Help boys become better men

The Character Company in North Riding aims to help young boys become better men.

This non-profit organisation was established one year ago and founder Jaco van Schalkwyk works closely with the boys of Vuleka School in North Riding. The school provides private school education to boys from underprivileged backgrounds. The boys, mostly from single parent homes, receive donations from individuals which helps to pay for their school fees.

The company runs mentorship programmes in conjunction with Vuleka School. They work towards building the character of boys, instilling responsibility, establishing morals and values, and encouraging them to become positive members of society.

Van Schalkwyk’s goal is to help change South Africa’s current culture of violence and abuse through this initiative. “I remember hearing a signal on the radio, every few minutes, indicating how many minutes go by between rapes, ” he said. “I thought there must be something that can be done to teach boys how to become good men.”

The organisation focuses on prevention rather than cure. “I work mainly with boys who have come from single-parent homes. It has been established that before the age of 10, your moral values have been determined.

“We cannot solve everything, but we focus on eight values, namely respect, honesty, integrity, self discipline, courage, to be a protector, to be committed and to communicate. I would rather help someone to stay out of prison than help that person when they are already in prison.”

Twice a week the school boys stay after school to do their homework, discuss topics and participate in outdoor physical activities. Ideally the organisation would like to work with the children five days a week. The objective for next year is to present six workshops for parents and to encourage more volunteer involvement.

Details: Jaco van Schalkwyk 084 777 7114, ch@racter.co.za