Messengers of Peace
ASIA-PACIFIC The Messengers of Peace quarterly newsletter is an initiative of the Asia-Pacific Support Centre of the World Scout Bureau highlighting the project, programmes and activities of National Scout Organizations under the MoP Initiative.
ISSUE NO.30 APRIL-JUNE 2020
Bharat Scouts & Guides: Assistance to cyclone victims story on page 8
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Mongolia: Zero Waste through Scouting
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Brunei Darussalam: Celebrating 6th Anniversary of Scout Tree Planting
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Indonesia: Peace Border Camp
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Mongolia
Zero Waste
through Scouting Since 2019, a group of Mongolian Scouts has
zero-waste lifestyle.
initiated a project called Zero Waste through Scouting in a campaign that encourages every-
The third workshop was organised at the Max-
one, especially young people, to buy and
mall Shopping Centre where five stations were
consume only what they need and to reduce
set up, with each station assigned a specific
and manage their waste. This project targets
area which included waste management, 3Rs
Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 12 to 15.
and choosing zero-waste lifestyle as well as learning by doing on reusing waste. The last
On May 2019, a Zero Waste team consist-
workshop was at the 116th Basic Unit Leader
ing of 22 Coordinators and 13 volunteers
Training where a special program for school
between the ages of 14 to 23 partici-
children was arranged, calling it Zero Waste
pated in seven trainings facilitated by waste management experts
Hero. Around 170 Scouts engaged in the activity.
from a government institution and Non-Government
Temuulen Oyunerdene, a coordinator of the
Organizations. The knowl-
Zero Waste team, shares his experience on
edge gained by partic-
the project: “I have been on the zero-waste
ipants was re-echoed
project for half a year during which I under-
to the communities in
stood that zero waste promotes the reshaping
four workshops having
of resource lifecycles so that all products can
4,400 people.
be reused.
The government
“The main point is: We reduce what we con-
organised the first
sume, reuse as much as possible, send little
workshop at the Ul-
for recycling and compost what we cannot.”
aanbaatar International Marathon thus reaching more than 2,000 people.
The city of Ulaanbaatar sends an average of 1.4 million tons of garbage to the landfill each year. Of 1.4 million tons of waste, 85% are recyclable”, he added.
The second workshop was simultaneous with the Peace Run for the SDGs where the team operated a booth and received more than 1,000 participants who were introduced into the 3Rs (Reduce, Reuse and Recycle) and
For this year, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the training course is postponed. However, the team formed a project online with the support of partners where they engage school children and young adults with different Zero Waste Lifestyle challenges through social media.
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IN FOCUS: MoP Hero 2019
Svitha Kaewploy
Svitha Kaewploy is an active Rover Scout from the National Scout Organization of Thailand. She is currently studying at Panitchayakanrajdamnern Technological College while serving as Advisor to Extraordinary Scout Division and as Chairman of Extraordinary Scout Council of Thailand Class 1.
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Svitha is working on the project Scouts Save the World together with the Extraordinary Scout Division Panitchayakanrajdamnern Technological College and other organizations such as the Office of the Red Cross Youth Scout and Student Affairs, Bangkok Yai District Office, Thai Beverage Public Company Ltd., Bangkok Tree Breeding Centre and selected beneficiary communities.
provide knowledge to Scouts, students, communities and to volunteers on the preservation of natural resources and environment, 2) reduce the impact of waste on the destruction of the environment and 3) increase the green areas in selected communities and encourage them to join the activities on the preservation of natural resources.
The project’s primary objectives are to: 1)
Scouts Save the World project has three focus
areas: Water Conservation, Forest Conservation, and Waste Management. The team is organizing various activities in line with the focus areas such as mangrove forest planting and tree planting for forest conservation. They also organised a river and canal clean-up drive and introduced to the local communities the importance of water conservation and sanitation.
“I have learned that the first thing to do is to set goals. Setting the goal will result in working on something that is bound to be successful. The goal will guide us to find a way in solving the problems we may face, and we can’t do it alone. We need to consult with our teachers, peers and friends as their opinions will help us solve the problems we identified. This world is our home. If we don’t keep and take care of our home, who will do it for us?”
To deepen the knowledge of Scouts involved in the project, they attended the campaign Save the World, Stop Plastic by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment. They initiated a waste management campaign to communities and introduced the proper way of waste segregation on different types of waste such as plastic, steel and glass which can be reused or sold to the waste bank. The proper management of hazardous waste were also introduced to avoid health risks brought by this type of waste.
on the project, “I have learned that the first thing to do is to set goals. Setting the goal will result in working on something that is bound to be successful. The goal will guide us to find a way in solving the problems we may face, and we can’t do it alone. We need to consult with our teachers, peers and friends as their opinions will help us solve the problems we identified.
