Scouting Five - Week of December 11, 2023

Advancing Gender Equality through Scouting in Ethiopia

The Ethiopia Scout Association is focusing on advancing the status of women and girls through the Advancing Gender Equality through Scouting Project. The initiative aims to promote diversity and inclusion in Scouting and communities, addressing still-prevalent cultural perceptions of women and girls as inferior.

The Scouts trained 32 adult leaders and volunteers as trainers-of-trainers, conducting gender equality assessments using the HeForShe Toolkit. The National Diversity and Inclusion Policy was developed, translated into local languages, and disseminated to all Regional Scout Councils. The project reached 26,240 school-going boys and girls, with 15,744 making a commitment to gender equality.

The training provided skills to tackle gender equality issues head-on, and 10,550 Scouts volunteered many hours of their time. The Ethiopia Scout Association aims to improve access to education and opportunities for girls and women, enhancing positive development outcomes in a nation where only 37% of parliamentary seats are held by women.

Reintegrating Vulnerable Young People through Ticket to Life Initiative in Africa

The Ticket to Life initiative aims to help vulnerable children and youth in developing countries integrate into society by providing Scouting activities tailored to their needs. The initiative is currently implemented in seven African Scout Region countries, including Benin, Botswana, Comoros, Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, Malawi, and Niger. The initiative has reached out to various disadvantaged segments of society, including orphaned children, refugees, street children, children with disabilities, those in conflict with the law, and HIV/AIDS victims.

In Kenya, Ticket to Life Scout troops have been established in nine locations, attracting 288 young people. The Kenya Scouts Association has made educational program material accessible, trained Scout leaders, and supported income-generating activities to promote self-reliance. In Mitoto Special School for the Blind, a new Scout troop has been established, providing braille access to the educational program handbook and mattresses. In Kisumu, Ring Road Orphans Day School has been supported by Ticket to Life, introducing fish farming to support the school’s needs.

Ticket to Life in Niger began with an induction training for Scout leaders, and Scouting has taken firm roots in the SOS Children’s Village, receiving support from the Office of the Governor. The initiative has also restored hope at l’Orphelinat Bon Samaritain (Good Samaritan Orphange) in Niamey.

4th World Scout Education Congress Shaping the Future of Education in Scouting

Congress Roadmap sets direction for education in Scouting to be more transformative, inclusive and innovative

The 4th World Scout Education Congress, convened by the World Organization of the Scout Movement (WOSM) and hosted by the Scoutisme Français, took place from 1 to 3 December at Cité Internationale Universitaire de Paris. The event aimed to advance a common agenda for non-formal education and the commitments outlined in the Rio Declaration on Non-Formal Education. The Congress aimed to highlight innovative ideas and practices from National Scout Organizations and other leading partners centered around topics such as youth leadership, digital education, volunteer engagement, intergenerational learning, diversity and inclusion, and education for sustainable development.

Participants had the opportunity to contribute to the design and development of a roadmap for the future of education in Scouting over the next decade. The roadmap identified tangible solutions to enhance Scouting’s educational offering linked to the priorities of the Movement’s next Strategy for Scouting. Key partners, government ministers, and leaders in the education field will also be contributing to the program. Online learning and engagement opportunities were offered for Scouting leadership during the Congress.

World Scouting Brings Youth Voices to COP28 Climate Talks

The World Organization of the Scout Movement (WOSM) had a significant presence at COP28 in Dubai, where three Youth Representatives – Hian Leng Kek, Laura Rodríguez Salgado, and Lucas Andriantsimba – showcased the Scout Movement’s commitment to environmental advocacy and education. They hosted an event in the Children & Youth Pavilion, focusing on youth climate activism and the Scout-led Boranka project. They also participated in the second annual RewirEd Summit, focusing on educational innovation for climate action.

WOSM Secretary General Ahmad Alhendawi and World Scout Foundation Board Member HH Princess Sama Al Saud participated in panel discussions on topics such as “Powering Youth Actions & Solutions for Climate,” “Voices of Children & Youth,” and “Partnerships for Responsible Education.” Lucas Andriantsimba was invited to address the launch of UNESCO’s Greening Education Partnership, a collaborative platform for governments and stakeholders to transform education. WOSM’s Youth Representatives represented the voices and priorities of millions of Scouts worldwide; their participation at COP28 exemplifies the power of youth advocacy in the global fight against climate change.

Transcona Scouts Hall receives funding for renos

The East Kildonan-Transcona community committee approved a $90,000 grant for renovations of Transcona Scouts Hall, pending a complete application from the Transcona Scouts Association. Plans for a 17-unit, three-storey building at 460 Henderson Hwy. in Winnipeg, Manitoba, were approved, including 20 parking stalls, 10 new trees, and tree preservation.

Scouts tree lot is now open in Okotoks

The 1st Okotoks Scouts opened their tree lot in D’Arcy Crossing on November 30. They offer Douglas fir, premium fir, and regular fir trees. The purchase of a tree supports local groups, sends kids to camp, maintains equipment, and supports weekly adventures.

This story comes via Okotoks, but expect to find Scouts selling trees in many communities across Canada and the US, and possibly elsewhere too.