Driving Change in Germany
Where once Scouting was forbidden by the former German Democratic Republic (GDR), in an area rife with right-wing populist and anti-democratic movements and facing infrastructural poverty and increasing unemployment, a group of passionate Scout leaders, are leading an exciting project, “Wachsen in Sachsen”, or “Let’s grow in Saxony”. Supported by thoroughly committed German BP Fellows and additional German and international donors, Wachsen in Sachsen is creating opportunities for young people to become Scouts and develop the skills, confidence and values to make a difference in society.
At our Impact of Scouting Seminar, during the 74th Baden-Powell Fellowship Event in Dublin in April 2022, we heard first-hand from “Wachsen in Sachsen” Professional Project Team Member Jessica “Kürbiss” Kieb. Discover the phenomenal project in this video from the Impact of Scouting Seminar.
What you learn as young people in Scouting, you can transfer to the community outside Scouting. The special thing about Scouting is that you don't know that you’re learning, it's just you doing something, it's all fun, and afterwards, you get to know. I think Scouting is pretty cool but it's not only cool it's extremely important to help young people to find themselves and give them something important in their lives”, says Kürbiss.
In 2021, Wachsen in Sachsen entered a second phase to consolidate further and grow Scouting. Once only 3% of German Scouts came from the eastern States, there are now 460 new Scouts in 11 new groups in Saxony and the neighbouring State of Saxony-Anhalt, which hadn’t seen any Scout Groups from the Bund der Pfadfinderinnen und Pfadfinder (BdP) Scout Association in more than two decades!
Building on a model for sustainable growth, which was successfully adapted to weather the challenges of the global pandemic, the impact has been accelerated by using a small team of professional staff (first two, then four) to strategically support this volunteer-driven project. “Team Rocket” has identified and evaluated high-potential locations, supported the recruitment and training of volunteers, the development and animation of programme and activities, communications, partnerships and governance — all the while aiming to help each new Scout Group to become independent.
We see the impact of our work in the development of every single member that joins our groups. We see it in the smiles on their faces. We see what Scouting can do and its benefits to young people and communities, especially in rural Saxony, where there are limited opportunities. So we’re working hard to grow the project”, says Christoph “Chisum” Weber, Volunteer Project Leader.
Wachsen in Sachsen supported us so well. They gave us a structure to build the Scout group. It was made very easy for me, someone who didn’t have so much knowledge of Scouting. Our Scout group is now one year and three months old, and this year, our Group counts 20 people, and we still receive support. It’s really great.” Scout leader, Bankiva Group, Leipzig Nord, speaking in October 2021.
When I decided to be part of the founding team for the new Scout group in my town, I originally wanted to create an opportunity for my children. But I came to realise that it also brought me new perspectives and I learned a lot. I have become more self-confident and that also helps me in my job. I can reflect better and I really like working in an equal team.” Janine (31), Scout leader.
As the Wachsen in Sachsen team works hard to reach their target of 600 Scouts in 2022, they are sharing their learning from the east to the west, exchanging with the BdP Scouts in Bavaria to grow local Scouting, and supporting another of the German Scout Associations to replicate their growth project, starting in 2023.
Find out more about the people and actions at the heart the “Wachsen in Sachsen” initiative in the World Scout Foundation’s 2021 Annual Report and via their project website.