Coach Delice at the School of Hard Knocks

Coach Delice

Pronouns: She/Her

Hometown: Thornton

Favorite Sport: Netball

I'm Delice Lumbu, a 20-year-old born in the Democratic Republic of Congo. In 2006, my family and I fled to South Africa, seeking refuge and better opportunities. As a young immigrant, I faced xenophobic remarks and struggled to find my place. However, at 13, I joined the Adonis Musati Project, a mental health support group for foreigners, refugees, and young African youth. This experience helped me heal and ignited my passion for serving others, empowering youth, and fostering strong community bonds.

Through the Adonis Musati Project, I developed essential communication and leadership skills. I applied these skills in high school, becoming a member of the council of learners and eventually serving as Head Girl of J.G. Meiring High School in 2022. My love for community and youth development continued to grow, driving me to create positive change and uplift those around me.

When the Adonis Musati Project ended in 2024, I was still hungry to serve others and help youth. I sought new opportunities to make a meaningful impact. I applied to the School of Hard Knocks and was accepted as a coach. My dream is to continue empowering others with the tools and knowledge I've gained.

How do you tailor your coaching methods to accommodate different learning styles and abilities?

As a coach, I've realized that everyone learns differently, and it's essential to adapt my coaching methods to meet the unique needs of each individual. Growing up as a foreign national in South Africa, I've experienced firsthand the importance of inclusivity and adaptability. In my coaching practice, I strive to create a supportive and inclusive environment that fosters youth growth, empowerment, and success. By being flexible and willing to adjust my approach, I can better serve youth with different learning styles, abilities, and needs, whether it is using interpretation services or visual aids or even using fun activities or games to break down difficult topics. I also practice the idea of nuance, recognizing that every individual's experiences and perspectives can be complex. I remain open-minded, avoiding assumptions and stereotypes, and instead focus on understanding each child's context and challenges. I have learned to shape myself in order to help others see and reach their full potential.

What are some of the biggest challenges you've faced as a coach, and how have you overcome them?

One challenge is dealing with my own biases and assumptions. As a coach, I've realized that I'm not immune to biases and assumptions that can impact my coaching relationships. To overcome this, I've committed to ongoing self-reflection, practicing the idea of nuance, educating myself, and training to increase my awareness and cultural competence.

Managing my own emotional energy has been a significant challenge. As a coach, I'm constantly supporting others through their challenges, which can be emotionally draining. To overcome this, I've prioritized self-care, set healthy boundaries, and developed strategies to manage my emotional energy.

Lastly, I've struggled with wanting to do more than I can. I often take on others' burdens very heavily and want to help in absolutely any way possible. However, I've had to constantly remind myself that I cannot mix my work with my personal life. I must respect the boundaries of the youth around me and never take matters into my own hands. This lesson has been difficult, but it's essential to maintaining healthy relationships and avoiding burnout.

How do you prioritize and maintain your own mental health while managing the demands of coaching?

I am blessed with a very strong support system and am constantly around people who make me feel relaxed. I often spend time reading and writing to regulate my emotions. I also establish clear boundaries with those around me to protect my time and energy. I highly prioritize my own time to self-reflect and evaluate any personal issues or maintain my mental well-being.

What self-care practices do you find most effective in managing stress and preventing burnout?

I spend a lot of time praying and serving in the church. It gives me great peace and purpose and often boosts my confidence. Listening to music and dancing gives me absolute joy and helps me cope with stress. I love to spend time outdoors, whether it is going for a walk or a jog, sitting, or eating out with friends. It gives me peace of mind and prevents burnout.

What advice do you give to your students about maintaining their mental health and well-being?

I believe that from a young age, society teaches us "the road to success" or "the road to happiness," we often trap ourselves by chasing dreams and ideas that are not truly ours. Life is not a race, and there is much more to it than what you see now. There are more opportunities, more people you will meet, more growth, and new experiences, so focus on being mindful of the present, make time for activities that you enjoy, find hobbies, allow yourself to make mistakes, but also learn from them, take your time, treat yourself with absolute kindness because peace starts within your mind. Exercise, get enough rest and remember you can always ask for help, there will be someone willing to listen to and help you. YOU ARE WORTHY.

