Les-Leeco’s Story
Les-Leeco’s Story
22-year-old Les-Leeco was born and raised on Delheim Wine Estate, where his journey with Pebbles Project began as a baby at the Early Childhood Development (ECD) centre on the farm. When he started primary school, he joined the Pebbles Project After-School Club, where he discovered a love for rope skipping. He excelled in the sport, competed in competitions, and enjoyed teaching younger children.
During his final year of high school, Les-Leeco was selected as a Pebbles Ambassador, an opportunity that strengthened his leadership skills. His commitment to serving others earned him the prestigious Eugene Isaacs Leadership Award, and today he is recognised as a positive role model in his community.
From a young age, Les-Leeco dreamed of becoming a social worker. “I really want to become a Social Worker because I see the children on my farm who are struggling to deal with their problems and they don’t have people to talk to. I want to help them to stay motivated,” he says.
After high school, Les-Leeco joined the Pebbles Project Youth Development Programme (YDP). With support from the YDP Manager, he enrolled in a 12-month Social Auxiliary Work qualification at Hugenote College in Wellington. As the college is not eligible for government funding, the Pebbles Project team launched a BackaBuddy campaign to cover his study costs. Thanks to generous supporters, the full amount was raised.
Les-Leeco completed the practical component of his qualification at Pebbles Project under the guidance of the Social Work Manager before proudly graduating as a qualified Social Auxiliary Worker. He then joined the Pebbles Project Social Work team, gaining valuable practical experience.
With continued support from the YDP, Les-Leeco obtained his learner’s and driver’s licences, prepared a professional CV, developed his interview skills, and secured a position as a Social Auxiliary Worker at a child protection non-profit organisation in Stellenbosch.
Today, he is living the dream he held from childhood, supporting vulnerable children and families in his community. “I am learning something new every day,” he says.
Reflecting on his journey, Les-Leeco shares, “Pebbles has helped me realise that I am a great leader. I’ve always known that Pebbles would help me realise my dreams because I saw how they impacted other people’s lives.”
The Pebbles Project team could not be more proud of Les-Leeco and all that he has achieved. His journey from Pebbles beneficiary to qualified Social Auxiliary Worker is a powerful reminder of what is possible when young people are given the opportunity to reach their full potential.
Watch Les-Leeco’s inspiring story on the Pebbles Project YouTube channel here.
*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.