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 Jenic, a young, qualified teacher working at the very same Pebbles Project After-School Club in Citrusdal that she attended as a child. Read her story:
23-year-old Jenic was born and raised on Patrysberg Citrus Farm in Citrusdal, where she still lives today with her parents, two younger brothers, grandmother, and cousin.
Her journey with Pebbles Project began when she was a primary school learner attending the Pebbles Project After-School Club on the farm. Jenic especially enjoyed the art activities and computer literacy lessons offered as part of the Pebbles Project School Enrichment Programme (SEP). "I loved the art and computer literacy lessons, I learned so much," she recalls. She developed a close and lasting bond with the SEP practitioner at the After-School Club, who played a meaningful role in her journey.
Jenic went on to study a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree at the University of the Western Cape. It was during her studies that her path became clear. "I always enjoyed helping other children at the After-School Club on the farm," she explains. "While I was studying, it all just clicked, I realised I wanted to work with children and become a teacher."
After completing her undergraduate degree, Jenic pursued a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) to become a qualified teacher. Soon after graduating, she saw a job advertisement that stopped her in her tracks. It was for a SEP educator and trainer at Pebbles Project at the very same After-School Club on Patrysberg where her journey started.
"When I saw the job post, I didn’t hesitate,” she says. “It felt like the perfect way to give back to the children in my community."
Now, Jenic spends her days as a role model and mentor to the next generation of learners on Patrysberg farm. She works to create the same safe and inspiring space that once shaped her.
Her family is incredibly proud of her achievements. "I’m the first person in my close family to get a degree," she shares.
When asked what Pebbles Project means to her, Jenic reflects: "I feel so thankful. I’ve seen how tough things are for children in my community, how they can feel defeated, and I’ve seen how Pebbles helps them broaden their skills and dream bigger. Pebbles changed my life. Pebbles made me want to learn, to rise above my circumstances, and now I want to help others do the same."
The Pebbles Project team is deeply proud of Jenic – her strength, humility, and the way she has come full circle. She is now uplifting the community that helped raise her. Her journey is just beginning, and we can’t wait to see how far she’ll go.