Artistic Inspiration
LEARNERS FROM THE PEBBLES PROJECT VISIT DELAIRE GRAFF ESTATE
Twenty young learners from the Pebbles Project recently visited Delaire Graff Estate for an inspiring art workshop hosted by acclaimed South African sculptor Anton Smit.
The day formed part of a ‘10 for 10’ initiative, which celebrates 10 years since The FACET Foundation (For Africa’s Children Every Time) – established by the Owner of Delaire Graff Estate and renowned diamantaire Laurence Graff OBE – started supporting the Pebbles Project, its partner charity in South Africa. To mark this milestone, Delaire Graff Estate and the Pebbles Project have embarked on 10 charitable initiatives throughout 2024, culminating in a gala event and Legacy Awards ceremony at the end of the year.
Upon arrival, the Pebble Project learners, who were accompanied by teachers and Sophia Warner, CEO of the Pebbles Project, were greeted and then briefed by Anton Smit and his team. Every participant was presented with a clay model of a face, a scaled-down version of the face of "Faith", a striking three-metre-high sculpture created by Smit, which is on public display at Delaire Graff Estate.
As the artists of the ‘next generation’ – as described by a member of Anton’s team, each learner was encouraged to let their creativity run free while also being motivated and guided, and their works are a testament to this. Following a delicious lunch, everyone involved was encouraged to talk about their art and what had inspired them. It was also explained that the clay they had used was non-drying so that each learner could continue to develop their creative and artistic expression.
“The art workshop was a huge opportunity for the Pebbles Project learners, who spent the day creating face sculptures with wax clay under the creative eye of Anton Smit, who interacted and guided the children with kindness, passion and patience. It was yet another wonderful experience created by Delaire Graff Estate to celebrate our 10-year partnership; we are so thankful.” - Sophia Warner, CEO of the Pebbles Project.
Over the last 10 years, FACET has made a significant impact working with the Pebbles Project to fund a network of seven mobile learning centres. These centres provide access to library books and computers, learning, and social support, reaching over 650 disadvantaged children and young people monthly. A special mobile social support centre also helps children experiencing problems within their home environment. A highly qualified team provides mental health therapy, counselling, and parental support services.
The Pebbles Project enables children and young people from farming communities to access quality education programmes and health, nutrition, and social work services. Since its inception in 2004, it has positively impacted the lives of thousands of learners by partnering with local farms to establish and manage Early Childhood Development and After-School Clubs.
