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 Lezaan. Read her story:
29-year-old Lezaan Jephta grew up on Delheim Wine Estate, where she currently resides. Lezaan attended the Early Childhood Development (ECD) center on Delheim as a baby and at the age of 6 she joined the Pebbles Project After-School Club.
Lezaan knew from a young age what she wanted to do with her life: "I’ve always dreamed of becoming a chef one day."
When Lezaan finished high school, the Social Work team at Pebbles Project assisted Lezaan to enroll to complete a hospitality course at Stellemploy in Stellenbosch.
When Lezaan turned 21, she fell pregnant. It was a life-altering moment for her. "That’s when I realised that working as a chef might not be the best career for me, because the hours are very long and I wouldn’t get to be at home in the evenings to spend time with my daughter," she says.
Lezaan’s daughter inspired her to pursue a different career path: "The birth of my baby girl made me realise that I have a passion for working with children."
Lezaan decided to inquire whether she could become involved at the Pebbles After-School Club. Soon after, Lezaan was employed as a practitioner at the Pebbles After-School Club on Delheim.
Lezaan has been working at the After-School Club for 5 years and finds fulfillment in her work. "I can truly say that I enjoy what I do," she says. "I’ve been working at the Pebbles After-School Club for 5 years now. The most exhilarating feeling is when I get to help the children with their homework and I can see that they leave the facility feeling more confident than they did when they first walked in."
Lezaan is grateful to Pebbles. "I can confidently say that Pebbles had a positive impact on my life," she says. "Pebbles have taught me so much, especially at the practitioner training sessions. The training that Pebbles offers gives you an opportunity to grow and improve your skills.
"All of the things I’ve learned have helped shape me into the person I am today. Even when I think back to when I was still a child attending the Pebbles After-School Club. For example, the fact that they taught me how to work on a computer. These are all valuable skills that I am so grateful for today. Pebbles has helped me so much; they’ve taught me so much."
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.