Jamie-Lee’s Story

Jamie-Lee’s Story

Jamie-Lee grew up on Bellevue Wine Estate, where she attended the Pebbles Project After-School Club. She eagerly took part in a variety of recreational activities offered through the Pebbles Project School Enrichment Programme (SEP). Among her favourites were art lessons, sewing classes, and social excursions. One particular memory stands out: “We went on an excursion to the Waterfront. I was terrified of water, but I ended up enjoying it so much and overcame my fear that day. We even went out on a boat, it was an incredible experience…”

Although Jamie-Lee was unsure of her future career path, she once considered becoming a teacher. After finishing high school, she enrolled at Boland College to study Assistant Management, but quickly realised it wasn’t the right fit.

A turning point came when one of the social workers at Pebbles Project encouraged Jamie-Lee to explore other options and arranged for her to volunteer at the Early Childhood Development (ECD) centre on her home farm. It was there, surrounded by young children and the joy of learning, that Jamie-Lee discovered her true calling. “The more I learned about teaching, the more I became interested in pursuing it as a career. It was then that I realised: this is what I want to do with my life.”

With the continued support of the Pebbles Project social work team, Jamie-Lee applied for a bursary and enrolled in the Educare Level 5 course at Bergzicht Training Centre. After successfully completing her course, she was offered a position as a Grade R Facilitator at Pebbles Project.

Today, she thrives in the classroom. “I love working with the children!” Jamie-Lee has become a role model in the Bellevue farm community, especially to the younger children. She shares that: “Every time I visit the After-School Club on my farm, the children pretend to be me when they role-play. I’ve heard them say: ‘I’m teacher Jamie.’ It’s wonderful to know that they look up to me.”

Jamie-Lee’s journey is one of perseverance, purpose, and passion. Jamie reflects, “Pebbles means so much to me. Without their support; financially, emotionally, and through their constant guidance; I wouldn’t be where I am today. Pebbles helped me believe in myself and follow my dreams.”

*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.