Written by Dylan Cloete, Western Cape Youth Influencer
Serving the community extends to more than just our human community; it also includes our animals. The recently established Durbanville/Kraaifontein Rover Crew really takes the 6th Scout Law to heart and has been actively doing their part to protect and rehabilitate seabirds and penguins in support of the Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (SANCCOB).
“Our Crew was started earlier this year and we have made service a priority as we really want to make a big impact”, explains Bryan Cloete. “Our numbers are few, but we are still able to contribute and help where needed. So when SANCCOB, a non-profit organisation that focuses on the rehabilitation and rescue of ill and injured seabirds, asked for help, we stepped up and volunteered. I mean isn’t it fitting that a Sea Scout Rover Crew helps the seabirds?”
“Seabirds are a critical part of our ocean’s ecosystem and without them the environment would suffer”, he continues. “SANCCOB recently hand reared over 1000 Cape cormorant chicks that were abandoned on Robben Island. They progressively began releasing the birds back into the wild but there was plenty of work needed for these birds. So when they requested volunteers to assist, we went to help.
Our Crew spent 2 weekends cleaning out the birds’ enclosures, washing beds and helping wherever we could. We arrived at the SANCCOB Table View facility in the morning at 9am and were greeted with an education briefing of the organisation and their history. Straight afterwards we got geared up in gumboots and overalls to begin our day’s work. We got stuck into high-pressure washing mats and doing loads of washing. It was hard work, but we were rewarded with the happy cries of penguins and seabirds. It was all worth it!”
When asked if he has a message for his fellow Rovers, Bryan replied “As Rovers we need to embody the Scouting Spirit of making a better world not just for people, but for the wildlife that we share this planet with. So I would encourage everyone to look for a project in your community where you can assist. Help where you can!”
#promisetotheplanet #Scouts4SDGs #scoutssouthafrica