Coach Ethan at the School of Hard Knocks

Coach Ethan

Pronouns: He/Him

Favorite Sport: Volleyball

Can you tell us about your background and what led you to become a coach at the School of Hard Knocks?

With the drive to be an Agent of Change in our society, I believe that SoHK is the perfect organisation for me to contribute to my goals of social upliftment through sport, and the environment they provide allows me to develop myself as both an individual and professional.

How do you tailor your coaching methods to accommodate different learning styles and abilities?

By understanding people on a personal level, I can identify the most effective ways of interacting with and coaching them. This personal connection allows me to build a strong rapport and relationship with them and promotes success in my work.

What self-care practices do you find most effective in managing stress and preventing burnout?

I have found that managing stress and burnout effectively should be done in various forms of self-care. My most important ways include my lifestyle choices (eating habits and sleeping patterns), social interactions (friendly meet-ups and family gatherings), and physical activity (sports and gym).

What advice do you give your students about maintaining their mental health and well-being?

I remind every student and learner that regardless of their challenges, there is always an opportunity for them to succeed through adversity. And by working together, we can continue to develop their aptitudes in dealing with the challenges they face currently and in the future.

Coach Mimi

Pronouns: They / Them / Theirs

Hometown: Gugulethu

Favorite Sport: Soccer

Can you tell us about your background and what led you to become a coach at the School of Hard Knocks?

I've never had an easy background, but it's shaped me into who I am today. I've faced my share of challenges and setbacks, but I've always found a way to persevere. From navigating tough situations to learning from my mistakes, I've grown resilient and determined. And here I am, still standing, learning, and growing.

I'm driven to become a coach at the School of Hard Knocks because I want to share my story, be a positive role model, and lead by example. I aspire to be someone kids and adolescents can look up to, helping them navigate life's challenges in various ways, from finding their identity to building resilience. Through this journey, I also hope to learn, challenge myself, and grow, ultimately empowering the next generation to do the same.

How do you tailor your coaching methods to accommodate different learning styles and abilities?

I adapt my coaching to suit individual needs and learning styles. I use various approaches, provide accommodations, and gather feedback to ensure each person receives effective support

What are some of the biggest challenges you've faced as a coach, and how have you overcome them?

Some of the biggest challenges I've faced as a coach include expressing my anger and public speaking when someone has offended me. Overcoming these challenges required self-reflection, preparation, and practice.

To address being offended, I've learned to communicate assertively yet respectfully, addressing the issue directly while maintaining a positive relationship.

Regarding public speaking, I've worked to build confidence through preparation, focusing on key messages, and engaging with my audience. With time and experience, I've become more comfortable sharing my thoughts and ideas with others, still a work in progress.

Can you share a success story or a memorable moment from your time coaching at the School of Hard Knocks?

One memorable moment that stands out was when Lana invited our team to conduct sessions with netball players and adolescents in Milnerton. We implemented our program, and it was a resounding success. We were thrilled because we had met our goal. Seeing the positive impact we had on those young lives was incredibly fulfilling. It reinforced the importance of our work and motivated me to continue making a difference.

What advice would you give to students who come from a similar background as the students who attend SOHK programs?

I'd say believe in yourself and your potential. If you're comfortable, invite others to support you on your journey. Surround yourself with positivity and seek guidance when needed. Remember, your background doesn't define you—it's a foundation for growth. Share your story only if you're comfortable doing so, and always prioritize your well-being.

How do you prioritize and maintain your own mental health while managing the demands of coaching?

I prioritize my mental health by setting boundaries, telling my story ( you'll hear about this one day ), practicing self-care, and seeking support when needed. This includes exercise, mindfulness, and connecting with loved ones. I also recognize when to take a step back and recharge, ensuring I'm energized and focused to support my clients effectively.

What self-care practices do you find most effective in managing stress and preventing burnout?

I find exercises like meditation, deep breathing, and yoga most effective in managing stress. Additionally, engaging in hobbies, spending time in nature, and prioritizing sleep also help. Setting realistic boundaries, taking breaks, and seeking social support from loved ones and peers also play a crucial role in preventing burnout.

