Mariana’s Story
Mariana’s Story
Mariana grew up on Villiera Wines, where her father worked. As a child, she was overjoyed when she heard that a Pebbles Project After-School Club would be opening on the farm. “My friends and I were so excited when we heard the news,” she recalls. Little did she know that the After-School Club would not only shape her childhood, but transform the course of her entire life.
As part of the Pebbles Project School Enrichment Programme (SEP), learners at the After-School Club had the opportunity to take part in recreational activities such as drama lessons. It was through these lessons that Mariana discovered something entirely new about herself. “I never knew I had a passion for the arts,” she says. “But after I started taking drama lessons, I knew that it was my calling.”
After matriculating, Mariana was offered a position at Pebbles Project as a Fantasy Play Coordinator within the First Thousand Days (FTD) Programme. She remembers how much she loved dressing up in different characters and engaging with the little ones through imaginative play. It was during this time that a powerful idea began to take shape, that her passion for the performing arts could be more than a hobby. It could be her profession.
With the generous support of Villiera Wines, Mariana was given the opportunity to pursue her dream. They funded her studies and arranged transport for her to attend Northlink College, where she obtained her BTech Diploma in Performing Arts. One of Mariana’s proudest moments was the day she received the phone call confirming her acceptance into the programme.
After completing her diploma, Mariana was employed by Pebbles Project as a Grade R Facilitator and Puppeteer, combining her love for performance with early childhood development. Today, the children absolutely adore her puppet “Samantha”, whose playful and engaging personality brings joy, laughter, and learning into the classroom. “It’s the most wonderful feeling to see their little faces light up when Samantha comes out to play,” Mariana smiles.
When Mariana fell pregnant, she became the first mother to take part in the Pebbles Project Maternal Health Initiative, which supports expectant mothers with both antenatal and postnatal care to help ensure healthy pregnancies and a strong start to parenthood.
Reflecting on her journey, Mariana is deeply grateful for the support she has received along the way. “If an organisation like Pebbles offers you an opportunity, grab it with both hands,” she says. “It will benefit your life in a big way. I am very grateful to Pebbles.”
Mariana’s story is a beautiful reminder of how talent, when nurtured with love and opportunity, can blossom into something truly powerful. The Pebbles Project team is incredibly proud of the remarkable woman she has become; and of the joy, creativity and inspiration she brings to the lives of so many young children.
*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.