Written by Mfundo Jiyane, SSA Youth Influencer Gauteng
It was a cold Saturday morning when 1st Boksburg Cameron Scout Group members handed over blankets and food to children from the Emaphupheni Community. Six Scouts, four Scouters and Troop Scouter – and senior pastor of the Bredell Family Fellowship – Rev Dr. Jonathan Goosen represented both group and church members.
The donations were the result of a blanket and food collection drive run by the Scout Group in partnership with the Bredell Family Fellowship over a few months in support of the Elpizo Project.
“The Elpizo Project serves the community of the informal settlement Emaphupheni, about 25 km out of Benoni” explains Troop Scouter Rev Dr Goosen. “The Project’s name is Elpizo, this is the Greek word for ‘hope’. Our donation included 60 blankets, maize, tinned food, cooking oil, samp etc., and was received by the Elpizo Project Emaphupheni Campus Rev Dumisani Thwala and the campus leader Mrs Selina Thwala.”
The experience of helping others is not only part of the Scout Law, but also inwardly uplifting and fulfilling
“This is the most satisfying experience. The experience of being useful and helping others is not only part of the Scout Law, but also inwardly uplifting and fulfilling” added Rev Dr Goosen. “The still reflective travel back and discussions afterwards was exceptionally rewarding. The feedback from the Scouts was Wow! That was awesome! I am reminded of a quote by Lord Baden Powell “The most worthwhile thing is to try to put happiness into the lives of others. We never fail when we try to do our duty, we always fail when we neglect to do it”.”
“We received a great response with much thanks as folk walked by and then from the Project Leader Mrs Thwala”, he continues. “The most touching moment for me was the real transformational impact on the Scouts’ faces. Helping others is something we all can grow from. Seeing the response of the little kiddies receiving their blankets was wonderful. Some held onto their blankets and never let go. I will say the event was a success as the Scouts, children, Emaphupheni community, Bredell Church Community were all impacted. We were changed, transformed, helping people focus on the needs of others, and realising our lives and perceived problems are not as large or overwhelming. This was a natural progression and will continue in the future” he concludes.
The Scouts would now like to support the project by painting classrooms, mending fences, planting grass and collecting school supplies such as stationary. To support this initiative you can contact the Scout Group through the Gauteng Regional Office gauteng@scouts.org.za
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