School of Hard Knocks

The School of Hard Knocks is a non-profit, sport-for-development organisation. Delivering three evidence-based programmes to youth and adults, we tackle trauma and improve emotional wellbeing. We are able to achieve this by: 1) Creating a safe space that encourages sharing, learning and support; 2) Providing access to mental health resources; and 3) Deconstructing gender norms that contribute to harmful behaviours.

SoHK for Schools is 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 intended to improve mental well-being.

NxtGenMen is a six-session intervention aimed at reducing violence perpetrated by men – 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 is our new programme, in its pilot phase. A six-session intervention, it provides adolescent girls and young women with the mental health resources to better deal with the challenges they face.

Our programmes are run in Cape Town and Johannesburg.