Denno’s Story
Denno’s Story
24-year-old Denno grew up on Zuiderkruis Farm in the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley near Hermanus. He is one of four children, and it was through his younger brother, who attended the Pebbles Academy, that he first heard Pebbles Project was opening a Youth Development Centre nearby.
After finishing high school, Denno enrolled in the Pebbles Project Youth Development Programme (YDP), where he found a welcoming environment and the guidance to explore his future. “I always feel like the Pebbles staff are there for me,” he says. “They’re a great group of people, and I feel like I can ask them anything.”
Unsure which career path to pursue, Denno was encouraged by the YDP Coordinator to consider IT and was offered the opportunity to complete an accredited IT Technical Support course through Torque Technical Computer Training. He shares that: “I had never done IT before, so I didn’t know what to expect. But I’m really proud of how far I’ve come.”
Denno successfully completed the course as well as an 18-month practical internship at the Pebbles Hemel-en-Aarde Education Project (HEAEP), supporting staff with IT and administrative tasks while assisting with Youth Development Programme activities.
His dedication and strong work ethic led to him being appointed as a full-time IT and Administration Assistant at the Pebbles Hemel-en-Aarde Education Project (HEAEP), where he continues to thrive.
Through the generous support of Pebbles Project donor Amorim Cork, Denno is also completing a Higher Certificate in Management through the Foundation for Professional Development (FPD), equipping him with additional skills to continue growing in his career.
Denno’s family is incredibly proud of his achievements, and he reflects on how much he has grown since joining the Youth Development Programme.
“I used to be quite shy and introverted, but I can really feel the difference in myself now.” Looking ahead, Denno hopes to continue building his career while exploring his passion for music production. “I am so grateful to Pebbles for the opportunities they have given me,” he says.
Denno’s journey demonstrates how guidance, opportunity and ongoing support can transform lives. From uncertain school leaver to valued member of the Pebbles Project team, he is a wonderful example of what is possible when young people are given the opportunity to discover their potential.
*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.