The University of Pretoria (UP) in partnership with EyeBrainGym recently hosted the national finals for the Reading Riot competition, a national initiative that promotes literacy and comprehension skills, and fosters a love of reading among learners across South Africa.

Since 2021, recipients of UP’s Vice-Chancellor’s Distinguished Merit Award (VCDMA) have been given the opportunity to participate in the EyeBrainGym programme offered by LectorSA. This programme seeks to enhance the visual intelligence of learners to help them read faster, recall information more effectively and think more clearly.

“Working with EyeBrainGym on this has been a delight, and the Reading Riot competition emphasises our determination to enhance literacy skills and encourage a culture of reading among learners and the broader community,” said Wallace Isaacs, UP’s Deputy Director for Enrolment and Student Administration.

The competition was supported by UP, EyeBrainGym, employment law consultancy SEESA and car subscription company Drive.

Recent research has highlighted literacy challenges in South Africa. According to the 2021 Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS), more than 80% of Grade 4 learners cannot read for meaning. Through its JuniorTukkie programme, UP has been working with LectorSA for more than 10 years to address this issue.

The Reading Riot national finals, held on 5 August at UP, showcased the reading talents of Grade 6 learners from across South Africa. The competition tested comprehension and reading speed, bringing together top performers from all nine provinces.

The winners of the national finals were Stanton Steenkamp of the Northern Cape, who became the national champion; first runner-up Ridge Lawson of the Eastern Cape; and second runner-up Ayesha Paruk of KwaZulu-Natal. Steenkamp received a new device, a gift bag and other sponsored prizes, while his teacher, school and principal received a prize.

“We are immensely proud of all the participants who demonstrated such dedication and skill,” said Marinda Marshall, CEO of LectorAfrica. “The Reading Riot national finals were a celebration of young South African talent.”

UP hopes this initiative will spark a renewed interest in reading among students and contribute to improved academic performance across all levels of education.

For more information on the Reading Riot competition, visit: www.reading-riot.com or email [email protected]