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, we've been changing lives for 20 years. This #wineforgood month, we're sharing the stories of beneficiaries who we have supported from infancy right through to adolescence. Today, they're self-sufficient and confident young adults who are ready to take on the world! We start with Johnlin's story:
Johnlin Plaatjies grew up on Delheim Wine Estate with his father, mother and sister. Johnlin was very close to his father: "I learned a lot of things from my father. He taught me the importance of respect and to always help wherever I can."
When Johnlin was 17, he received news that his father had passed away: "I remember it clearly; I was in Grade 11. I was writing my maths exam that day. My teacher told me that there was someone there to see me, it was my father’s work friend. He informed me of my father’s passing." Johnlin recalls: "It was a very tough time for me. I was just focused on helping my mother and my sister where I could."
A social worker at Pebbles Project could see that Johnlin was going through a difficult time and did everything she could to provide support to Johnlin and his family. Johnlin says, "Pebbles supported us. Any problems we had, we could always go to Pebbles."
Johnlin was struggling to focus on his school work and the Pebbles Project School Enrichment Programme provided Johnlin with the support he needed to excel in his school work.
At the time, Johnlin, did not know what he wanted to do with his life. The Pebbles social worker discussed various career opportunities. When she saw that Johnlin was interested to pursue a career in the hospitality industry, she motivated Johnlin and helped him to get a bursary to study hospitality at Boland College. She continued to provide guidance to Johnlin throughout his studies: "Pebbles played a big role in my studies, they helped me to get a bursary. If it wasn’t for Pebbles, I’m not sure that I would’ve completed my studies."
Johnlin graduated from Boland College in 2017 and is currently employed as a chef at Delheim Wine Estate's restaurant. Johnlin loves his job and says his favourite part is baking pastries, especially cheesecake. He loves the comradery between him and his fellow colleagues. His boss says that he is a star employee and always tries to help out where and when he can.
"Pebbles will always have a special place in my heart. Pebbles is like family to me, the social worker at Pebbles is like my second mother. I wouldn’t be who I am today if not for Pebbles," says Johnlin.
There are plenty of good news stories from the South African Winelands. The #wineforgood campaign, launched by wine.co.za in June 2016, is all about sharing these positive and uplifting stories. We dedicate the month of April to our #wineforgood campaign each year, sharing a good news story every day. Join us in spreading the good news about South African wine. If you'd like to submit a story, please email editor@wine.co.za.