Pebbles Project
| Location | Western Cape |
|---|---|
| Field | Education, special needs and upliftment |
| Director | Sophia Warner |
| Website | www.pebblesproject.co.za |
Research has confirmed that there are high numbers of children with Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder in the Western Cape of South Africa, as well as those with many other learning difficulties. There is also a high number of children whose lives are affected negatively by alcohol due to parental drinking, neglect, and communities where drinking is a problem. Pebbles does not diagnose children with suspected FASD, as we are not medically trained to do so, but we instead offer support for crèche staff to identify learning difficulties and how to assist the children with these.
Many children do not receive the early childhood education that will equip them for later life, and there are a high percentage of children who drop out of school before reaching matriculation.
Pebbles offer training to crèche workers, teachers and parents in methods of working with children, including those with special educational needs and provide the basic educational equipment and resources necessary for early childhood development. They also renovate crèche and after-school club buildings where needed.
By the end of 2007, they will have trained almost 20 crèche teachers, 5 After-school club teachers (in partnership with The Anna Foundation) and impacted on the lives of over 260 children.
The Pebbles Project team are dedicated group of young professionals from education, legal, wine industry and charity backgrounds who are passionate about offering a future for these children with special needs.
What the Pebbles Project does
Crèche teacher training
The training for 8 crèche teachers from 5 wine farms ran from March – Nov 06, with fortnightly sessions at our training room in Somerset West, covering a range of educational topics. In 2007, they are continuing with on-site training and support to help the crèche teachers put into practice the theory they learned in 2006.
Provision of resources
Pebbles has provided a complete range of educational and recreational resources to five wine farm crèches, including books, toys, games and outdoor play equipment. The township crèches have also received some resources, and will benefit more in 2007 when they become the focus of a training session and greater Pebbles involvement.
As a result of generous funding from Greater Good South Africa (GGSA) and proceeds from the Valentines Jazz Brunch, we have been able to supply each crèche with a complete mini-library.
Art Project
The Art Project at Eaglevlei is managed by Marileze Buys from Pebbles, who arranges for local volunteer artists to come and spend an afternoon running a session for 15 children aged 9 – 12 from neighbouring wine farms. In 2006 a group from Bellevue benefited and in 2007 groups from Villiera and Delheim will enjoy this wonderful experience. The Art Project is entirely funded by Eaglevlei wine estate.
Educational Trips
Pebbles arranged several educational trips for the children in 2006 – to the Science Centre, Ratanga Junction and The Baxter Theatre. In 2007 we will be organising one trip per farm/township crèche per month to the Aquarium, Nature Reserve, animal farms, and other places of educational interest.
Stellenbosch University Service Learning Students
Pebbles welcome the support they receive from students from Stellenbosch University Sociology Department, led by Jacob du Plessis, who join them for their service learning module of their course, and thank them for all their hard work with the various projects.
After School Clubs
Pebbles has received funding from the Department of Social Development for our After School Club programme, which started at the beginning of 2007. Pebbles will renovate buildings or build specific rooms for the clubs on 5 wine farms, for children aged 6 – 16. These children will benefit from homework supervision, art, sport, literacy and life-skills activities, and their parents will also benefit from parents training and support sessions. Pebbles is working in partnership with The Anna Foundation for the ASC project.
- Home
-
About Uthando
- Projects
- Project References
- Funding
- Benefactors
- DONATE
- Philanthropic Cultural Tours
- Guestbook
- "PACK FOR A CAUSE"
-
Library
- Contact Us
- Media / News Articles
- Videos
- Volunteering
- Blog
Good works are links that form a chain of life.
Mother Teresa
PO Box 16491 | Vlaeberg | 8018 | South Africa
Registered Section 21 Company 2007/030289/08
Tel: +27 21 683 8523 | Fax: +27 21 683 8520 | Mobile: +27 82 496 4889
website by White Wall Web