Hidden in the breath-taking Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge, surrounded by colossal oak trees, lies a hidden gem: The Pebbles Hemel-en-Aarde Education Project comprising of the Pebbles Academy, Early Childhood Development Centre, and Skills Training Centre.
Farm and business owners arrived to the sound of cheerful music and were welcomed by the Principal and the Pebbles Academy ambassadors, who gifted everyone with a hand-painted pebble. Guests were escorted to the school hall and entertained by learners with a heart-warming performance followed by an informative presentation by The Pebbles Project team. After guests were taken on a tour of the facility they enjoyed delicious platters and refreshments sponsored by Creation Wines.
The Pebbles Project Trust is a non-profit organisation that focuses on education: Enriching the lives of disadvantaged children and families in agricultural communities of the Western Cape. The Pebbles Project focus on the entire life of the child and the challenging circumstances in which they live to make a significant and lasting difference.
Carolyn Martin, from Creation Wines, approached The Pebbles Project Trust in 2016 after she identified the need for an education project in the Hemel-en-Aarde Ridge. The project launched in January of 2017 after seed funding was received from The Cape Wine Auction Trust. Little by little the necessary funds were raised to build beautiful facilities and employ staff that all work towards one goal: To inspire and educate children from the region. The Pebbles Hemel-en-Aarde Education Project provides education, nutrition, health and recreational services to 113 children from more than 30 farms in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley.
Pebbles Project envisage that the open day will encourage more members of the community to become involved in the lives of these incredible children.
“The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members.” - Coretta Scott Kin
A quote from the Principal of the HeA Education Project: “I’ve always believed that one must bloom where you’re planted!” - Stephanie Olivier