Jesmin’s Story
Jesmin’s Story
24-year-old Jesmin grew up on L’Avenir Wine Estate in Stellenbosch, where she lives with her mother and two siblings. After completing high school, she pursued her passion for hospitality by enrolling in a course at Bergzicht Training Centre in Stellenbosch.
In 2019, when Jesmin heard that Pebbles Project was opening its own manufacturing kitchen, she jumped at the opportunity to apply for a position as a kitchen assistant; and was successful.
Jesmin loves working at the Pebbles Kitchen. She says, “I enjoy coming to work every day. I like working alongside our kitchen production manager, I learn so much from him. I enjoy learning new skills and challenging myself. I work with a great team. Even on days when I feel low, I know my colleagues will lift my spirits.”
Jesmin finds purpose in her work because she feels a deep connection to the communities Pebbles Project serves. “I enjoy what I do because I have members in my family who are in the same circumstances as the beneficiaries Pebbles supports. I love feeling like I can help others who are in need. I’m so proud to be working in the Pebbles Kitchen and to know that we’re providing essential nutrients to children. There are so many families who simply can’t afford to do that themselves.”
In addition to her work at the Pebbles Kitchen, Jesmin also enjoys engaging with children at the Pebbles Project After-School Clubs. While studying hospitality, she volunteered at the After-School Club on L’Avenir Wine Estate. “I love interacting with the children. That’s when I truly learnt about all the amazing work Pebbles does. It was heart-warming to see first-hand how much the children benefit from the After-School Club. It’s a safe space where they can simply be themselves.”
During her time as a volunteer, Jesmin was inspired to share her love for dancing with the children, especially those living on farms where access to extracurricular activities is limited. “There are certain farms I visit specifically because I know there are children there who would love to dance but don’t have the means to attend professional dance training.”
Jesmin continues to teach dance to children after hours and during school holidays, bringing joy, movement, and confidence to their lives.
Jesmin says that Pebbles Project has changed her life: “Pebbles gave me a new perspective on the way I view the world around me. The work that Pebbles does reminds me of advice my mom always gives me: ‘If you are asked to wash someone’s hand, wash both hands.’”
Jesmin’s kindness, creativity, and dedication continue to make a lasting impact, both in the Pebbles Kitchen and in the hearts of the children she teaches. The Pebbles Project team cannot wait to see how her passion continues to blossom and how many more lives she will touch along the way.
*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.