZulu-Natal
19,181 learners in Year 1 (Grades 4, 6, 8 & 10)
€985,000
proposed Year 1 funding
View Project
Reading for meaning
Limpopo
19,181 learners in Year 1 (Grades 4, 6, 8 & 10)
€985,000
proposed Year 1 funding
View Project
Reading for meaning
Namibia
19,181 learners in Year 1 (Grades 4, 6 & 8)
€985,000
proposed Year 1 funding
View ProjectFigures are proposed budgets and targets from the October 2026 funder summaries, not confirmed commitments. Each proposal envisages a three-year programme.
How partners can participate
A structured approach
to lasting impact.
We work with funders, governments, universities, corporate partners and schools to implement measurable, scalable reading programmes.
Discuss a Partnership-
Fund
Support one or more projects with clear targets and reporting.
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Implement
Work with experienced delivery partners and training providers.
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Measure
Track progress through a live dashboard and independent evaluation.
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Scale
Build on proven models to reach more learners.
Let’s make a difference