Ashley’s Story

Ashley’s Story

Ashley, aged 22, grew up on Koopmanskloof Winery. He has three siblings: two older sisters and a younger brother. His early years were enriched by his community, attending the Early Childhood Development (ECD) centre on the farm as a baby and later joining the Pebbles Project After-School Club centre on the farm at the age of six.

One of Ashley’s cherished memories from this time is when the After-School Club was transformed into a makeshift music studio. Ashley recalls: “There were musical instruments for us to play. It was so much fun! I tried playing the drums, and I have fond memories of my friends playing together like a real band.”

Ashley developed a passion for basketball in high school, often spending weekends on the court with friends. Unsure of his career path after matriculating, Ashley found clarity when his mother reached out to the Pebbles Project Youth Development Programme (YDP) Manager. With the support of the YDP Manager, he secured a bursary to study towards a Diploma in Business Administration at Boland College.

As part of his qualification requirements, Ashley needed to complete 18 months of practical work experience. He completed his internship at the Pebbles Project head office in Stellenbosch under the guidance of the Administration Manager.

Ashley speaks highly of his internship experience, emphasising the camaraderie among Pebbles staff: “Everyone gets along so well, which I really love. I doubt I’d fit in as comfortably anywhere else.” He feels that the internship strengthened his professional skills, particularly his ability to multitask.

Although Ashley ultimately decided not to complete his diploma, he went on to secure an internship position at Spier Wine Farm, where he worked as a runner and waiter. With the support of the YDP and the CV-writing skills he developed, he was invited for an interview and now works for a dynamic marketing and sales company in the insurance industry in Cape Town.

The Pebbles Project team is very proud of Ashley and looks forward to his future endeavours and the contributions he will continue to make, both within his community and beyond.

Reflecting on his journey, Ashley credits Pebbles Project for transforming his life: “My family and even my school friends are surprised by how things have turned out for me. I wasn’t always the ‘good boy’ in class, but now things look different for me.”

*This story captures a period in the beneficiary’s journey during their involvement with Pebbles Project and reflects their circumstances at the time it was written.