Scouts support earthquake relief efforts

Scouts are already supporting relief efforts after two powerful earthquakes of 7.8 and 7.5 magnitude shook southeast Türkiye and northern Syria in the early morning of 6 February 2023, resulting in thousands of casualties and injuries and levelled buildings, and devastating entire communities.

 Local Scouts have mobilised swiftly to:

• Provide meals, water and hot beverages to people affected by the earthquakes
• Secure and prepare emergency supplies for those in need (flashlights, tents, blankets, first-aid kit, etc.)
• Secure transportation for volunteers to the affected areas
• Purchase SIM cards and internet routers for communications
• Support cleaning and logistics in affected areas
• Organise activities for children and young people

 
The World Scout Foundation offers its most heartfelt and sincere condolences to all those impacted by the earthquakes and, in coordination with the World Organization of the Scout Movement (WOSM), has opened an Emergency Fund for donations to further scale-up the efforts of Scouts on the ground.

Please donate to our Emergency Fund today here.

Scouting and Humanitarian Action

With over 57 million Scouts serving their communities around the world, Scouts are at the forefront of humanitarian action, quite literally on the ground, ready to support as first responders during a humanitarian crisis and as key partners in the delivery and provision of long-term solutions and ongoing support.

Humanitarian principles resonate strongly with Scout values. Scouts are respectful and kind, and duty to others is at the heart of our Scout Promise. Through Scouting, young people develop as resilient active citizens who gain critical skills that enable them to take meaningful action. Scouts can mobilize quickly, manage large-scale logistics and coordinate other volunteers to respond in an emergency.

From rescue and clean-up efforts following natural disasters like floods and earthquakes to community relief during the global pandemic and supporting refugees fleeing conflict, Scouts are prepared to help and respond where their communities need it most.

Scouts also play a long-term role in supporting and integrating young people affected by disasters giving children and youth a safe space to grow and develop leadership skills that will last a lifetime.