References and quotes from parents and participants

of the South African Warriors programme

Warriors – Introduction from James Hill (UK Parent)


I want to you to meet someone special. His name is Rudi Viljoen and he comes from South Africa. He is an extraordinary man, quietly spoken but possessing the exceptional gift of being able to connect very quickly with young adults in a profound and respectful way. The minute you meet him you will notice his presence and charisma.

He also has a remarkable family, and between them they have a built up a brilliant organisation called Warriors. One of the things they do is to run a 7-month course between January and August each year in the Limpopo Province, South Africa about 60 miles south of the border with Zimbabwe.

My son, Harry, has always been bright but even by the end of his time at Eton, he hadn’t really found a positive direction that lit the blue touch paper. We didn’t send him to Warriors just because he wasn’t sure what else to do. Neither of us were fired up by the prospect of following in the well worn footsteps of other public school gappies. We were, however confident that he would find the range of experiences on offer at Warriors enormously stimulating and likely to ensure that lessons learned there would be revealed to him throughout the rest of his life if he grabbed the opportunity. The energy, purpose, vitality, self confidence, and inner steel that he came back with, along with a decisive plan for his future, is testament to the magic that this organisation weaves.

Here is an extract from a letter of introduction I wrote for Harry shortly after he returned to England:-

“… recently returned from a 7-month stint in a South African Adventure Camp where the first language was Afrikaans. He was undaunted from the start and fitted in well with an eclectic bunch of characters.

During his time in SA he jumped out of planes at 13,000 feet, he was awarded his advanced scuba diving certificate which included a night dive and a deep dive to 46 metres, he handled leadership challenges in small teams and dozens of other activities all of which were set within the context of an extremely physically demanding regime. This included being dropped with more than 30 other people in the African bush with just a loin cloth, a knife and fishing line. They had to construct a shelter, work out their rules, then plan their survival & rescue at the end of an exhausting week. During one of their night exercises they were subjected to a surprise ambush, live explosives, capture and interrogation.

The programme offered a wide curriculum of training including public speaking, writing business plans, self defence, raising money for charity, helping out at an orphanage, training as an ocean going yacht hand, mountaineering, caving, kloofing, and bungee jumping. In the bush they had to catch their food, at base camp they grew their own vegetables and all the cooking was done by them. The programme involved competing at national level in a 24-hour all terrain mountain bike race during which Harry was the day and night navigator for his three-man team. He also competed in one of the national long distance open-water swimming competitions, Harry has found a way of life that has really lit a fire in his belly…..”


The reason I want you to meet Rudi is because your school shares many of the same values as Warriors. It may be that this programme offers just the gap-year opportunity that bright, fit, young adults, who have not yet found their way, need.
 
The idea is to restrict the number of participating schools in the UK to about 15-20 in number. Only one or two successful candidates from a participating school will be eligible to go in any one year; and only 10-15 places a year will be offered to UK candidates. Although I have indeed sent my children to Sauveterre, the last thing in the world that Warriors needs, to be blunt, is to become a fashion accessory for socially competitive parents to brag about, or for it to become an alternative destination for a homogenous group of English public school children. Its strength lies in its diversity. There has always been an international flavour to Warriors, and the aim is to develop this so that 50% of participants come from outside South Africa.

This programme is not for everyone. Not all candidates who apply will be accepted, and not all candidates who start the programme will finish it. This is not about money and prizes for everyone. It is truly challenging. Their character will be tested; they will develop physical and mental courage tempered by a sense of what is right. The one on one support is a fantastic addition to the team experience.



By the end of the seven months, the successful graduates will have developed real mental grit, exceptional physical stamina and will posses near unbreakable self esteem. Time and again they will have confronted and conquered their fears either on their own or as part of a team. They will have established exceptional bonds of friendship that will last a lifetime; most importantly they will have developed the real essence of leadership which is carrying people with them by persuasion and example; not merely learning how to grab the levers of power.

They will be able to identify bullshit and bullies for what they are, they will never again be intimidated as they confront the tyranny of fear. They will forever be their own person. They will of course be incredibly difficult to manage.

The programme works brilliantly for both girls and boys.

By all means look at the web site [http://www.warriors.co.za], There’s so much to it and it is such incredibly good value for money (less than £50.00 per day all in) that it seems too good to be true. Don’t be seduced by all the smiley faces, this is no holiday camp where privileged kids of the well heeled go to play when they don’t know what else to do. This is a great place to learn something of how the other 99% live, the power of humility, and to be inspired by the understanding of the extraordinary difference individuals can make to those around them.

