A New Horizon for Impact
In 2025, Brazil surpassed its national literacy target for the first time. By the end of second grade, 66% of children were literate. This is a milestone worth celebrating, made possible only because so many individuals and organizations decided to join forces.
The results in this report reflect the true power of collective action. The institutionalization of the National Commitment to Literate Children as permanent state policy, along with the development of more than 1,200 leaders who now serve in high-impact positions, are the direct results of governments, administrators, teachers, and organizations working together to accelerate the transformations needed for Brazil to reach its full potential.
We believe the most lasting change happens when dedicated public leaders collaborate with partners committed to sustaining the work over the long haul, built on patience, consistency, evidence-based practices, and mutual trust.
Yet, much work remains. One in three children still finishes second grade below grade level in reading and writing. In Middle School, learning gaps remain among the most persistent challenges in Brazilian education. These figures show that celebrating progress and recognizing the long road ahead go hand in hand. Both are vital to real, lasting change.
2025 was also about laying key foundations for the future. The opening of Lemann Collaborative, a center at the University of Zurich led by 2019 Nobel Laureates in Economics Esther Duflo and Abhijit Banerjee, bridged academic research and public policy. Meanwhile, Gerando Falcões’ Dignity Fund introduces an innovative financing model designed for lasting impact, while the Trajetórias Institute connects top Brazilian talent with leading global universities, encouraging them to bring their expertise back home to drive the country’s growth.
While these initiatives will take time to deliver full results, they stem from a shared conviction that Brazil has the people, the diversity, and the drive to accomplish far more than it does today.
We have also entered a new strategic cycle with a clearer picture of where we want to go and what it will take to get there.
We keep on changing Brazil. For real.
Denis Mizne
CEO, Lemann Foundation
How we operate
Education
We support and contribute to the development of public policies for age-appropriate learning, with a focus on eradicating school illiteracy and building schools that can engage our adolescents, reduce inequalities, and promote the holistic development of each student throughout their educational journey.
Leadership Development
We connect networks of people and foster partnerships dedicated to social impact, encouraging leaders who reflect the country’s identity to continue enhancing their skills through training programs and projects that drive their journeys.