A 16-year-old scout from Marina da Gama, Sebastian Rouse, has been selected to represent South Africa at the 26th World Scout Jamboree in Poland next year.
He has launched a personal fundraiser and BackaBuddy drive to cover the travelling costs of his trip.
Sabastian is a member of the 1st Muizenberg Sea Scout Group and Grade 10 learner at IVA Global Online School, an international online school. He is once again running his Santa Shoebox Project to support disadvantaged children across the Southern Suburbs which he first started last year.
He is also working towards his Springbok Scout Award.
Giving back first
Last year Sabastian kickstarted a Santa Shoebox drive which was a community effort close to his heart.
He collected items to fill shoeboxes for children in need, including toys, toiletries, balls, frisbees, jump ropes, craft kits, and school stationery.
His previous campaign was met with an overwhelming response from the community, and this year he hopes to reach even more families.
“Last year I was amazed by the support I received from the community for my Santa Shoebox project, which helped us make a difference in the lives of children in our surrounding communities,” he said.
He also assisted a non-profit organisation (NPO) Where Rainbows Meet food, with a food drive and vegetable garden, where he taught sailing to children living in Westlake, planted a food garden in Mitchells Plain and fed homeless residents in Muizenberg.
A dream years in the making
Sabastian has been part of the Scout movement since the age of six, and his selection to represent South Africa at the World Scout Jamboree is the realisation of a long-held ambition.
The international gathering brings together thousands of Scouts from across the globe, offering a unique platform for cultural exchange, leadership development, and community learning.
“This isn’t just a trip overseas. It’s a chance to learn from thousands of Scouts from around the world, see how they serve their communities and develop leadership skills that I can bring back home,” he said.
He is clear that attending the Jamboree is not simply a personal achievement — it is an investment in the wider Scout community back home.
“By supporting me, people aren’t only helping me attend the Jamboree — they’re helping me gain knowledge and experience that I can bring back and share with others,” he added.
The fundraising journey
Sebastian has made solid progress toward his target. His next milestone is to raise R20 000 by the end of September, with R35 000 still needed in total.
This will also be his first time leaving South Africa — a prospect he describes as both exciting and motivating.
To donate, visit his Back a Buddy page.
For more information, contact Sam Rouse at 083 415 7868.
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