After all, what is the point of life, if it’s not to help others?

If you believe that nourishing these characteristics in the next generation is worthwhile, then I very much hope that you can give Rudi 30 minutes of your time to see if there is a fit between your two organisations. In the meantime if there is anything else you would like to hear or suggestions you would like to make then please contact me at any time.

James Hill
This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
(0044) 779 582 4799

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Dear Rene & Rudi



So here I am back in Canada after having spend 8 incredible days with the Warriors in Ponta de Ouro Mozambique.

This time was a revelation to me on how the Warriors program had an impact on my son Loup-Kai and his friends and fellow Warriors.

I have left you only four month ago a slightly overweight and lethargic teenager who had his priorities set to his own imaginary agenda. I have now met an enthusiastic, more focused and active young man.

I was amazed at the transformation he has gone through. I had the opportunity to spend some quality time with my son and have conversations on topics which where previously out of his range.
He has acquired the ability, and been able to expose his full potential, something I always knew was inside of him, yet never quite managed to get him to acknowledge and to voice.

I had the opportunity and the privilege to spend these few days with an amazing group of young people who have shown to me that the future generation has the potential to change their world and their life, while being realistic to their ability and to what the world around them can handle. 
All this they will do by applying a pace which is in harmony with their capabilities yet will reflect their ambition, enthusiasm and with a healthy dose of realism.

I have thoroughly enjoyed the moments with the whole group and will cherish the moments and opportunities I had to meet all of the Warriors and the facilitators on a one to one basis. 
Each one of them has given me a special souvenir and let me assure you that I know the hard work you have done to bring all the best in these "young ones" out.

Let me quote Loup-Kai here, when asked on how he sees the Warriors program.

 You start by being shown that your imaginary castle is just a shaky hut, build on a weak haphazard foundation with the best of materials and intentions.
The warriors program helps you to tear down that shack, recycle the best material you have used then they show you on how to arrange the best stones and mix the right mortar for the foundation.
Once you know all that its up to you to find the right place, right moment and use the right material to build and define what your "castle" should look like and have a solid foundation to do it on.
Although you have always had quality materials and great ideas it was just a questions of knowing on where to start and on how to incorporate all your dreams with your knowledge and the knowledge available around you.

I am confident that every Warrior will achieve their goals and will have a positive impact on their own life, the people around them and their environment.
Thank you to all of you for a Job well done.

I am looking forward to continue being a part of the warrior program long after the time I have run out of kids to send to you.

May health, peace and success be your continued companion.




Ciao

Henri Ryssok


5828 Waverly

H2T 2Y3


Montreal Quebec

CANADA


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Sandy and Janet Kelly

Dear Rudi & Rene
 
Shona attended Warriors as a participant in 2008.  She had heard about it from a friend and having seen the promotion presentation decided that it would be an ideal gap year for her.
 
Within herself, at school, she felt that due to various pressures, internal and external, she had not achieved her potential.  Warriors allowed her a totally fresh start and gave her the opportunity to express herself and demonstrate what she really is capable of from a physical, intellectual and on an inter-personal level.
 
From the start, through to the end and after, we have found Shona to have grown and matured particularly with regard to her self-confidence and her positive outlook.
 
Above all, she has loved the camaraderie, friendship and spirit of Warriors so much so that when she was invited to return, both as a facilitator for 2009 and to be part of the marketing road-show program, she didn't hesitate to accept.
 
In this leadership role, which we believe will stand her in good stead for the next stage of her career and self development, she is getting due recognition.
 
For anyone considering the Warriors program, the only thing that they really need is the wish to do it!
 
Many thanks Rudi and Rene
 
Sandy and Janet Kelly
 
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Gary Player, grandfather of Antonia de Luca

I believe that the Warriors programme is a great experience for all young people and has changed my granddaughter and grandson’s life for the better.

