At Heroes Academy of South Africa, the true measure of our success lies in the lives we touch. Hear from the students, parents, volunteers, and partners whose journeys have been shaped by our programmes. Their stories inspire us to continue our mission of empowering young men through transformative education and socioemotional development.
“I love this workshop because it teaches us to respect people.”
“Heroes academy helps me very well, i hope that i succeed in life, because the information i receive in Heroes Academy will help me. i might get happy that heroes academy could grow with me teaching me more information.”
“I have experienced different emotions in the Heroes workshop. I hope we can do this next year. I have also learned different words and different concepts that i am now using and spreading to my friends and family.”
“Since I have joined the Heroes Academy, I feel like my life has changed, I am so happy to join Heroes Academy.“
“I would like to say that I like and love Heroes. It means a lot in my life.“
“In my future, I want to achieve everything because I want to be proud of myself.“
“I feel free and safe.“
“I would like to say that I like and love Heroes. It means a lot in my life.“
“Heroes Academy has been amazing for young boys like us. The coaches inspire me. They have taught me to respect other people and not become a wrong person, to be a good person in life and be a good example in the life of people.“
“I want to say thank you to Heroes for changing my life. Heroes has helped me to pass grade 9!“
“I feel like the Heroes can stay with us and encourage us about when we are going to grow. Heroes Academy gives us hope for a better life in the years coming. Please continue doing the good thing.“
“Thanks coaches for everything you have done for us – we have been waiting for this day. I really enjoy the workshops and we appreciate what you do.“
“Heroes Academy has been helping me out in life and I hope that the tutoring programme will help me out to level up my marks. That’s what I want to do this term.“
“I love Heroes Academy with my whole heart.”
“My past years in Heroes Academy have been the best years of my life because when I was not in Heroes I didn’t have the confidence to sing in front of people, but now I have the confidence to showcase my talent.“
“Heroes Academy has been a great journey and I think I will continue working with Heroes up until grade 12 and maybe one day work for them. I want to give gratitude to them since they taught us many things. Thank you, Heroes.”
Heroes is a helpful programme and I think Heroes will have a positive influence in the communities and boys they are working with.“
I am happy to be here in Heroes Academy because it teaches a lot and the reason why I am this kind of man is because of Heroes Academy. Thanks to all the coaches that are being mentors to us young boys.”
“I would recommend other boys to join Heroes to be a part of something bigger and to learn how to be a better person.“
“I want to say thank you Heroes for being in my life. You have changed my opinion toward life and I thank you for that.”
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank the program for teaching my son about how he should handle life, and how he should behave as a gentleman. This program has made a huge difference in his life because he used to have low self-esteem but now it’s different. Thanks to the coaches.“
“I am very happy that my son is participating in a program like this since I am a single parent of 3 boys and 5 kids. I am hoping that he will one day also be one of the coaches or also coach his siblings, peers, and one day his own family. Enkosi Bethuna! (Thank you!)“
“The Heroes Academy has done a good job, Junior gained confidence and he can now express his feelings.“
“I have seen some positive changes in him, he helps at home when I am not around and takes care of his brother. He also communicates much better than before.“
“I would like to say keep it up guys! You are doing a great job and I think you guys must have something like Heroes, except for girls.“
“I like Heroes Academy because we did not get these opportunities like our boys do. I appreciate Heroes Academy and wish this can grow bigger because we do not get such opportunities in our communities, so I say thank you and big ups to Heroes Academy. Danko!“
“To all of the other teachers and schools who are not yet partnering with Heroes Academy, I would say that you are missing out! It should be something that is in every school.“
“Heroes gives our learners a platform to be seen. To feel a sense of belonging. They are excited to go to Heroes. I think as educators we truly need Heroes because we can only do so much. Now when there’s an additional place to call home, then it makes it very easy for them to be much kinder and gentler in the world.“
“We are single parents, so there is no father at home. When the child is in Heroes, that child has a father because that coach becomes a father to that child.“
“Working with Heroes has been beautiful and we hope that you guys continue coming this side. It’s one of the programs that you don’t just see – you feel the presence. We pray that we get many more years of Heroes!“
“Heroes Academy assists our learners to know themselves better and helps them believe in themselves.“
“Heroes Academy has supported the growth of our learners in various ways, specifically through the tutoring programme that our learners attend on a weekly basis. The learners are eager to attend, not just because of the growth that they get but also because they are listened to, they are heard, and they feel free and confident to ask questions.“
“I’ve watched two learners, they started with Heroes the first year it was introduced here at our school. They’ve been growing up with Heroes. As time goes, you can really see that it’s not just impacting them mentally, but it’s also impacting the way they hold themselves, in the way they behave in public. I can truly say that Heroes has impacted those two boys’ lives for the better.“
“The importance of Heroes Academy is that it helps our learners think out of the box. Now that they have the space to speak at Heroes Academy workshops, they are relaxed even in class. Our learners feel safe at school since the introduction of Heroes Academy.“
“If it weren’t for Heroes, our learners wouldn’t have vision to see that there’s more to life than what there is currently in our area. They wouldn’t have the ability to learn who they are, not only emotionally but also academically. Now they are becoming more involved and more aware.“
“As a volunteer at Heroes Academy, I have witnessed firsthand the transformative power of mentorship and support. Seeing the growth and confidence in our participants has been incredible, and I feel grateful to play a small part in their journey. To be at Heroes, it feels like home, and I have loved being part of this community. Volunteering here has not only allowed me to give back but also to learn and grow alongside amazing individuals.”
