Gershwin’s Story

Gershwin’s Story

At just 19 years old, Gershwin’s journey with Pebbles Project is a testament to resilience, opportunity, and the power of support. Born and raised in Melkbosstrand, Gershwin is the middle child of three siblings, with an older sister and a younger brother.

After finishing high school, Gershwin missed the college application deadline, a discouraging setback. However, a distant relative living on Koopmanskloof Winery introduced him to Pebbles Project, a connection that would change the course of his life.

Gershwin reached out to the Pebbles Project Youth Development Programme (YDP) Manager, who encouraged him to enrol in the Youth Development Centre in Stellenbosch. He moved in with his relative on the farm and soon found a sense of belonging and direction.

When an opportunity arose to enrol a beneficiary in a one-year IT Technical Support course accredited by MICT SETA, the YDP Manager saw Gershwin’s potential and nominated him. The course, presented by Torque Technical Computer Training (Pty) Ltd, proved challenging at first, especially the theoretical component, but Gershwin soon found his rhythm through practical experience.

His internship at the Pebbles Project administration office, under the guidance of the IT Officer, allowed him to apply what he had learned and gain real-world skills. “I really enjoy being at Pebbles,” he says. “There are too many special memories to choose from. I feel proud to be here.” More than just technical knowledge, Gershwin has discovered a community. He shares that: “Pebbles is like family to me. They’ve made me feel included, part of a team. I feel like I truly belong here.”

While Gershwin is thriving in IT, his passion for architecture, sparked during high school through his love of technical drawing, remains close to his heart. “I’d love to pursue further studies in IT, but also explore my dream of becoming an architect,” he shares.

Gershwin’s family is incredibly proud of how far he’s come. “My mom loves to brag about me,” he says with a smile. “And I hope my journey inspires my younger brother.”

With his ambition, warmth, and drive, Gershwin is a shining example of what is possible when young people are supported to dream big. The Pebbles Project team is proud to be part of his story and looks forward to celebrating his many future successes.

*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.