What advice do you give your students about maintaining their mental health and well-being?

I advise my students to prioritize self-care, set realistic goals, and practice mindfulness. I also encourage them to express their emotions, seek support from loved ones or professionals, and take breaks when needed. Remember, mental health is just as important as physical health, and seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness

Coach Longamo

Coach Longamo

Pronouns: he/his

Hometown: East London

Favorite Sport: Football

Can you tell us about your background and what led you to become a coach at the School of Hard Knocks?

Well, I'm from Mdantsane in East London; I come from a family of 5. I'm the last born, coming after two girls. I would love to say I'm a loving person who loves hanging out with friends, and this year, I discovered that I love working in an environment that helps children develop and develop me. My passion for personal development led me to become a coach at the SoHK. It felt like the right fit to develop myself more and test what I have learned throughout 2024.

How do you tailor your coaching methods to accommodate different learning styles and abilities?

I do that by being open to different types of learning styles, abilities, feedback, and learning from others around me. I know that I will be able to understand and help different people through my coaching methods.

What are some of the biggest challenges you've faced as a coach, and how have you overcome them?

The biggest challenge was getting the female participants to be open to sharing what they think and mostly face when I engage them. So, I overcame them by doing it myself to be open to them, and then they could share more with me.

What advice would you give to students who come from a similar background as the students who attend SOHK programs?

Be open to sharing your feelings and opinions whenever you feel like it.

How do you prioritize and maintain your mental health while managing the coaching demands?

I always make sure to do anything that will keep me level-headed, whether praying, going to church, or playing football. As a coach, I have to be in a good state of mind to manage the demands of coaching.

What self-care practices do you find most effective in managing stress and preventing burnout?

I share my feelings with my friends, pray, play football, and maybe listen to music.

What advice do you give your students about maintaining their mental health and well-being?

Always put their mental health and well-being first and have a support structure that will always be there for them.

Coach Jamy at the School of Hard Knocks

Coach Jamy-lee

Pronouns: She/Her

Hometown: Atlantis

Favorite sport: Netball

Can you tell us about your background and what led you to become a coach at the School of Hard Knocks?

Ever since I can remember, all I have wanted to do was work with children. All my work experience thus far is working with children, and I love making a change, even if it's only in one child's life. It makes me a better human being to help a child/children reach their full potential and grow holistically as they should. The moment I saw the SoHK advertisement I immediately knew I had to take this chance. As an individual who loves sports and can still learn a lot about them, I took this opportunity to see how it will impact and change my life for the better.

How do you tailor your coaching methods to accommodate different learning styles and abilities?

As a coach, you need to be able to accommodate each learner and be mindful that they may have learning disabilities or struggles. You also need to prepare to accommodate each learner.

For learners who learn better using visuals, I'll incorporate charts, diagrams, or videos.

For our auditory learners, I'll use stories, explanations, or podcasts.

For verbal learners, I'll provide reading materials or writing exercises.

I'll let kinesthetic learners engage in hands-on activities or role-play activities.

What are some of the biggest challenges you've faced as a coach, and how have you overcome them?

So, one of the biggest challenges was working with shy children.

But I did one-on-one sessions to build that child’s confidence.

Time management.

Communication between the child and me as a coach.

Not having a clear objective and outcome.

Can you share a success story or a memorable moment from coaching at the School of Hard Knocks?

I'm only starting this year, but I already have a memorable moment.

That memorable moment was the day I went for my interview.

I was welcomed by the coaches in the most fantastic way possible.

They got up, introduced themselves, and took my mother’s hand, which was very respectful.

Since then, I've been telling everyone that it was the most amazing interview experience ever. I overthink everything, and I expected the worst, but that was the very best interview, and I met a lot of amazing individuals.

What advice would you give students from similar backgrounds to those attending SOHK programs?