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Bruce and Iggy Mackay, parent of Mel Mackay Warriors Graduate

Dear Rudi We left a more than capable young girl, who although brilliant in many areas (academic, sport and artistic) lacked self-confidence and did not believe in her own abilities. Melly would analyze and internalize her thought processes but rarely verbalize ideas, feelings or emotions. She voiced the idea that she needed a safe environment and we realized that varsity is not a safe haven and that she was not ready for that step during 2004 Warriors was tailor made for our daughter, Melanie, it ignited so many fires within her being. We have received back a confident, cheerful young lady who is not fearful to face her future and she radiates out confidence, positive energy and an inner beauty. Family members are absolutely amazed at the change in Mel, she shares ideas, is not afraid to voice her opinions and readily joins in any activity. If there were any doubts about the year, they were quickly displaced by what Mel had to say about her months with you. She was comparing her gap year with a friend who had spent roughly the same time in the USA at a summer camp. Mel felt that Warriors, she had gained so many valuable skills, which could only benefit and help her cope with her path in the future. Through her exposure to so many people and novel ideas she has realized where some of her strengths and weaknesses lie. We thank you for providing a free and accepting environment, in which each child is able to develop and blossom into adults. Perhaps our one sadness about the Warriors graduation ceremony is that the students never vocalized their thanks and appreciation to you and Rene. However on the other hand we were aware of an amazing relationship that each child had with you as they had the freedom and boldness to tease you. Mel will always hold you, your family and the Warriors team in a special place in her heart. I have had a couple of parents phone me about Warriors and have voiced the opinion that I was sad that each one of our children had not had the opportunity of being at Warriors. May we wish you well with your future groups. If we can assist you in any manner please do not hesitate to contact us.  
 
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John Becket, father of Richard, Warriors Graduate (a note to another father)

Richard has gained a tremendous amount of experience whilst being at the “Warriors " programme and recommends the course. We have definitely seen a remarkable difference in him and as a whole, I can only but recommend all young people to go and do the course. As a parent, I think it has been a wise investment and certainly has benefited him. One thing it does do is that if David is a bit shy, he will certainly be made very welcome. They all live together and do tasks together so there is a great "camaraderie" amongst them. They learn to cook, budget for meals, help one another etc. They do almost everything that on can think of.  

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Manie Lombard, father of Lee-Ann, Warriors Graduate

As Lee-Ann was nearing the end of her schooling career and still not sure of what to do, or where to start the next chapter or phase of her life. It was with great excitement that she informed us of her discovery of the Warriors programme. The course was one thing that she was 100% sure of. To my wife and me we could not think of any better way to start this young adult with the next chapter of her life.
She has now in a very short space of time experienced what most adults wont experience in a lifetime, this over and above the camaraderie, the opportunity to deal with people to live with people and to make things work amongst a group just to mention a few, I believe will give her the an advantage amongst most of her peers in the very near future. Her self-confidence has more then doubled; her motivation to progress from here onward is of a very high level. On completion of this Warriors course Lee-Ann would have successfully obtained her first objective in her introduction to adulthood.                                                


 I believe the next objective or target in the next phase of her life will be a lot easier to reach, and her stepping stones from here onwards will without a doubt, be what came out of the Warriors programme. 
We have been very happy with the course and the management thereof and will gladly recommend this course to any young person ready to take on the world and grab it by the horns.
 
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Loraine Le Roux, mother of Eugene Greef, Warriors Graduate

Dear Rudi

In respect of the abovementioned course that my son Eugene has been attending since January this year, I would like to express my sincere appreciation in respect of the positive results that I have seen in the development during the past couple of months. Eugene was very insecure and had no self-confidence. He was also extremely withdrawn and impossible to communicate with and it resulted in frustration from my side as well as his. Over and above this, we did not know what the future held for him and nor was he interested. On the occasions where he has come home during the course as well as the visits that we have had, the change in him has been remarkable. He has developed self-confidence, has become outspoken and has a totally positive outlook on life. I have noticed this change as well as friends and family members. The change has been remarkable.
Well done and thank you to you and your team.

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Antonia de Luca, Warriors Graduate

Dear Rudi

I have just been thinking and I really want to express my true gratitude towards you and your family and the Warriors team for all that you have done for me in the past 7 months. I have truly had the most amazing 7 months of my life, I have learnt so much, I felt so much love, care and support and I want to thank you for looking after me so well.
 
I truly love all of you like my own family and I feel that I belong in Magoebaskloof (I'm really not enjoying being back in JHB). I have decided to take another gap year and do all sorts of other courses such as my FGASA, Diving Instructors, advanced driving, real estate license, cooking course and many more. I would really love it if I could come and work at Warriors for a short while next year. I definitely want to be there when everyone arrives and help you guys make the final arrangements for 2005. I hope this does not come as too much of a shock to you!
 
