Partner profile: Character Company

What is The Character Company and why was it started?

The Character Company is a long term MENtorship program for young boys growing up with absent fathers or no positive male role models in their lives, dedicated to mentoring young boys to become men of strong character. The Character Company was founded to address the growing issue of fatherlessness, with many boys lacking positive male role models in their lives. This absence often leads to increased violence, crime, and emotional struggles in young men.

Recognising the urgent need for consistent male mentorship, The Character Company was established to instil courage, kindness, self-discipline, respect, and honesty in boys through long-term mentorship programs, outdoor activities, and community engagement. By providing positive role models and structured guidance, the organisation aims to build stronger men, families, and communities for a better South Africa.

If you were to pinpoint one specific need young boys have, what would it be?

Without a doubt it would be the need for consistent, positive male role models in their lives.  We all just want to be seen, belong and know that we are worth fighting for.

Many boys grow up without present and engaged fathers, leaving them without the necessary guidance, discipline, and emotional support needed to develop into responsible men. A strong, dependable male mentor provides stability, encouragement, and character-building lessons, helping boys navigate life’s challenges, build confidence, and develop values like respect, kindness, honesty and self-discipline.

By addressing this fundamental need, The Character Company helps shape boys into good men who positively contribute to their families and communities.

What is the future of The Character Company, what is the vision in the foreseeable future and how would you like to accomplish it through partners?

The Character Company envisions a South Africa where every boy has access to a positive male role model, ensuring that they grow into responsible, respectful, and resilient men. Our goal is to expand our mentorship programs nationwide, reaching more boys in underserved communities, strengthening families, and fostering safer, more cohesive societies.

We aim to do this by:

• Expanding mentorship networks: Increasing the number of trained male mentors across all provinces to ensure more boys benefit from consistent, long-term guidance.
• Developing school-based programmes: Integrating mentorship into high school curriculum clubs, allowing for structured character development in educational settings.
• Enhancing child safeguarding and training: Strengthening mentor training, screening, and child protection policies to provide the highest standard of care and ethical mentorship.
• Implementing digital and remote mentorship: Leveraging technology to provide mentorship opportunities in rural and hard-to-reach areas.
• Growing community and parental engagement: Encouraging family participation in mentorship efforts, providing resources for single mothers, and strengthening community involvement.

Our partners are a big part of this, and we work with corporate sponsors, NGOs and community organisations, government, schools and individual donors and volunteers. Through these partnerships, The Character Company aims to transform the future of young boys, ensuring that they become men who lead with integrity, kindness, and honesty.