Upcoming Activities October 11 — United Nations International Day of the Girl 13 — First People’s Day 16 — World Food Day 17 — International Day for the Eradication of Poverty 18 — Divali 20-22 — Basic Outdoor Training (Paxvale) 20-22 — JOTA-JOTI
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My First Indaba By: Krishan Punilal The Annual Leaders’ Indaba was held on the 16th of September 2017 at the National Headquarters, where leaders from across Trinidad and Tobago gathered to discuss the progression of ScoutsTT over the last year, and the way forward for the new Scouting year and beyond. This year’s Indaba focused on several areas. These included a discussion on the past events and activities over the last year, as well as queries concerning moves and events which ScoutsTT has introduced. In looking towards the new Scouting year 2017/18, the calendar of events was presented to the leaders, which allowed for the review of National and District events by leaders. In addition to this, discussions were held on the newly introduced Scouting programs, when leaders were split into different sessions according to their respective sections. One of the last items on the agenda was the discussion of the proposed amendments to the Scout uniform, with a focus being placed on the Youth Council facilitating the opportunity for the young people to be able to decide what they would like to wear. This was something that was notable to me, as giving the scouts this chance allows for the development of leadership skills and the use of critical thinking in presenting a solution, both of which are skills learnt in the scouting. The fact that we, as leaders, can come together and reflect on our experiences, and
discuss how we can better ourselves and the manner in which we do things, is a vital part of being equipped to lead the youth of Trinidad and Tobago. Leaders’ Indaba presents the opportunity for younger leaders, like myself, who are newly-minted in this capacity, to be able to learn from those who have walked this path of leadership before us, and hear their experiences, techniques, and ‘tips’. This isn’t an “Out with the old, in with the new” type of situation but one in which everyone benefits and is able to progressively plan for the future, as we prepare to teach the next generation of scouts. Essentially, this concept reflects the root of Scouting, by ‘being prepared’ for the future. Leaders’ Indaba 2017 was truly a worthy experience which shows the potential and successes of the Scouting Movement in Trinidad and Tobago.