Portia’s Story
Portia’s Story
20-year-old Portia was born in Beaufort-West. She is the youngest of five children. Portia experienced profound loss from a young age. At six years old, she lost her father, and a few years later, her two older sisters passed away. Shortly after completing high school, her mother passed away.
Following her mother’s passing, Portia relocated to Stellenbosch to live with her aunt (her mother’s cousin), who resides and works on one of Pebbles’ partner farms, as she had no immediate family support, with her two older brothers residing in Mfuleni and Philippi. While the move required adjustment, Portia has since settled in well and enjoys living in her aunt’s home.
Portia shared with her aunt that she would like to broaden her horizons and further her education. Her aunt then connected her to Pebbles Project. Through this connection, Portia was introduced to a Pebbles social worker, who guided her through the application process for the Pebbles Youth Development Programme (YDP). Portia successfully applied and was enrolled into the programme, opening the door to new opportunities, support, and personal development.
In high school, Hospitality was Portia’s favourite subject. She reflects: “I realised that I really enjoyed baking and engaging with customers.” Portia dreams of pursuing a career in the hospitality industry and looks forward to participating in hospitality training through the YDP, which is set to commence later in the year.
In the meantime, her enthusiasm and commitment were recognised by the YDP Manager, who encouraged her to gain practical experience by becoming involved in the Pebbles Recycled Soap Project. One of the YDP’s initiatives is the Pebbles Recycled Soap Project (Diversey Soap For Hope™), established in Stellenbosch in partnership with Dow and Diversey – a Solenis company. Funded by Dow’s Business Impact Fund, the project forms part of a global programme originally founded in 2013, now operating in over 55 countries. It transforms discarded hotel soap into a valuable resource while promoting hygiene, sanitation, and environmental sustainability.
Within this initiative, Portia has received training in soap production and is developing practical skills through hands-on experience. She is now able to produce soap independently and has begun selling products within her community. Everything Portia sells is for her own benefit, and in this way she is developing entrepreneurial skills while also contributing financially to her household.
Portia shares: “I love learning new skills. It was so interesting and exciting for me to learn how to make soap.” Her aunt is proud of how quickly Portia has adapted and how she has begun to find her place within her new community.
Reflecting on her journey with Pebbles, she says: “Pebbles builds people up. When you feel broken and without hope, that is when they step in and help you rebuild. They encourage you not to give up on your purpose and your dreams.”
The Pebbles Project team is incredibly proud of Portia’s determination and entrepreneurial spirit, and there is no doubt that she will benefit greatly from the YDP Hospitality Training, which will equip her with valuable skills to achieve great things.
*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.