Pebbles Project is a non-profit organisation in Stellenbosch that enriches the lives of disadvantaged farm children and families through education. Operating throughout the Western Cape, they have changed the lives of many vulnerable people. One of these people is Robin, an aspiring young fashion designer in Stellenbosch. Read her story:
20-year-old Robin Piedt grew up on Houmoed farm in Stellenbosch where she lives with her family. Her mother works in the vineyards on Villiera wine farm and raised Robin and her siblings as a single parent.
Robin attended the Pebbles Project Early Childhood Development (ECD) centre on Villiera when she was just a baby. When she turned six, she joined the Pebbles Project After-School Club.
As a young girl, Robin dreamed of becoming a fashion designer one day. Robin’s love for fashion was inspired by her mother. She says: "As a little girl, I would go sit by my Mom and watch her sew." Young Robin started making dresses for her dolls and fell in love with sewing.
Unfortunately, Robin failed to pass her final year of high school. However, that didn’t stop her from pursuing her dream. She was assisted by the Pebbles Project Early Adulthood Programme Manager to complete the Clothing Manufacturing Processes Level 2 course at Boland College in Paarl.
Robin completed the course and was accepted to complete an internship with renowned South African fashion designer Genevieve Atelier, where she gained valuable practical skills.
We are excited to announce that Robin plans to design and manufacture clothing items to be sold at the Pebbles Project Clothing Thrift Shop at Cocreate Hub in Stellenbosch. Robin is thrilled to have the opportunity to sell her designs and she’s excited about this new venture. "Life is tough out there, I see it every day out on the farms. I hope to inspire other young adults on my farm to follow their dreams," she says.
Robin believes that Pebbles Project has helped shape her into the confident young woman that she is today: "Pebbles teach you so many things. They taught me to never give up. They will help you and make sure that you keep on trying until you succeed. Pebbles has definitely changed my life."
There are plenty of good news stories about upliftment and transformation in the South African wine industry. The #wineforgood website, launched by wine.co.za in June 2016, hosts all the positive stories from the winelands, of which there are plenty. wine.co.za has made April a focus for #wineforgood stories. Share them far and wide and spread the good news about South African wine. If you'd like to submit a story, please email editor@wine.co.za.