2025 Annual Report: Stronger, Simpler, Bigger Impact

2025 was a year of growth, reflection and impact for School of Hard Knocks.

Across South Africa and Namibia, we reached more than 4,700 young people, parents and community members through programmes focused on emotional wellbeing, healthy relationships and early mental health support.

This year, our work included:

• 922 learners reached through NxtGenSchools across 6 schools

• 2,379 men and boys reached through NxtGenMen

• 1,405 girls and young women supported through NxtGenWomxn

• 32,179 wellbeing check-ins completed by our team

• 1,753 pitchside therapy sessions delivered

• 99 safeguarding interventions managed by our multidisciplinary support team

The outcomes continue to show why this work matters:

• 92% of learners reported improved mental health

• 73% of teachers observed improved academic performance

• One school improved its average pass rate from 68% to 88%

• 91% of men and boys reported increased confidence to challenge violence against women and children

• 90% of mothers and mothers-to-be said they would not drink alcohol during pregnancy

2025 also saw the continued growth of our safeguarding systems, facilitator training model, and preventative approach to mental health support in schools and communities. Our NxtGenMothers pilot received a national Community Care Award, and funding has already been approved to scale the programme three-fold in 2026.

As an organisation, we remain committed to doing work that is relational, evidence-informed and sustainable. We are proud that 89% of our budget goes directly into programme delivery, ensuring support reaches the people and communities who need it most.

Most importantly, thank you.

To every donor, school, partner, volunteer and supporter — your trust allows us to continue strengthening the emotional wellbeing of the nxt generation.