What better place to start an EXPEDITION than in one of South Africa’s top tourist destinations? We skipped the wine-tasting rooms and went straight to The Pebbles Project in the heart of the Cape Winelands.
The Pebbles Project works through 28 schools and crèches in the area to support the specialised educational needs of disadvantaged children and youth. Many of these promising young learners grow up in particularly challenging environments, which sometimes include the prevalence of fetal alcohol syndrome, domestic violence, and poor diet.
The facilities they have created are bright, and colourful, and create a stimulating environment for all of the eager learners, ranging from toddlers to teenagers.
We, the TEP team members were intrigued to hear how the Pebbles Project strategically implements its educational activities with the support of four other key areas: health, nutrition, environment, and protection.
The Pebbles Project has not only had a positive impact on the children and youth of the area but also on the broader community. Just as we were about to leave one of the farm labourers dropped off a bag of delicious freshly picked oranges!
We came away from the Pebbles Project with a really positive feeling: passionate people, happy children and a perfect launch to The EXPEDITION Project!
For more information about the work being done by The Pebbles Project, visit www.pebblesproject.co.za.
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The EXPEDITION Project team would like to thank the following for their generous support along the way:
Assegaaibosch Nature Reserve, CapeNature
La Fontaine Guesthouse, Franschhoek
The French Connection, Franschhoek