“Volunteering with Heroes has been an inspiring journey for me, it has taught me about being disciplined in order to achieve my goals. As much as we desire for success but the shadow work behind the scenes is often overlooked. Heroes has been a beam of light to me.”
“I have been involved with Heroes Academy since inception and thus far thoroughly savoured and enjoyed every moment of it. Not only do we empower the boys, but as facilitators, we in turn are empowered too with our eyes being opened to their fresh way of thinking.
A self-development program like Heroes Academy is critically important in this day and age with where the boys find themselves in the current society. As much as society dictates to girls / females how to dress / behave to not be harassed / bullied by males, an organization like Heroes Academy focuses on developing better young men for the future.”
“Volunteering at Heroes Academy SA has been one of the most memorable experiences of my life. The famous motto, “Be the change you want to see,” is a powerful message that I strive to live by every day. Through my work with Heroes Academy SA, I am now able to embody this ideal in a tangible and meaningful way.”
“Being part of Heroes Academy helped me understand the power of working together toward a shared goal: guiding our boys to grow into young men with strong values, ready to lead with confidence and integrity.”
“Moving to Cape Town as a foreigner, I wanted to find a way to give back to this amazing country. Heroes Academy gave me that chance by supporting young men from disadvantaged communities in a real, hands-on way.
What inspires me most is watching the boys grow in confidence and belief in themselves. I know what it’s like to struggle with insecurity, so seeing them overcome those challenges is incredibly rewarding.
Working with Heroes has also helped me put my own life into perspective. It’s a real privilege to be part of something that helps these boys build stronger futures. One lesson that sticks with me is that being vulnerable is not a weakness but something that takes real strength. That idea is at the heart of what we do every day.”
“Being part of the Heroes Academy family has been nothing short of amazing. It has transformed my understanding of what it truly means to be a man. I’ve come to realise that manhood isn’t just about what you can do, but about how your abilities can bring value and positively impact others and your community. Interacting with the boys has taken me on a journey of reflection, reminding me of my younger self and how deeply important a positive male role model can be in a boy’s life.”
“Volunteering with Heroes Academy is like a currency that feeds my soul. Working with the boys in their circumstances brings perspective to my life. I have the pleasure seeing the boys mature and grow into good men these past 5 years and I also witnessed feedback at the parents meeting that brought tears to my eyes.
Being present, brings purpose.”
“I love this workshop because it teaches us to respect people.”
“Heroes academy helps me very well, i hope that i succeed in life, because the information i receive in Heroes Academy will help me. i might get happy that heroes academy could grow with me teaching me more information.”
“I have experienced different emotions in the Heroes workshop. I hope we can do this next year. I have also learned different words and different concepts that i am now using and spreading to my friends and family.”
“I would like to say that I like and love Heroes. It means a lot in my life.“
“In my future, I want to achieve everything because I want to be proud of myself.“
“I feel free and safe.“
“I would like to say that I like and love Heroes. It means a lot in my life.“
“Heroes Academy has been amazing for young boys like us. The coaches inspire me. They have taught me to respect other people and not become a wrong person, to be a good person in life and be a good example in the life of people.“
“I want to say thank you to Heroes for changing my life. Heroes has helped me to pass grade 9!“
“I feel like the Heroes can stay with us and encourage us about when we are going to grow. Heroes Academy gives us hope for a better life in the years coming. Please continue doing the good thing.“
“Thanks coaches for everything you have done for us – we have been waiting for this day. I really enjoy the workshops and we appreciate what you do.“
“Heroes Academy has been helping me out in life and I hope that the tutoring programme will help me out to level up my marks. That’s what I want to do this term.“
“I love Heroes Academy with my whole heart.”
“My past years in Heroes Academy have been the best years of my life because when I was not in Heroes I didn’t have the confidence to sing in front of people, but now I have the confidence to showcase my talent.“
“Heroes is a helpful programme and I think Heroes will have a positive influence in the communities and boys they are working with.“
“I am happy to be here in Heroes Academy because it teaches a lot and the reason why I am this kind of man is because of Heroes Academy. Thanks to all the coaches that are being mentors to us young boys.”
“I would recommend other boys to join Heroes to be a part of something bigger and to learn how to be a better person.“
“I want to say thank you Heroes for being in my life. You have changed my opinion toward life and I thank you for that.”
