Sustainability in action in Africa
Scouts across Sub-Saharan Africa are shining a light on Scouting and its local impact in celebration of Africa Scout Day, 13 March. In Nairobi, Kenya, hundreds of Scouts, from over 20 countries from Africa and Europe, participated in a week-long programme of activities, including a camp, a Regional Scouts Go Solar Training, and an Africa Scout Day event at the University of Nairobi, themed Innovative Solutions for a Sustainable Future. And in other countries across the Region, Scouts participated in actions and events, including with key partners, to underline the positive impact of Scouting on young people and in local communities.
Africa Scout Day
Africa Scout Day was established through Resolution CM Res 1607 (LXII) by the Council of Ministers of the then Organization of African Unity (OAU) – now African Union (AU), meeting at its 62nd Ordinary Session in Addis Ababa from 21st to 23rd June 1995. It is a day to celebrate Scouting in Africa, recognise its impact at community level, commit to its growth and shine a light on building partnerships for more social impact in Africa.
Nairobi, Kenya
Celebrations at the University of Nairobi provided an opportunity to focus on the achievements of Scouting, solidarity, cooperation and mutual assistance amongst Scout Organizations in the Region and the need to build more partnerships for greater social impact in Africa.
The event highlighted Scout-led initiatives across Africa to tackle challenges facing the continent, such as Food For Life, International Leadership Training, Scouts Against Malaria, Scouting for Refugees, Ticket To Life, U-Report, and the Youth Speak Series.
Prof. Stephen Kiama Gitahi, Vice Chancellor of the University of Nairobi recognised Scouting’s impact and urged Scouts to continue to drive innovative solutions to challenges including food security, greater knowledge sharing and climate change. Prof. Ambassador Jacob Kaimenyi, Chief Scout of Kenya also spoke passionately about Scouts as active solution providers, and noted deep appreciation for the partners and volunteers who support Scouting, also echoed by Regional Director, Frederic KamaKama, who called on partners to continue supporting Scouting.
Representing the Chairperson of the Africa Scout Committee, Albert Nyamwana reiterated the request in the Africa Scout Day Resolution to all Member States of the African Union to actively support the development, consolidation, and growth of the Scout movement in Africa; and provide the necessary support to national Scouting structures to enable many more young people to benefit from Scouting.
Jo Deman, the Vice Chairperson of the World Scout Committee and Board Member of the World Scout Foundation challenged Scouts to think about how they can use their skills and passions to create change in their communities and in the world. He further highlighted World Scouting’s Scouts for SDGs mobilisation and invited young people in Africa to join others around the world in transforming their communities by taking action for peace and sustainability.
“As an agent of development, Scouting constitutes a social force for good at local, national, and international levels. Working together with our partners, both public and private, Scouting responds to the needs of society and actively contributes to sustainable development.” Jo Deman, Member of the World Scout Committee and World Scout Foundation Board
Angola
Scouts in Angola held an online discussion with national leaders to talk about Africa Scouting in the past, present and future, as well as the contribution of Angola Scouts to society. Edivaldo Maiato facilitated the live panel between Vete Willy Emmanuel, Vice President of the National Committee and Belarmino Cardoso, International Commissioner.
Niger
Niger Scouts participated in a televised discussion on “responsible citizenship” on the programme "GONI", hosted by Idrissa Maiga, which aired on 10 March.
On 11 March, Niger Scouts held a day of commemorative activities at the Niamey Scout Centre, chaired by the Minister of Industry and Youth Entrepreneurship, Mrs. Salamatou Gourouza Magagi. Several hundred Scouts gathered to celebrate alongside partners from international and national organisations, youth structures and special guests including His Excellency Mr. Salvador Pinto da França, Ambassador of the Delegation of the European Union to Niger; Deputy Secretary General of the Ministry of Youth and Sports; CNAP Executive Director; Councillors of the Prime Minister; and the Mayor of the Communal District Niamey 2.
"I urge you to continue your actions with the same determination, to make Nigerien youth a model for all young people on the continent.” Ms. Salamatou Gourouza Magagi
Uganda
Scouts in Uganda used the day to challenge all Scouts to innovate for a sustainable future and promoted their Scouts against malaria initiative, which most recently saw Scouts raising awareness about malaria among community members in Lugonjo Village, Entebbe, and distributing insecticide-treated nets to expectant mothers and families with children below five years old.
Scouts across the Region continue to work toward a sustainable future. If you are interested in supporting initiatives in the Africa Scouting region such as Food for Life, International Leadership Training, Ticket To Life, please consider a donation here
Photo credits: Kenya Scouts Association, Association des Scouts du Niger, Uganda Scouts Association, Africa Scout Region