Supplied by Nikki Wessels
“Sometimes you don’t choose your cause. Sometimes the cause finds you,” says Rotary E-Club of East Rand Rotarian and former Phoenix Rover Crew member Nikki Wessels as we talk to her about the sensory garden project at the Vita Nova Centre in Springs, Gauteng.
“Earlier last year Peter Le Roux approached me ahead of the 2nd Africa Scout Moot. Peter and I have been friends for years as we were both part of the Phoenix Rover Crew. He was looking for service projects where a large group of Rovers could make a difference. Our club had identified a sensory garden at the Vita Nova Centre. When we spoke to Michelle Immelman, the Centre Manager, we quickly realised that what the residents needed was not necessarily a traditional garden filled with sensory plants. They needed sensory experiences and activities that could be enjoyed by children and adults with different abilities. That changed the project completely,” she explains.
Supplied by Nikki Wessels
“Vita Nova is home to residents ranging from small children to the elderly, many living with cerebral palsy, mental disabilities and other complex needs. The Centre provides a home and support for more than 100 residents, making accessible spaces for recreation and stimulation incredibly important. We know that the Rotary is good at project deliver and within Scouting we have our Rovers, so it made sense to partner and help the team and residents at Vita Nova.” adds Rover Scouter Peter le Roux.
Supplied by Nikki Wessels
“The centre had some sensory equipment, including boards on wheels and everyday objects such as pots and pans. From there, the idea grew. We decided to attach wooden pallets to the walls and turn them into interactive sensory boards. There is a music board, a block board, buckets for throwing balls into, pots and pans, texture boards and other tactile elements. We also created a bright, colourful wheelchair path so that residents using wheelchairs could move through the space more easily. It is very cheerful, and the residents really seemed to enjoy it,” continues Nikki.
“The project might seem small from the outside, but the Department of Education and Social Services had asked the Centre to establish a space like this, and they did not have the resources. So, what began as a request for a project for a group of Rovers became something much bigger. And that is an important lesson for me: never underestimate a small idea.
Supplied by Nikki Wessels
To make the project happen we brought together people from the Rotary E-Club of East Rand, Rotary Club of Benoni Aurora, Round Table Golden East 181, Startime Players and Rovers from the Nautilus, Terra, Phoenix and Ehawu Rover Crews. This made it possible to give the Centre what they were required as well as bring joy to it residents. One of the things that has stayed with me most strongly is everyone’s eagerness and excitement to help. Everyone worked hard. There were jokes, conversations, connections and a lot of laughter. I was excited to watch those connections being made around me,” Nikki adds.
“It was nice to see how Rovers work well in a Patrol system. From the moment they arrived, they were briefed on what needed to be done, navigated to the tasks that suited their skills-set and got on with it on their own. From how the board were made to the painting that was done, they made sure that what they did they did well. It is nice to know that we were able to be useful and turn an empty courtyard into a safe and fun place for the people at the centre,” says Peter.
Supplied by Nikki Wessels
Nikki agrees: “I believe that once you have been through the Guide or Scout programme, you know how to work. You know how to take a task and get on with it without complaining. There is a standard of quality and commitment that comes with Scouting. I saw that in the Rovers that day. We were all people with similar goals and a similar outlook: we wanted to do a good turn and make somebody else’s day a little better. It is difficult to describe the feeling you get when watching this unfold. I feel immensely proud of what everybody achieved. To know that there is now a space where residents can go and experience something that brings them joy is very meaningful.”
Centre Manager Michelle Immelman agrees. “The final lawn was laid, and the sensory garden is now complete. I have seen how the children enjoy the space. They play in the sand, enjoy the swing and explore the different activities. One young boy was scared of the swing at first, but now that he has discovered the motion of the swing, he absolutely loves it! During the installation of the boards some of our older residents really enjoyed chatting with the volunteers and enjoy spending time in the space. I really appreciate that Nikki and Peter took time to listen and understand what our residents actually needed and then found a way to help.”
Taking the spirit of service beyond one project
Photo: World Scouting, Jonathan Law
The sensory garden was not the only opportunity the Rovers and Rotary shared this year. “As part of the 2nd Africa Scout Moot’s Ubuntu service projects, Rovers from around the world stepped up to help the animals and staff at the South African Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre. What struck me again was their enthusiasm,” continues Nikki.
“It is easy to take the work happening around us for granted. When you see the large aviaries, the feeding routines and the amount of specialist care required every single day, you begin to appreciate just how much work goes into caring for animals that need rehabilitation.
I remember stepping back and realising that for some of the Rovers this was a new experience. Some had never been exposed to this kind of work before, and it was wonderful to see their curiosity and hear them ask so many questions. They wanted to know what happened each day, and what caring for the animals involved. For me, having those moments of learning and reflection while helping is what service should be about.”
Whether Nikki will be joining the Scout Movement again is a matter of time as her son is now a Cub. “I would 100% do projects with the Scouts again, in fact my son’s Scout Group has already been asking me for service projects. I look forward to seeing how his Scouting journey unfolds.”