I would advise them to be open to their emotions; by that, I mean the positive and negative. Allow yourself to be human even if you need to be selfish at times by putting your needs, health, happiness, etc, before others. Do not feel bad that you are choosing you! I will advise them to take it easy on themselves because any stress impacts your health. I will advise them to regularly do self-care, which is also one of my coping mechanisms and might work(You look good, you feel good). I will also advise them to ask for help; you are no less of a person to ask for help. It shows your strengths and that you recognize that you are just human, even if it is just talking to a teacher at school who you trust, a school counselor. Get enough sleep, maintain healthy habits e.g exercise, eat healthy, enough sleep.

How do you prioritize and maintain your own mental health while managing the demands of coaching?

I focus on positivity.

Set goals, outcomes, and priorities.

Make sleep a priority.

Practice gratitude.

Try to maintain relaxing activities.

What self-care practices do you find most effective in managing stress and preventing burnout?

Listening to music.

Singing.

Self-care routines.

Sleeping.

Exercising.

What advice do you give to your students about maintaining their mental health and well-being?

It's important to communicate about your feelings and how people make you feel rather than keep it in communication openly and seek the necessary help. Build and maintain positive relationships with peers, family, and friends because it can provide some sense of belonging and, at times, emotional support. Building positive social connections is important for mental well-being. Stay connected to the people you trust. Get yourself a journal. It may seem simple, but it definitely helps to journal your emotions if you don't feel comfortable talking to anyone. Set boundaries. Keep yourself busy by doing community work, and lastly, care for your body with exercise, enough sleep, and the proper nutrients.

Coach Athenkosi

Pronouns: he/his

Hometown: Nyanga East

Favorite Sport: Football

Can you tell us about your background and what led you to become a coach at the School of Hard Knocks?

Growing up, I faced my fair share of challenges. I came from a humble beginning, and my family had to work hard to make ends meet. But my parents instilled in me a strong work ethic and a determination to succeed. I learned early on that life isn't always easy, but it's how you respond to those knocks that matters.

Throughout my journey, I've had my share of ups and downs. I've faced failures, setbacks, and moments of self-doubt. But I've always believed that every experience – good or bad – is an opportunity to learn and grow. It was my own personal struggles that led me to become a coach. I hit rock bottom a few times, and it was in those moments that I realized I had two choices: give up or use those experiences to help others. I chose the latter. Here, I've found a community that shares my values – grit, determination, and a willingness to learn from life's knocks. As a coach, I'm honored to help others find their strength, develop resilience, and unlock their full potential.

How do you tailor your coaching methods to accommodate different learning styles and abilities?

As a coach, I believe it's essential to recognize that each individual has a unique way of learning and processing information. To accommodate different learning styles and abilities, I tailor my coaching methods in several ways:

Firstly, I take the time to understand each patients preferred learning style, whether it's visual, auditory, or kinesthetic. I ask questions, observe their behavior, and adapt my communication approach accordingly. For visual learners, I use diagrams, charts, and videos to help them understand complex concepts. For auditory learners, I focus on discussions, storytelling, and metaphors to convey key messages. And for kinesthetic learners, I incorporate hands-on activities, role-playing, and experiments to make learning more engaging and interactive.

Secondly, I consider each participants cognitive abilities, such as processing speed, memory, and problem-solving skills. I break down complex information into bite-sized chunks, use clear and simple language, and provide opportunities for practice and reinforcement.

Thirdly, I'm sensitive to the emotional and social aspects of learning. I create a safe, supportive environment where participants feel comfortable sharing their thoughts, feelings, and concerns. I also encourage self-reflection, self-awareness, and self-regulation to help clients develop a growth mindset and build confidence.

Lastly, I continuously assess and adjust my coaching methods based on participants feedback, progress, and changing needs. I believe that coaching is a collaborative process, and it's essential to be flexible and adapt to each client's unique requirements.

By acknowledging and accommodating different learning styles and abilities, I can provide personalized coaching that resonates with each client and helps them achieve their goals.

What are some of the biggest challenges you've faced as a coach, and how have you overcome them?

One of the biggest ones is resistance to change, where participants struggle to let go of old habits and beliefs. To overcome this, I empathize with their concerns, highlight the benefits of change, and encourage small steps towards progress. I've also encountered participants with limited self-awareness, who don't recognize their thought patterns, emotions, or behaviors that hold them back. To address this, I use reflective questioning, feedback, and assessments to help them gain insight and develop self-awareness.

