Epilepsy awareness at Bryneven Primary
AN epilepsy awareness campaign has been launched by Bryeven Primary School pupil and Cub Scout Maximilian van Heerden, following the article, Cub Scout volunteers at epilepsy centre, week ending 25 October.
The first school to participate in the campaign was Bryneven Primary School in Bryanston, where pupils were educated about epilepsy.
People who live with or have been affected by epilepsy shared their stories of courage and strength.
One such person was Sean Hancock, a patient at Reea Epilepsy Care Centre, who has had the disorder since he was 14.
Reea is a rehabilitation centre for people living with epilepsy who need constant care.
Hancock spoke about his childhood trauma at school and showed the pupils how to care for an epileptic person having a seizure, which included placing them in a recovery position, knowing basic first aid and calling an ambulance.
Speaker Dee Da Silva explained what epilepsy was, the medication sufferers took, and how to get tested.
“It is not contagious,” she said. “The best you can do for a person who has epilepsy is be their friend and help them when they have a seizure.”
Van Heerden gave 956 pupils a purple wrist band symbolising the campaign. Each band had a unique number and went into a draw where pupils were able to win prizes.
“I had so many children approach me after the talk to confide in me about their condition, as well as their family members who suffered from epilepsy,” said Van Heerden.
He organised 32 boxes at his school in which fellow pupils donated toiletry items for patients at the foundation.
His mother, Tania van Heerden said, “The children donated so much, the boxes were spilling over. A trailer was needed to transport the donations.”
Five pupils won various prizes which included meal vouchers, movie tickets and cash prizes.
“The idea was to make the campaign educational, fun, entertaining and rewarding for all,” said Van Heerden.
He hopes to take the campaign to other schools next year.