Hope to hear from you soon.
All my love
Antonia
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Kate Kerrigan, Warriors Graduate

Dear Rudi and René,
 
Can you believe that our 7 months together are already over? I know I can’t. As I sit here to write this letter it feels like I’m coming home to you soon, like we’re just on a holiday, and in a couple of days our family will all be reunited at base camp once again.
 
When I started at the end of January, I saw ahead a fun-filled action packed course. But what I took out of it was way more than that. In a short space of time I became part of the Warriors 2004 family. When I left you on that fateful Saturday I really felt like I was being taken away from my home, and 18 of the people closest to my heart. I never expected to feel like such a big part of something, nor have so many people ever loved me, so intensely, at the same time.


I know that I personally had some hard times this year, but when I look back now, all I see are happy times. If I have to break the course down into it’s different parts, I can give you a very honest opinion and feeling.
 
Self-Actualization. Well, you and I both know how much I hated that first course, but then I also don’t think I have thanked you for making me stick it out. The 3 courses did more for my life and my thoughts, feelings, and attitudes than any other experiences I have ever had. When I applied to become a Warrior, I definitely was not bargaining on this side of the course, but now I know Warriors wouldn’t have been the same without it. It especially brought our group closer than any of us could ever have imagined possible. There I cemented some friendships that I know I will have forever.
 
The Business Administrations and Management Diploma through Damelin. There were so many times when I just wanted to pack it in, and say forget it, but Warriors taught me to stick it out, even when times are tough, because you don’t know how things will turn out, until they have been completed. The only thing that you can lose by carrying on with something is your time, but you lose that second by second anyway, so it doesn’t matter. Rather use (or lose) it constructively. Now that I’ve finished it, I feel very proud of myself. It feels so satisfactory to have completed something that I could have given up on long ago. There was no need to give up though, and now I have something to add to my CV. BRILLIANT!
 
The Eco-Adventure. From very little it has been a dream for me to jump out of an airplane. AND I DID! What makes this one so much better is that it wasn’t on the program originally, and you listened to what we wanted, and suddenly we were going skydiving. That was one of my highlights of Warriors. Another thing in this section that I enjoyed every minute of was our week at Sabie. All the activities there were so much fun, and it was fantastic for me to see the less-than-brave Warriors facing their fears. All the fun said and done, the most challenging and in then end fulfilling physical thing we did was the Survival Hike. At the time I thought I’d never make it, but I got all the support I needed, and I made it! I had a mountain to climb (quite literally) and I climbed it standing on my own two (very sore) feet. I also can’t forget to include the fact that I think it’s awesome that I’m a qualified yacht hand, and I have my open water 1 in scuba!
 
Social skills development. Never before have I been so ready to move out of home and on to University. I learnt to really cook. I can successfully do my own washing (although I’m not too fond of ironing). I can assemble a circuit, with a light and switch and everything! There was so much that I took out of this part of the course that I could write forever. Working on the Outreach, and at the Aids home were both truly moving experiences for me. If you can count it here, living in such close quarters with all the other Warriors, for such a lengthy period of time, has developed my people skills tremendously. I also enjoyed the mixology and sexology. There was stuff I learnt there that the average teenager will never know. It opened my eyes and prepared me even more for the outside world.  So Rudi, if Warriors carries on with the success of this year, I know that your dream will help many youngsters (like myself) find their dreams. I have realized so much about myself this year that I never knew before. When I came on Warriors I was pretty certain where I was going and with whom. That path is completely different to the one I am on now. I have come to the realization that I am not mediocre, and
I mustn’t settle for mediocre. I also discovered that the more you believe in yourself, the more others begin to believe in you. As I sit here today, I have a higher self-esteem, and more self-confidence than I have ever had. It feels so good to be me!  Thank you for giving me this opportunity at such an early age. Each day that goes by now I am spreading my love and my discoveries. Thank-you for making me part of your family, and for showing me that I am perfect and complete. 

Thank-you for teaching me that I am loved, loving, and loveable.
Thank-you for being the best surrogate parents!
 
All my love,
Your ‘adopted’ daughter,
Kate
XXXXX
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Helene de Ridder (Mother of Andre de Ridder Warriors Graduat)

(Psychologist)

Beste Rudi en Rene  
Dit was met redelike groot angstigheid en benoudheid wat ons Andre in Februarie by Warriors afgelaai het, meer benoudheid dalk as wat normaalweg met die  “MY KIND KRY VLERKE” sindroom gepaard gaan.
 