Lack of motivation is another challenge, where participants struggle to stay motivated despite obstacles or setbacks. To overcome this, I help them connect with their purpose, set meaningful goals, and celebrate small wins to maintain momentum. Additionally, I've had participants who've confronted difficult emotions or traumatic experiences during our sessions. To support them, I create a safe space, listen actively, and guide them through emotional regulation techniques to process their emotions.

I've also recognized my own biases and assumptions, which can impact my coaching. To overcome this, I engage in continuous learning, self-reflection, and cultural sensitivity training to ensure I'm inclusive and respectful of all clients' experiences. Finally, I've learned to maintain professional boundaries while being empathetic and supportive, prioritize self-care, and seek support from colleagues or mentors when needed. By acknowledging and addressing these challenges, I've grown both personally and professionally as a coach, and I continue to refine my approach to support my participants success.

Can you share a success story or a memorable moment from your time coaching at the School of Hard Knocks?

A memorable time for me would be the time we were at Khayelisha safe-hub foNxtGenMen. I was able to make older men speak out, which is rare to find in the township. It takes a lot for men to voice out about how they feel and what's going on in their lives, so that was a highlight for me because I've always wanted the townships to have that type of program because it teaches a lot.

What advice would you give to students who come from a similar background as the students who attend SOHK programs?

To students from similar backgrounds, I'd say:

Embrace your story and don't let anyone dull your sparkle! Your experiences, though challenging, have shaped your resilience and strength.

- Be kind to yourself and prioritize self-care. You matter!

- Seek support from mentors, peers, and community. You don't have to walk alone.

- Celebrate small victories and acknowledge your growth. Progress may be slow, but it's progress!

- Stay curious, ask questions, and seek knowledge. Education is power!

- Don't let others define your potential. You are capable of achieving greatness!

- Embrace your uniqueness and don't compare yourself to others. Your journey is distinct.

- Stay true to your values and passions. They'll guide you through tough times.

- Remember, success is not a destination; it's a journey. Enjoy the process!

- You are stronger than you think! Keep pushing forward, even when it's tough.

- Your voice matters! Share your story and inspire others.

- Lastly, be patient and compassionate with yourself. Growth takes time.

Remember, your background doesn't define your future. You do! Keep shining!

How do you prioritize and maintain your own mental health while managing the demands of coaching?

As a coach, I prioritize my own mental health by being intentional with self-care. I make time for activities that nourish my mind, body, and soul, such as exercise, meditation, and spending quality time with loved ones. I also set boundaries and learn to say "no" when necessary, to avoid burnout.

I recognize that coaching can be emotionally demanding, so I engage in regular self-reflection and seek support from colleagues, mentors, or therapists when needed. I also prioritize sleep, healthy eating, and relaxation techniques to maintain my energy and resilience.

Additionally, I make sure to schedule downtime and activities that bring me joy, such as reading, creative pursuits, or simply taking a relaxing bath. By prioritizing my own mental health, I can show up more fully and authentically for my clients, and maintain the energy and passion required to support them on their journeys.

What self-care practices do you find most effective in managing stress and preventing burnout?

I mostly go out with friends who help me relax, hit the gym at times, and stay indoors with my granny and her friends 😂

What advice do you give to your students about maintaining their mental health and well-being?

As a coach, I advise my students to prioritize their mental health and well-being by:

Being kind to yourself and practicing self-compassion. Remember that you're human and it's okay to not be okay.

Connecting with your emotions and acknowledging your feelings. Don't bottle them up!

Taking breaks and resting when needed. You can't pour from an empty cup.

Engaging in activities that bring you joy and make you feel alive!

Surrounding yourself with positive influences and supportive people.

Practicing mindfulness and being present in the moment.

Taking care of your physical health, as it's linked to your mental well-being.

Setting healthy boundaries and learning to say "no" when necessary.

Seeking help and support when needed - don't be afraid to ask!

Remember, your mental health is just as important as your physical health. By prioritizing your well-being, you'll become a happier, healthier, and more resilient version of yourself!