As a Scout and Messenger of Peace, Svitha shares the lessons she learned while working
This world is our home. If we don’t keep and take care of our home, who will do it for us?”
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Brunei Darussalam Celebrating 6th Anniversary of Scout Tree Planting In celebration of the 6th anniversary of Brunei Scout Tree planting on 1 June 2020, Persekutuan Pengakap Negara Brunei Darussalam (PPNBD) had a tree planting activity at the Belait District, replacing dead trees with Agathis Borneensis, a conifer plant also known as Malayan kuri. The government provided the plants and fertilizer. Since the first tree planting in 2008 during the inauguration of the first environmental camp of the Kelana Scout, there has been a total of 3,230 trees planted which includes Agathis borneensis, Cattleya Corniculata, Dryobalanops rappa and white wood tree.
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PPNBD’s Projek Kasih Lebaran PPNBD initiated a project called Projek Kasih Lebaran aimed to provide help in repairing houses and bridges, and in distributing in-kind donations to selected beneficiaries. The team successfully conducted the project at Belait District through the Welfare and Social Service Section. In a separate project, youth volunteers under the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports collaborated with several government agencies, private sectors and NGOs to organize a clean-up at senior citizens’ homes. The aim is to help maintain the cleanliness of elderly homes.
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Bharat Scouts & Guides Assistance to cyclone victims Members of Madhya Howrah Bayam Samity Scout and Guide Group created a quick response team consisting of Rovers and Adult Leaders to assist affected communities hit by the AMPHAN cyclone last 20 May 2020.
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A total of 26 Scouts volunteered in providing assistance to the 17 families affected by the cyclone. They provided temporary shelters and distributed relief food. In the next couple of days, they assisted the communities in cutting the fallen trees and reinstalling electricity posts.
Bangladesh Scouts Meals Everyday Project The Golden Eagle Open Air Scout Group partnered with the Daily Help Bangladesh on a project called Meals Everyday between 1 April to 31 May 2020. Scouts cooked and prepared protein-rich meals and distributed it every night to people in need all over Dhaka. Despite the lockdown caused by the pandemic, the Scout group made door to door distribution of food in slums and low income communities especially for abandoned sick people, the elderly, pregnant women, the visually impaired and disabled, and marginalized children. MD Bappy who oversees the project explains the objective of the project, “our target beneficiaries are people we knew could not easily access the stimulus packages and palliatives provided by the government. Staying safe and comfortable while quarantined was our major aim for them. Putting a smile on those faces during the pandemic has a huge impact and we do not want to stop there.�
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Indonesia Peace Border Camp Gerakan Pramuka, led by the Messengers of Peace (MoP) National Team, initiated an event titled Indonesia Peace Border Camp (IPBC) 2020 on 22-23 February 2020 at Ranai, Natuna, Indonesia. The team chose Natuna as its location for the project to reach its local young people to support, develop, and strengthen their capacity. A number of issues are faced by the island including problems in education, public facilities, and people empowerment. The island is also troubled by the geopolitical conflict between Indonesia and China. Considering these pressing issues faced by the communities in Natuna, especially the young people, the MoP team aims to create a sustainable impact to these local communities through the IPBC. In collaboration with the
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Natuna Sub-Provincial Headquarters and local governments, 57 young people who are now appointed as MoP Border Coordinators participated in the 4-day event which consists of indoor activities. These include the introduction of Messengers of Peace, how to apply for projects, how to deliver news and information with storytelling skills, Scout-preneurship, and sharing sessions. They also experienced outdoor activities such as MoP modules, charity, re-coloring public facilities, tree planting, among others. After participating in the event, Rover Scout Sri Rejeki Ajeng Sokmawati said, “This is the first time for Rover Scouts in Natuna to have an event like this. This is so different, meaningful and most importantly very inspiring. I will never forget what MoP Indonesia team taught us during the training.�
Stay at Home Online Activities by NSOs The continuous spread of COVID-19 around the world has been putting all the activities into a halt, recognizing the health risk it will bring to every individual. World Organization of the Scout Movement in particular has taken actions to suspend all the activities to mitigate the spread of the virus among all Scouts and volunteers, thereby ensuring that their health, safety and well-being are taken into serious consideration. All the World Scout Bureau offices were also mandated to have work from home arrangements and travel bans in supporting Scout activities to ensure the staff safety. National Scout Organizations also imposed travel bans and suspensions of physical gatherings of Scouting activities to mitigate the risks.
share and inspire other Scouts around the globe. Meetings and trainings were also done online in order to strengthen the capacity of the Scouts when it comes to the different youth programmes.
