Cub Scout volunteers at epilepsy centre

Van Heerden took the opportunity to earn his leaping frog badge by working in the organic farm, and helps farm the produce used for the epileptic residents on site.

Exposed to people with neurological disorders, van Heerden said “it is a simple thing” to be around them.

Cub Scouts take on different challenges, and his aim is to create an awareness campaign for epilepsy, a contribution he is willing to take on in his free time.

With a mother who has epilepsy, van Heerden has a deeper understanding for the chronic condition.

He often works with the residents at Reea, and observes their behavioural patterns; he has seen how it makes community service volunteers visiting the farm feel uncomfortable.

According to full-time volunteer Daniella Alexander, who helps run the centre, residents come down to the farm if they are up to it.

“They help when they can. One will pick the weeds while another feeds the chickens,” said Alexander. She tries to keep them busy and to make life as interesting as possible.

“I do not take offence to the way they are or judge their moods, they differ every day,” said van Heerden.

He has worked on the farm for almost a month and his next step is to participate at a higher level: he will create an epilepsy awareness campaign in schools to help raise funds to fix the greenhouse.

The greenhouse is a great source of income for the centre, and has also been acknowledged as a heritage site.

With funds to fix the roof, the centre can continue being a self-sustained non-profit organisation, harvesting produce for the public to purchase.

Van Heerden uses a tuk-tuk to get to the farm every day and has his own company, Young Energy, which focuses on pampering people, pets and gardens.

With the money he has made from his business, he was able to purchase gardening equipment.

Volunteers are encouraged to assist the centre. They welcome groups and individuals to help in the bookstore, charity shop and the farm itself.

Details: danant@telkomsa.net