The Foundation
We build hope where young people need it most.
The JK6 Foundation is a South African initiative founded by former Springbok and Lions flanker Jaco Kriel. We visit schools to deliver engaging, evidence-informed talks on hope, resilience, and the decisions that shape a young person's future.
Our mission
Inspire. Equip. Walk alongside.
We exist to inspire South African school children to overcome adversity and make life-affirming choices. Our talks combine Jaco's lived experience as a professional athlete with practical, evidence-informed tools learners can apply in everyday life.
Every session ends with an open Q&A so learners can engage directly — because the questions they bring are usually the most important part of the day.
What a session looks like
- Format: Live presentation followed by open Q&A
- Duration: Approximately 1 hour
- Audience: High-school learners (grades 8–12)
- Themes: Hope, resilience, decision-making, overcoming adversity
Programmes
Talks we deliver
Hope & Resilience
Our flagship talk — the mental and emotional tools to keep getting back up.
Decision-Making
How small choices compound, and how to build a habit of choosing well.
Overcoming Adversity
Built around Jaco's own injury rehabilitation and comeback story.
A note on naming
The JK6 Foundation is the work. Jaco Kriel is the founder.
The Foundation is a separate, ongoing initiative — not Jaco's personal brand. To learn more about Jaco himself, his rugby career, and his life beyond the Foundation, visit his page.
Read about Jaco Kriel