If there’s one thing that stands out about Adam Gillespie, it’s his enthusiasm for people.
At just 24, Adam Gillespie is already building something remarkable. Through homemade play dough, school visits and his guide dog Theo, the Hillcrest resident is creating opportunities, spreading joy and proving that purpose often starts with helping others.
Whether he’s delivering tubs of colourful play dough to a crèche, introducing children to Theo, or dreaming up new community projects, the young entrepreneur and founder of Project Adam is far more interested in what he can give than what he has overcome.
“I’ve always wanted to make a difference,” he says.
Born with cerebral palsy and severely low muscle tone, Adam spent much of his early childhood working harder than most children simply to achieve milestones many take for granted. He crawled for nearly three years before learning to walk and underwent years of occupational, speech and physiotherapy. “I had to work harder than the average child to keep my balance and walk properly,” he recalls.
Adam attended The Brown’s School before moving to Hillcrest High School, where determination and hard work became hallmarks of his character. By Grade 10, he had climbed 128 places academically within his grade and later graduated with a distinction and received the Mitchell Trophy for perseverance.
After school, he completed a barista course, worked in local coffee shops and pursued his love of nature through a Field Guides Association of Southern Africa tracking course.
Life took an unexpected turn in 2023 when a genetic condition caused permanent damage to his optic nerve, leaving him with limited peripheral vision. Adjusting to such a significant change was challenging, but Adam focused on moving forward rather than looking back.
Support from family, friends, his girlfriend Tannah, his faith community and mentors helped him navigate the transition and begin exploring new possibilities. One of the most important arrived in the form of Theo.
After applying for a guide dog and expecting a lengthy wait, Adam was matched with Theo through the South African Guide-Dogs Association in March 2025. The connection was immediate.
“He follows me everywhere,” Adam laughs. “Even to the bathroom.”
More importantly, Theo has given Adam greater independence and confidence, allowing him to move through daily life with freedom while becoming an ambassador of sorts wherever they go. Children, in particular, are fascinated by the gentle guide dog. That connection inspired many of the community visits that have since become part of Project Adam.
The organisation began with a simple idea. During a period of adjustment following his vision loss, Adam’s mother suggested he start making homemade play dough. His aunt then encouraged him to donate some to local crèches.
The response was immediate. And seeing the excitement the donations created sparked a bigger vision. “That’s when I realised I wanted to do more,” Adam says. “The joy I felt by giving helped balance the sadness I felt whilst dealing with my loss, helping me to heal.”
Today, Project Adam is a registered non-profit organisation supporting children, schools and community groups across Durban. Its flagship initiative, Ad’s Pro Doh, produces homemade play dough that is sold to raise funds for donations to under-resourced schools, crèches and organisations supporting all children including those with special needs. Hundreds of tubs have already found their way into classrooms and community organisations.
For Adam, the greatest reward comes from seeing children engage, learn and have fun.
“I get happy butterflies in my stomach,” he says. “I love hearing their contagious laughs and chatter.”
His visits often include Theo, who has become something of a celebrity. Adam uses those interactions to help children feel comfortable around animals while encouraging lessons in awareness education, kindness, empathy and confidence.
His creativity has also led to practical innovations. Before visiting Bright Eyes, a school for visually impaired children, he developed scented play dough using essential oils, allowing children to identify colours through smell while still benefiting from sensory and fine motor development.
It’s an example of the thoughtful approach that runs through everything Project Adam does. And Adam is only getting started. His plans include creating a support network for visually impaired people and guide dog owners, establishing a gym for people with disabilities and special needs, and launching a pop-up café that provides employment and social opportunities for everyone.
Adam is in the process of completing his autobiography, detailing his journey and tenacity in overcoming the challenges and adversity he has faced. He also hopes to continue visiting schools, churches, hospitals and retirement villages, sharing his experiences alongside Theo. At the heart of every project is a simple message.
“Disability doesn’t define who you are,” he says. “No matter what has changed in your life, you are still worthy and valuable to society.”
For Adam, the future isn’t measured by limitations but by possibilities and hope. Through Project Adam, Theo and a growing list of community initiatives, he’s showing that some of the most meaningful change starts with a simple idea and a willingness to share it.
As Adam puts it: “The meaning of life is to find your gifts, the purpose of life is to share them.”
Details: You can follow Project Adam on Instagram: @_project_adam_ or Facebook: facebook.com/ProjectAdam2002
How you can support Project Adam
Businesses and individuals are invited to support Project Adam through financial contributions or donations of materials, helping the NPO continue its work and make a meaningful difference in the lives of those it serves. To find out more about sponsorship or donation opportunities, contact Tamasyn Palmer on 073 304 6036 or email projectad2002@gmail.com. A Section 18A Certificate will be issued.
