Cailin’s Story

Cailin’s Story

12-year-old Cailin lives on Niel Joubert farm with her mother, Zelda, and her two older siblings. Cailin’s journey with the Pebbles Project began as a baby when she attended the Early Childhood Development (ECD) centre on the farm, before later joining the Pebbles Project After-School Club.

Cailin’s mother, Zelda, has worked on Niel Joubert farm for 30 years and is the sole caregiver for her three children. Cailin was born three months prematurely and weighed just 900g at birth. “She was so tiny, I could fit her whole body into my hand,” Zelda recalls.

Premature birth brings many challenges for both the baby and the parent. Premature babies, born before 37 weeks, often face difficulties with underdeveloped organs and cognitive abilities, which can make their early years particularly tough.

The Pebbles Project Special Educational Needs (SEN) team has been pivotal in providing Cailin with individualised support. The SEN Manager works closely with Cailin, using tailored activities to address her unique needs, focusing on both her emotional and educational development. Through play, problem-solving, and visual methods, Cailin has been supported in understanding abstract subjects like mathematics. “Together, we explore different perspectives and help her approach problems in a way that feels right to her,” explains the SEN Manager.

Cailin’s relationship with the SEN team has been central to her progress. The SEN Manager has been a constant source of support and encouragement. When asked what first comes to mind when she thinks of the Pebbles Project, Cailin fondly recalls: “The SEN Manager. She reads to me and helps to make my hard schoolwork easier.”

“It brings me great joy to see Cailin’s progress. Despite being a premature baby, she is thriving in a regular school. Yes, she faces daily challenges, but it’s amazing to see how well she is managing,” says the SEN Manager. When Cailin and the team first met, Cailin was shy and reserved, but over time, she has blossomed in confidence. Though she still has moments of self-doubt, she is now much more self-assured.

“She’s so clever these days, it’s hard for me to imagine that she was once so tiny and vulnerable,” says Zelda, reflecting on her daughter’s remarkable journey.

Zelda is filled with gratitude for the impact the Pebbles Project has had on her daughter’s life. “Pebbles helps us so much in so many ways. I will always continue to spread the word about how Pebbles has helped my little girl,” she says.

Cailin’s story is a testament to the incredible strength and determination of both mother and child. Despite the significant challenges premature babies often face, Cailin is thriving in ways that were once thought impossible. As Cailin continues to grow, the Pebbles Project team is excited to see her reach new milestones. Her journey is a powerful reminder that with the right support and resilience, no challenge is insurmountable.

*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.

*The name of the beneficiary has been changed to protect her identity.