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank the program for teaching my son about how he should handle life, and how he should behave as a gentleman. This program has made a huge difference in his life because he used to have low self-esteem but now it’s different. Thanks to the coaches.“
“I am very happy that my son is participating in a program like this since I am a single parent of 3 boys and 5 kids. I am hoping that he will one day also be one of the coaches or also coach his siblings, peers, and one day his own family. Enkosi Bethuna! (Thank you!)“
“I have seen some positive changes in him, he helps at home when I am not around and takes care of his brother. He also communicates much better than before.“
“I would like to say keep it up guys! You are doing a great job and I think you guys must have something like Heroes, except for girls.“
“I like Heroes Academy because we did not get these opportunities like our boys do. I appreciate Heroes Academy and wish this can grow bigger because we do not get such opportunities in our communities, so I say thank you and big ups to Heroes Academy. Danko!“
“To all of the other teachers and schools who are not yet partnering with Heroes Academy, I would say that you are missing out! It should be something that is in every school.“
“Heroes gives our learners a platform to be seen. To feel a sense of belonging. They are excited to go to Heroes. I think as educators we truly need Heroes because we can only do so much. Now when there’s an additional place to call home, then it makes it very easy for them to be much kinder and gentler in the world.“
“Heroes Academy assists our learners to know themselves better and helps them believe in themselves.“
“We are single parents, so there is no father at home. When the child is in Heroes, that child has a father because that coach becomes a father to that child.“
“I’ve watched two learners, they started with Heroes the first year it was introduced here at our school. They’ve been growing up with Heroes. As time goes, you can really see that it’s not just impacting them mentally, but it’s also impacting the way they hold themselves, in the way they behave in public. I can truly say that Heroes has impacted those two boys’ lives for the better.“
“The importance of Heroes Academy is that it helps our learners think out of the box. Now that they have the space to speak at Heroes Academy workshops, they are relaxed even in class. Our learners feel safe at school since the introduction of Heroes Academy.“
“Working with Heroes has been beautiful and we hope that you guys continue coming this side. It’s one of the programs that you don’t just see – you feel the presence. We pray that we get many more years of Heroes!“
“Heroes Academy has supported the growth of our learners in various ways, specifically through the tutoring programme that our learners attend on a weekly basis. The learners are eager to attend, not just because of the growth that they get but also because they are listened to, they are heard, and they feel free and confident to ask questions.“
“If it weren’t for Heroes, our learners wouldn’t have vision to see that there’s more to life than what there is currently in our area. They wouldn’t have the ability to learn who they are, not only emotionally but also academically. Now they are becoming more involved and more aware.
“As a volunteer at Heroes Academy, I have witnessed firsthand the transformative power of mentorship and support. Seeing the growth and confidence in our participants has been incredible, and I feel grateful to play a small part in their journey. To be at Heroes, it feels like home, and I have loved being part of this community. Volunteering here has not only allowed me to give back but also to learn and grow alongside amazing individuals.”
“Volunteering with Heroes has been an inspiring journey for me, it has taught me about being disciplined in order to achieve my goals. As much as we desire for success but the shadow work behind the scenes is often overlooked. Heroes has been a beam of light to me.”
“I have been involved with Heroes Academy since inception and thus far thoroughly savoured and enjoyed every moment of it. Not only do we empower the boys, but as facilitators, we in turn are empowered too with our eyes being opened to their fresh way of thinking.
A self-development program like Heroes Academy is critically important in this day and age with where the boys find themselves in the current society. As much as society dictates to girls / females how to dress / behave to not be harassed / bullied by males, an organization like Heroes Academy focuses on developing better young men for the future.”
“Volunteering at Heroes Academy SA has been one of the most memorable experiences of my life. The famous motto, “Be the change you want to see,” is a powerful message that I strive to live by every day. Through my work with Heroes Academy SA, I am now able to embody this ideal in a tangible and meaningful way.”
“Being part of Heroes Academy helped me understand the power of working together toward a shared goal: guiding our boys to grow into young men with strong values, ready to lead with confidence and integrity.”
“Being part of the Heroes Academy family has been nothing short of amazing. It has transformed my understanding of what it truly means to be a man. I’ve come to realise that manhood isn’t just about what you can do, but about how your abilities can bring value and positively impact others and your community. Interacting with the boys has taken me on a journey of reflection, reminding me of my younger self and how deeply important a positive male role model can be in a boy’s life.”
“Moving to Cape Town as a foreigner, I wanted to find a way to give back to this amazing country. Heroes Academy gave me that chance by supporting young men from disadvantaged communities in a real, hands-on way.
What inspires me most is watching the boys grow in confidence and belief in themselves. I know what it’s like to struggle with insecurity, so seeing them overcome those challenges is incredibly rewarding.
Working with Heroes has also helped me put my own life into perspective. It’s a real privilege to be part of something that helps these boys build stronger futures. One lesson that sticks with me is that being vulnerable is not a weakness but something that takes real strength. That idea is at the heart of what we do every day.”
“Volunteering with Heroes Academy is like a currency that feeds my soul. Working with the boys in their circumstances brings perspective to my life. I have the pleasure seeing the boys mature and grow into good men these past 5 years and I also witnessed feedback at the parents meeting that brought tears to my eyes.
Being present, brings purpose.”
