“I changed a lot, I learned a lot about myself… and yeah it’s just a lot different about me… people could see it when I came back.. I was more civilized I would say today... The way how I handle stuff… I used to fight… I was like a tomb boy… gave instructors a hard time…but I learned a lot.” (Female graduate in 2006)
“The Chrysalis Academy came into my life when the relationship between my son and I reached a critical stage. He was unemployed, had the tendency to come home very late at night and constantly challenged my authority as a parent on the choices he was making in various areas of his life. Thus, in my book, he was being disobedient and heading for disaster. As a divorced and single parent, I became impatient with that and asked him to leave the house.
Fortunately for us, he fell into the hands of a God fearing couple from Eerste River who champions an anti-drug community youth-at-risk programme. They encouraged him to do the 3-month skills development programme at Chrysalis Academy. My son was accepted and we have since not looked back.
As a parent, I attended four workshops at Chrysalis, for the duration of the course. These work- shops were life-changing for me. I wish I had attended these workshops, BEFORE I became a parent. I became impatient with my teenager when he needed me most. What we learnt would be too much to mention here, but what stays with me is that it is my responsibility to treat my teenager’s value system with respect, as he’s only trying to form his own value system. My responsibility is to monitor the process and show acceptance, loyalty and support.
The Academy has a “Zero Tolerance” policy. To the parents and caregivers it means that you cannot see your children during the first five weeks of the programme. The logic behind this, as it was kindly explained to us, was to allow the Academy to build the objectives of the programme into the candidates, without any outside influences and interferences. But by attending the work- shops, we were kept informed of their progress. I will always remember my first face-to-face visit with him. It was a completely different person I saw in front of me. The way he walked and talked, and his general attitude towards things, was beautiful to see – almost unbelievable.
The graduation day was the cherry on the cake. I was blown away by the level of maturity and pride he showed in what he achieved. I thank God Almighty for the Academy and the work they do. IT WORKS!!!! My son have since been home and oozes confidence, pride and discipline (even making is own bed!). UNLEASHING POTENTIAL is what Chrysalis Academy can proudly write next to their name.
I would like to thank the staff and leadership at the Academy for everything they put in to making the programme work. A special word of thanks to Mr Marthinus and his wife for believing in our children and keeping us informed during the “re-shaping” process.
Blessings & Warm regards" A proud Mother of one of our graduates from Eerste River
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