The School of Hard Knocks is a non-profit, sport-for-development organisation, based in South Africa. Delivering three evidence-based programmes to youth and adults, we tackle trauma and improve emotional wellbeing.

SOHK’S VISION

A South Africa where people are better able to fulfil their potential and be active citizens, by understanding and addressing trauma.

SOHK’S MISSION

To increase access to evidence-based mental and emotional wellbeing interventions through sport, with the intention of bringing about meaningful social change.

Through the activities themselves, and through our mental health interventions, we contribute to the realisation of SDG 3, good health and well-being, while our gender transformative curricula and focus on female participation contributes to the realisation of SDG 5, gender equality.

Read our latest annual report

THE 3 PROGRAMMES:

SoHK for Schools

A year-long programme embedded in no/low fee schools, aimed at providing underserved learners with consistent, caring, adult support, lay-counselling and behavioural interventions, all of which are intended to improve their mental wellbeing.

NxtGenMen

NxtGenMen is a 6-session intervention aimed at reducing violence perpetrated by men - and, in particular, to reduce violence against women. Aimed at men and boys, the programme promotes healthy masculinity and introduces coping strategies to improve emotional distress tolerance.

NxtGenWomxn

NxtGenWomxn is our new programme, currently in its pilot phase. A 6-session intervention, the programme provides adolescent girls and young women with the mental health resources to better deal with the challenges they face.