SOHK’s #NextGenMen project aims to implement the findings and recommendations from our recent study.

Our goal is to scale up our delivery of gender-awareness programming through gender-conscious role models to every child in our programme. SOHK are currently seeking new sponsors in order to fund:

* New gender-transformative curriculum content designed with experts at the Gender Institute.

* New content to be rolled out to over 200 children in the SOHK programme

* Installation of a sanitary pad vending machine in each school in partnership with Menstruation Foundation

* 14 days of capacity building delivered by the Gender Institute with SOHK staff to further their understanding of gender equitable coaching practices.

* Sharing our findings with our peers and developing an open-source curriculum to share with anyone that is interested.

* Using local research expertise to develop a thorough plan to document our findings.

SOHK Director Scott Sloan says “By engaging our Coaches to deliver programmes to young male and female participants, the #NextGenMen project seeks to change perceptions around traditional gender norms and promote gender-equitable and non-violent attitudes. Though we are still learning and growing in our approach to gender-aware coaching practices, we are excited to be making a small contribution to ending GBV in South Africa.”

#NextGenMen is proudly supported by two great ambassadors.

Gender Based Violence campaigner and SOHK supporter Siv Ngesi says ‘My message to young people is simple, be whoever you want to be, no-one should tell you otherwise. I’m proud to support School of Hard Knocks and their efforts to dispel gender stereotypes. I love seeing exceptional female rugby talent when I visit their programmes. Please help support their work in whatever way you can.’

Inspirational Springbok Captain Babalwa Latsha says ‘It’s of utmost importance that we mobilise young people and we educate them to bring down gender stereotypes on a daily basis. As a female rugby player myself this is something I do every single day. We need to finally reach a point where young boys see young women as their equals and vice versa. My message to young people is that it's up to us to change the present and the future. The School of Hard Knocks and it’s programmes therefore are very important as it equips and educates towards that. Let’s continue to be champions and bring down gender based stereotypes.’

To donate to #NextGenMen contact scott@schoolofhardknocks.co.za.

As many South Africans try to make meaning from the staggering statistics around gender-based violence (GBV) in the country we are proud to be working with adolescents to challenge traditional gender norms through sport.

In 2020 we completed a study that focuses on how, over 6 months, our programming influenced 18 adolescent boys' gendered views.

Though the scope of this study was small, there are very encouraging signs that by creating a gender equitable space for young men and women through SFD we can begin to address problematic social stereotypes and contribute to the empowerment of young women.

In 2021 we want to better understand if this approach is successful in creating long-lasting change that transfers ‘off the field.’

Click on the image to download the report.

Yaseen, Vista High

We love partnering people and business with our shared purpose.

In 2020 we started a collaboration with The Sneaker Shack, who are encouraging customers and passers by to drop off less-worn, previously loved sneakers that just need a little love, care and attention to transform them to ‘as good as new’ sneakers for the proud feet of young South Africans embarking on their adult journey.

For the first 6 months of 2021 all shoes donated will be expertly restored, with care, and given to the 250 young adults that SOHK SA councils within the local underserved communities of Cape Town.

Thanks Sneaker Shack!

Delighted to start the new year with news that in 2021 SOHK will be working with local legends in the education and innovation space DG Murray Trust. The project will deliver increased access to psycho-social student support to improve school drop out at lower quintile schools. We look forward to working together!

We are looking for a female intern to join our vibrant team in January!

As a SOHK Intern you will be responsible for assisting in our frontline delivery in Cape Town. Working as part of our small team, you will focus on learning as much you can about our coaching and mentoring practices with a goal of becoming a full-time SOHK coach in the future. Each day of an SOHK course entails a mixture of responsibilities – both on the field and off it - and we hope you enjoy each part.

Team kit and other useful resources will be provided.

Time Required:  8-10 hours per week, fixed term contract for 5 months

Compensation: The Intern will receive a stipend of R2500 per/month.

Duration: January to December 2021

APPLY HERE or www.schoolofhardknocks.co.za/intern

Applications close 17th Jan 2021.

Please share with anyone you think might be interested!

The Hollard Sports Industry Awards celebrated their tenth year last week with a glitzy online awards show with the esteemed Michael Johnson as guest speaker.

SOHK were honoured to be nominated for the Social and Environmental Impact Award alongside so many great programmes. Ultimately we lost out to Tennis SA’s amazing transformative work, but appreciate we really appreciate being credited amongst such big name institutions.

Next year!