Robert Charnley, born in Johannesburg in 1975, is an educator and writer whose life journey shaped his powerful memoir, he Is Just Like That. After a childhood marked by hardship and resilience, he confronted and forgave his abusive stepfather in 2007 — a defining moment that became the foundation of his story of healing and restoration.
With over 20 years of teaching experience across South Africa, the UK, and now Abu Dhabi, Robert has dedicated his career to education, curriculum leadership, and teacher mentoring. Beyond his professional life, he is a devoted husband to Janice and father to two boys, Caleb and Gabriel. His greatest commitment is to raise them in love and support, breaking the cycle of silence and pain that defined his own upbringing.
In 2025, Robert published He Is Just Like That with Kintsukuroi Bookhouse. His work stands as a testament to resilience, forgiveness, and the transformative power of choosing a different legacy for the next generation.
Robert Charnley, born in Johannesburg in 1975, is an educator and writer whose life journey shaped his powerful memoir, he Is Just Like That. After a childhood marked by hardship and resilience, he confronted and forgave his abusive stepfather in 2007 — a defining moment that became the foundation of his story of healing and restoration.
With over 20 years of teaching experience across South Africa, the UK, and now Abu Dhabi, Robert has dedicated his career to education, curriculum leadership, and teacher mentoring. Beyond his professional life, he is a devoted husband to Janice and father to two boys, Caleb and Gabriel. His greatest commitment is to raise them in love and support, breaking the cycle of silence and pain that defined his own upbringing.
In 2025, Robert published He Is Just Like That with Kintsukuroi Bookhouse. His work stands as a testament to resilience, forgiveness, and the transformative power of choosing a different legacy for the next generation.
“I chose forgiveness, not because it was easy
— but because it was the only path to freedom.”
Robert Charnley, born in Johannesburg in 1975, is an educator and writer whose life journey shaped his powerful memoir he Is Just Like That. After a childhood marked by hardship and resilience, he confronted and forgave his abusive stepfather in 2007 — a defining moment that became the foundation of his story of healing and restoration.
With over 20 years of teaching experience across South Africa, the UK, and now Abu Dhabi, Robert has dedicated his career to education, curriculum leadership, and teacher mentoring. Beyond his professional life, he is a devoted husband to Janice and father to two boys, Caleb and Gabriel. His greatest commitment is to raise them in love and support, breaking the cycle of silence and pain that defined his own upbringing.
In 2025, Robert published he Is Just Like That with Kintsukuroi Bookhouse. His work stands as a testament to resilience, forgiveness, and the transformative power of choosing a different legacy for the next generation.
Robert is available for radio interviews and podcasts, His story resonates with audiences interested in:
Childhood trauma & resilience
Parenting & fatherhood
Forgiveness & healing
Education and community accountability
— UK
I managed to find the time to finish your book of memories and revelations. Through these writings, I can see you have found peace in yourself, and that is worth a million apologies, and you are this man today, a marvellous husband and fantastic father to two beautiful boys who will know and understand the true meaning of love. You have shaped these boys into being good, honest, loving young men in the future and that will define you and be your legacy.
— USA/Ghana
This is a must-read.
The subject of forgiveness is one that everyone can relate to. This book captures an incredible, true account of Robert's journey of forgiveness, healing and courage. Regardless of your own first-hand experience with hurt and abuse, this book will most certainly reveal what depths of forgiveness we are all capable of reaching. Strap on tight...you are in for a wild ride. This book is a must-read.
— South Africa
Thank you so much for sending us a copy of your book. We received the book on Sunday, and I finished the book this morning. You are very brave to have written the book. I understand traumatic experiences, and when you decide to document them, it’s as if you are reliving those experiences. The anger, fear and everything associated with that past becomes real. Congratulations a well written book.
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