Pebbles does it virtually

Thursday, 1 October, 2020
Pebbles Project
The challenges of 2020 and Covid will not keep Pebbles down...

On the 17th of September 2020, Pebbles Project, a non-profit organisation based in Stellenbosch, hosted its virtual Annual General Meeting.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the virtual AGM had its own set of challenges, but if there’s anything that we have become good at this year, it is adapting. This also meant that many supporters and donors from across the world could be present.

1 March 2019 - 29 February 2020 highlights

  • The opening of the newly renovated ECD centre in Hemel-en-Aarde. This would not have been possible without the incredible donations from Rotary Hermanus and Rotary International.
  • The opening of the Pebbles Academy in Hermanus, thanks to Freudenberg e.v. in Germany, Cape Wine Auction Trust, Creation Wines and many other generous donors. The Pebbles Academy currently has 63 learners.
  • Pebbles Project celebrated its 15th birthday in December 2019 and has raised R135 000 000 at this time, the organisation has now exceeded R150 000 000 in funds raised since its operations began.
  • The opening of the Pebbles kitchen in Stellenbosch in January 2019. During the COVID-19 lockdown, the Pebbles kitchen provided over 840 000 meals supporting, not only their own beneficiaries but also other charities and beneficiaries throughout the Winelands, agricultural communities and townships in and around the Western Cape.

 

Pebbles Project’s main focus is education. 64% of their annual budget is spent on educational programmes. 89% of all expenses are spent on beneficiaries.

It was announced that a new organisational structure would be put in place for the future. Previously, Pebbles Project had a 5 pillar approach, namely education, nutrition, health, protection and community. This has served them well but it’s time for change. The new structure will consist of Early Care and Education Programme, School Enrichment Programme and Early Adult Programme.

These changes will allow the organisation to support a child through every phase of their life.

The Pebbles Project response to the COVID-19 lockdown has been remarkable. During lockdown all ECD and After-School Club centres closed, however, the clinic and kitchen remained open.  A R2 000 000 emergency feeding scheme was setup and the kitchen distributed over 840 000 meals to local communities and surrounding areas.

The organisation also delivered education packs and PPE equipment to all the Pebbles Educational Centres on the farms. If there is a second wave the organisation will also provide internet services to them as well.

 

This would not be possible without special COVID-19 funding provided by Clouds and the generosity of local and international corporates and individuals who contributed towards the lockdown feeding scheme by donating fresh produce, PPE items and general cash donations.

Pebbles ensures that going to school for the first time is an exciting and stress free event for both children and parents. They aim to provide 160 ECD learners with a school pack at the end of 2020, so the little ones are ready to start school in January 2021. The school pack includes a full grade R friendly stationery kit and a Pebbles backpack. You can invest in a child future by sponsoring a school pack for just R200.

Make your donation here: https://www.payfast.co.za/donate/go/pebblesproject

Or contact sponsorachild@pebblesproject.co.za for more information