'Before I came to Chrysalis my life was based on drugs and violence. I see it almost as though I have a new life now. I want to make a difference, I do not want my little brother to have the same life as I had then, but I really hope he will have the opportunity to come on Chrysalis too.' - Student.
'People are confused out there. They have a choice between crime and school. Crime does not pay. It is unnecessary but sometimes it is forced on you. Sometimes my brother would steal the food money and then I had to steal money to buy food so my mother would not know. When I am a parent, I think I will be a better parent as a result of what I have learned here.' - Student.
'If they hadn't had the Chrysalis discipline they would probably be very rowdy and difficult to control. They are proud of what they learn at Chrysalis and they want to look smart. The programme is not long enough for them to get bored with the strict discipline. They unite around the drilling and the discipline - it is probably a big change from the chaos they are used to. At first, I didn't like it, all the drilling and the push-ups. But they love it and now we use it to our advantage; we talk about the forced consequences at Chrysalis but when you go into life you have action consequences.' - Outward Bound Trainers.
'Chrysalis is a safe haven for students. Once they settle they do not want to leave the programme and go home. It is crime free, smoke free and alcohol free. Often that is the first time they have experienced such a place. It is ideal, peaceful, and a beautiful setting surrounded by mountains. They are isolated from external factors such as their parents, peers and the harsh reality of life back home - mostly made up of gangs and violence. It is an environment that is conducive to learning and change.' - CSIR Explorative Study, Aug 2001.
'You are a wonderful model.' - JS, Indiana Delegation that attended a Graduation ceremony.
'Very impressive project.' - RS, Member of Parliament, New Zealand.
'Chrysalis really seems to be working. When we see the Junior Leaders come back they are pretty impressive - quite an amazing change, they are really smart.' - Comment from Outward Bound trainers on Junior Leaders.
'During the week from 4 to 8 June, our staff took part in the YES 2001 Programme held at Porter Estate. As women, we were all impressed with the Chrysalis students who worked as volunteers at that event.
They were pleasant, helpful and willing - in most cases offering their services before being asked - and executed their tasks with obvious pride. We found them most pleasant to talk to and were particularly impressed with the confidence with which they expressed themselves. Their appreciation of what the Chrysalis Academy has done for them came through clearly. We feel this is testimony to the success of the programme and we sincerely hope that you will be able to continue with it in the years to come. Heaven knows, South Africa, and the Western Cape in particular, needs stories with happy endings.' - Head of Centre for Conservation Education.
'As the above youth organisation we are saying to you, keep it up. We need people like you playing a major role in rebuilding and reconstruction of this country. We, as Youth Development Forum have positive side towards your programmes. We are so proud because we have one graduate from 2000 intake and we ask co-operation on future projects.' - Excerpt from letter sent by Lusaka Youth Development Forum, Nyanga East.