Learning does not stop for the Scouts despite being confined at home as all the National Scout Organizations and Associations are adapting to the new normal by bringing the #ScoutingFromHome in their Scouting activities. NSOs are adapting in creative ways, taking advantage of opportunities in the digital world.
Some NSOs are also using the digital platform to have campaigns and provide public awareness regarding the COVID-19 pandemic. NSOs are partnering with various organizations and government institutions to provide accurate data and information about the pandemic as well provide preventive measures to remain safe.
The Scouting from home provides a platform for the Scouts to connect and engage with their peers while keeping them occupied and have a continuous learning of new skills. Through various platform such as Facebook, Youtube, Twitter, Instagram and others, the Scouts were able to acquire knowledge and
In the Asia-Pacific Region alone, various webinars and trainings were conducted to engage local Scouts and other Scouts around the globe. There are also activities which are done offline and is share to the platforms to inspire other Scouts. Below are some of the activities done in some of the NSOs:
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Scouts Australia: Kindness to Elderly To celebrate 30 years of Joey Scouts, Scouts Australia initiated the 2020 Joey Scout 30 Hour Challenge where Scouts ages 5 to 7 years old engage with various Scouting and practical activities at home and post it on social media. The Buddha’s Light Scout Group of Scouts Australia has been initiating various activities to engage the Scouts while staying at home. One of the activities is the Kindness to Elderly which aims to build intergenerational connections and ensuring that older people feel connected and loved. The activity also aims to help reduce the anxiety of the elderly while engaging the Scouts on nurturing their kindness and compassion towards the elderly. Source: Buddha’s Light Scout Group - Queensland Facebook page
Myanmar Scouts: Webinar Series Myanmar Scouts initiated a webinar series on 30 May 2020 dealing with various topics such as Mental Health & Coping during COVID-19, Messengers of Peace, Membership Registration, World Scout Jamboree 2019 with Myanmar Contingent, Diversity and Inclusion, Dialogue for Peace Awareness, Scouting in APR, Scouting and peace, and Girls in Scout-
Scout Association of Mongolia: Youth for Clean Air In partnership with UNICEF Mongolia, the Scout Association of Mongolia organized an online meeting titled Youth for Clean Air Network which provided information on the current problems of air pollution and how far the youth network in Mongolia worked to tackle the issue on air pollution.
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Nepal Scouts organized its first digital training on 6 June 2020 participated by over 50 MoP Local Coordinators. The coordinators shared their actions during the COVID-19 pandemic in their respective communities and how Scouts took part. One of the highlights was the shar-
Nepal Scouts: Digital Training
ing of Mr. Rajesh Gainju and his team who served in hospitals to raise awareness since the early period of the pandemic. Participants agreed to continue the virtual meeting on a
What it is about Scouting that gives partici-
monthly basis.
pants Great Resilience?, Special Input Session on Better World Framework & MOP Projects
An online Virtual Youth Forum 2020 was also
and Impact to the Community, Special Input
organized from 15 to 21 June 2020. The youth
Session on Scouts for SDGs, Special Input
forum encouraged the participants to rep-
Session on Youth Program & Implementation,
resent the voices of youth to be taken into
Nepal Scouts Day Special and Scouting in the
consideration in decision-making processes.
Asia Pacific Region. An open forum was also
Recommendations from the forum will be
addressed by Mr Lok Bahadur Bhandari, Na-
used as guidance for the revision of Youth
tional Coordinator and Mr Ram Prasad Bhat-
Programme. Topics during the forum include
tarai, Director of Nepal Scouts.
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The Bharat Scouts & Guides: Online Scout Guide Mela (Fair) The Bharat Scouts & Guides initiated an online project to engage the Scouts while staying at home during the nationwide lockdown imposed in the country because of COVID-19. The project is an Online Scout Guide Mela (Fair) named Sankalp which means an intention by the heart and mind – a solemn vow, determination or will; a one-pointed resolve to focus psychologically and philosophically on a specific goal. The project follows the theme To Create a Better Tomorrow with activities categorized in four groups of challenges. The challenges are grouped as follows: A. Health and Well Being – the challenges are related to creating awareness in the community to combat the COVID-19 which includes preventive measures on the transmis-
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sion of the virus. