Lihle’s Story

Lihle’s Story

Lihle works at the tasting room on Villiera Wines. In 2017, shortly after being appointed as a tasting room assistant, he enrolled his son, Hlalumi, and daughter, Lamlokhule, at the Pebbles Project Early Childhood Development (ECD) centre on the farm, a decision he describes as one of the best he’s made for his children.

Lihle speaks with deep appreciation for the impact the ECD centre has had on his family. “The Pebbles ECD centre has helped Hlalumi and Lamlokhule so much, especially with their numeracy and language skills,” he says.

He fondly recalls the influence of the ECD Practitioner who taught his children: “Even when it comes to hygiene, cleanliness, and discipline, they still remember what they were taught. They formed such a strong bond with their Practitioner, and the impact she had on them was so positive.”

Today, Hlalumi and Lamlokhule are thriving at school, and their academic achievements speak volumes. “They’ve been in the top ten of their grade ever since they started school,” Lihle proudly shares. “It really says a lot about the standard of the Pebbles ECD Programme.”

Lihle believes that the confidence his children now carry is rooted in their early years at the Pebbles Project ECD centre. “I love seeing how confident they are,” he says. “The things they were taught at Pebbles gave them a head start in life and laid a strong foundation to build on.”

Deeply grateful for the influence Pebbles Project has had, Lihle says: “If it were possible, I would take every child I know to the Pebbles ECD centre, because what they teach there is truly beautiful.”

The Pebbles Project Early Care and Education Programme (ECEP) supports children from conception to the age of five through two sub-programmes: the First Thousand Days (FTD) Programme (0–2.5 years) and the Early Childhood Development (ECD) Programme (2.5–5 years). The ECEP is delivered at ECD centres located on Pebbles’ partner farms.

Lihle’s story is a testament to how quality early childhood education can transform futures, not only for children, but for entire families. The Pebbles Project team is honoured to have played a part in Lihle’s journey and is so proud of all that Hlalumi and Lamlokhule have achieved.

*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.