Dis nou 4 maande later en ons as ouers kyk na Andre met verwondering. In ‘n baie kort periode het hy dit reggekry om homself te “re invent” en
homself om te draai. Ons het nou wel nie daaglikse interaksie met hom nie, maar in geheel sien ons ‘n kind wat omgedraai het (van iemand wat homself altyd ervaar het as ‘n totale mislukking , wat geen sin in enige aktiwiteit kon vind nie, vir wie die volgende paar uur te moeilik was om te oorwin en altyd op moedverloor se vlakte was) na iemand wat in elke gesprek met opwinding praat oor dit wat hy ervaar het en oor dit wat voorle.  Vir ons (en Andre) was Warriors nie maar net ‘n gap jaar waarin hy moes besluit in watter rigting hy wil gaan studeer/ werk nie, soos dikwels die rede vir ‘n gap jaar nie
 
Alhoewel hy nog altyd redelike insig in sy eie problematiek gehad het, het hy nie die vermoe openbaar om op die insig te reageer en rondom dit te kon beplan en funksioneer nie. Vir die eerste keer neem ek by hom waar dat hy nie net kognitiewe self insig toon nie, maar sien ons daadwerklike pogings om te beplan rondom die insig en dan deur te druk!  Sulke suksesse is enige sielkundige se droom! Baie mense kry dit reg om die insig te openbaar maar baie min kan werklik op die insig reageer. Vir ‘n agtien jarige om dit reg te kry (al gaan dit soms maar rukkerig en met stampe en stote en nie noodwendig altyd 100% nie) is werklik besonders.
 
Ek kan my net voorstel hoe die eerste paar weke moes verloop het. Andre se standaard optrede in nuwe omstandighede en by vreemdelinge was om te kyk hoe vinnig hulle hom kan verwerp. Deur sy gedrag het hy natuurlik ook altyd seker gemaak van verwerping.  Die feit dat hy (verseker met baie hare op hulle tande van almal om hom!) nog steeds in die program is en met ‘n positiewe gesindheid teruggaan elke keer as hy by die huis was,
beteken dat hy dalk nou finaal die patroon gebreek het.  Vir ons as ouers is dit  ‘n ongelooflike ervaring om deesdae met Andre te kommunikeer.
 
Sy baie meer volwasse optrede is net ‘n plesier. Meer nog, is dit duidelik dat die kombers van neerslagtigheid waarin hy homself toegewikkel het om hom te beskerm van die buite wereld, plek gemaak het vir vlerke (nog maar dun en broos op die stadium, maar vinnig aan die sterk word) . Dit is ook duidelik dat hyself hierdie vlerke fladder en oefen om die toekoms met heeltemal ‘n ander perspektief in te kan gaan.  Ek glo nie dat dit kon gebeur het as hy nie die vertroue gehad het dat hy die voortdurende ondersteuning van almal het nie.
  
Ek dink beslis nie die waarde van ‘n “genesis” en “gateway “kan veralgemeen word nie en dat dit ‘n baie individuele proses is.  Die gesprekke met Andre veral na verlede week se debakel  is vir my getuienis van hoe die Warrior program in sy geheel tot dusver wel Andre se verwysings raamwerk beinvloed het.  Ons het as ouers gevoel dat as Andre net kan deurbreek en uibreek uit sy die verwysingraamwerk wat hy geskep oor soveel jare van mislukking en verwerping, die Warriors program in sy doel geslaag het.
 
Dit lyk egter asof hy nie net deurgebreek het nie, maar ook nou aktief besig is met die skep van ‘n nuwe verwysingsraamwerk. ‘n Nuwe raamwerk wat hom die selfvertroue  gee om oor ‘n toekoms te besin. Ons tel allerhande seine op van “ek wil die wereld sien”, “ek gaan so en so maak as Warriors klaar is”, ‘n lewenshouding van “ek kan oorwin en self deur my eie vrese en agterstande breek”.
 
Andre het beslis nog nie die wenstreep bereik wat sy talente en vermoens aanbetref nie. Hy het egter lank reeds oor die wenstreep met ‘n rekord poging gehardloop wat emosionele groei aanbetref. Daarvoor is ons baie dankbaar en sien ons uit na dit wat voorle.
  
Baie groete.
 
Helene
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