On 6 May 2023, the Chrysalis Academy was abuzz with the intake for its first male course of the new financial year.  The first student in the line to enroll told the CEO that he arrived at the academy at 04h00. By 17h00, 233 young men from across the Western Cape had enrolled for their three-month journey.

The intake procedure consisted of a drug test, administration, and a welcome address by the CEO, Dr Lucille Meyer.  Parents and caregivers also attended the address. They then said a tearful goodbye, and commenced a parent workshop until 13h30.  The parent workshops are important so that parents and caregivers realise that the Chrysalis Academy’s holistic approach to youth development is to work with the entire ecosystem that supports the students. Parents were very tearful as they expressed their gratitude to the Chrysalis Academy for accepting their sons. One father remarked that his son experiences a great deal of anger at home, and that he knows the academy will assist his son to deal with the anger. Parents wished their sons and the staff well over the three months.

The three months consist of various phases where the students will learn skills to deepen their resilience. They will spend two weeks in the beautiful outdoors, hiking around the Cape peninsula. They will then spend four weeks doing technical and vocational training that will include Peace Officer and Traffic Warden training, Youth Development, and a number of other courses. They will also embark on community service and do a three-day route march to Cape Point.  

The staff is excited to work with the new cohort, and hopes that 233 young men will graduate on 29 July 2023. Following their graduation, all students will be provided with a one-year internship at various placement organisations to acquire much-needed work experience.

May the students have a joyous and fulfilling experience in Tokai at the foot of the mountain!