Elton Messias

School Leaver Programme Beneficiary- Villiera Wine Estate

Elton started in the After School Club (ASC) programme in 2007 and has developed into an independent, confident individual who also gives of his time as an ASC sports volunteer whilst being part of the School Leaver programme.

 He was born on Kaapzicht farm to a farmworker mother who later secured employment at Villiera Wine Estate. Through the School Leaver Programme he has registered and is currently studying for a 3 year Diploma in Hospitality and Catering at Boland College in Stellenbosch. Elton provided structure to the existing junior soccer team at Villiera through not only providing coaching services but also assisting in registering the team at Stellenbosch league level. They team has been formally registered as Villa FC soccer team and they participate in regular matches and were included in recent play-offs. He also identified a gap in the logistics where he secured the services of a First Aider at both games and practice sessions. With the support from the community he also organised a designated driver for the team ensuring that they arrive home safely following each match.

 We are proud of Elton’s progress and how he continues to be a shining example to his peers.

Maryna Hendricks

Early Child Development Centres (ECD) and After School Club (ASC) Teacher, Niel Joubert Wine Estate

In 2007 Maryna accepted a job at Pebbles that changed her life. Prior to that, she was a struggling single parent and a mother to four children. She’s a popular, friendly face at the ECD centre in the morning and the ASC in the afternoon. Having a rewarding job means she has moved into her own home and is able to provide for her family. Her children have also benefited from the learning support offered both at the ECD and ASC at Niel Joubert Wine Estate.

Annelize Tities

After School Club (ASC) Teacher, Bellevue Wine Estate

In 2009 a social worker started working with the Tities family after reported weekend alcohol misuse. In August 2010, John and Annelize hit “rock bottom” and were forced to do some introspection to address all the factors contributing to their dire situation. Together they decided that both of them would need to stop misusing alcohol if they wanted freedom from addiction and a real chance of a healthy future.

Recovering from addiction is more than saying “no” so they entered the Toevlug Rehabilitation Centre’s five-week programme and stopped drinking. This has helped to restore the relational dynamics in their home. In fact, they have become an inspirational example in their community.

Annelize is now a teacher at the After School Club. She loves her work and it shows. She takes her responsibility seriously to ensure that the children in her care receive special needs learning help and benefit from all the support Pebbles offers.