Solving South Africa's Illiteracy Crisis
78% of Grade 4 students cannot read for meaning. Study Technology provides proven solutions to overcome illiteracy and transform education.
The Literacy Crisis in South Africa
Grade 4 students cannot read for meaning
Grade 5 students cannot do basic mathematics
South Africa ranks last in global reading literacy
South Africa faces an education crisis of catastrophic proportions. According to the Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS), 78% of Grade 4 learners cannot read for meaning in any language. The World Bank has declared South Africa's education system in a "learning crisis."
This illiteracy epidemic has devastating consequences: unemployment, poverty, crime, and a generation unable to participate in the economy. Traditional education methods have failed. We need a different approach.
The Solution: Study Technology
L. Ron Hubbard's breakthrough discoveries in learning and education
What is Study Technology?
Study Technology is a methodology developed by L. Ron Hubbard that addresses the fundamental barriers to learning. Unlike traditional education that focuses on what to learn, Study Tech teaches how to learn.
Study Tech has been successfully applied in thousands of schools worldwide through Applied Scholastics, helping millions of students overcome learning difficulties and achieve academic success.
The Three Barriers to Learning
L. Ron Hubbard discovered that there are three—and only three—barriers that prevent a person from successfully studying and learning. When these barriers are understood and addressed, anyone can learn anything.
Lack of Mass
Trying to learn something without the physical object present. For example, learning about tractors from a book without ever seeing or touching a real tractor.
Symptoms:
- Feeling "bent," "sort of spinny," "dead," or "bored"
- Feeling squashed or dizzy
- Eyes hurting or stomach feeling funny
Solution:
Supply the actual mass (object) being studied, or use demonstrations, models, pictures, or videos to provide reality to the subject.
Too Steep a Gradient
Attempting to learn something when you haven't mastered the earlier, simpler steps. Like trying to run before you can walk.
Symptoms:
- Feeling confused or in a "fog"
- Inability to understand or grasp the material
- Feeling overwhelmed or that "it's all too much"
Solution:
Go back to where the student last fully understood the material. Find the gradient that was too steep and break it down into smaller, easier steps.
The Misunderstood Word
This is the most important barrier. A word that is not understood or is incorrectly understood. This is the primary reason students fail, drop out, or give up on subjects.
Symptoms:
- Feeling blank or exhausted
- Not being there or "spacing out"
- Inability to apply what you've studied
- Wanting to quit or give up
- Yawning or sleepiness while reading
Solution:
Go back in the text to BEFORE where difficulties began. Find the misunderstood word and clear it fully using a dictionary. Get all definitions, example sentences, and derivation.
Critical Rule: Never go past a word you don't fully understand.
Study Technology Tools
Practical methods to improve learning and comprehension
Word Clearing
Systematic methods to find and clear misunderstood words. This is the single most important study skill for literacy and comprehension.
Demonstration
Using clay, objects, or drawings to demonstrate concepts. This provides mass and makes abstract ideas concrete and real.
Checkouts
Verification that a student truly understands what they've studied and can apply it. Ensures real comprehension, not just memorization.
Gradients
Breaking complex subjects into simple, progressive steps. Each step builds on the previous one, ensuring steady progress without overwhelm.
Proven Results Worldwide
Study Technology is used in over 70 countries through Applied Scholastics schools and programs
Average improvement in reading level after Study Tech training
Students show measurable improvement in comprehension
Schools and programs using Study Technology globally
"Study Technology changed everything for our school. Students who were failing are now top performers. Teachers finally have tools that work. This is what South African education needs."
— Principal, Applied Scholastics School, Johannesburg
L. Ron Hubbard's Vision for South Africa
"From Southern Africa will spring the next great civilization on this planet, and it will succeed because Scientology and all its Technology is on its side."
— L. Ron Hubbard, 1960
Illiteracy is one of the five barriers preventing South Africa from achieving this destiny. Study Technology is the solution. When South Africans can read, learn, and apply knowledge, they can build competence, prosperity, and civilization.
Get Started with Study Technology
For Parents
Help your child overcome learning difficulties and succeed in school
- Free consultation to assess your child's needs
- Study Technology courses for parents
- Tutoring using Study Tech methods
For Educators
Transform your classroom with proven learning technology
- Teacher training in Study Technology
- School implementation programs
- Applied Scholastics partnership opportunities
Free Online Course: Learning How to Learn
Start learning Study Technology today with our free online course. Discover the barriers to learning and how to overcome them.
Start Free CourseFrequently Asked Questions
Is Study Technology only for Scientologists?
No. Study Technology is used by people of all faiths and backgrounds. It's a practical methodology that works regardless of religious beliefs. Many non-Scientologists use Study Tech successfully.
Can Study Technology help adults who struggle with reading?
Yes. Study Technology works for learners of all ages. Many adults have overcome lifelong reading difficulties using these methods. It's never too late to learn.
How long does it take to see results?
Many students experience immediate improvements in comprehension and confidence. Significant measurable improvements typically occur within weeks to months, depending on the severity of the learning difficulty.
Is this compatible with the South African curriculum?
Yes. Study Technology is a learning methodology, not a curriculum. It enhances any curriculum by teaching students how to learn. It's used alongside standard curricula in schools worldwide.
Help Build South Africa's Next Great Civilization
Illiteracy can be solved. Study Technology provides the tools. Start today.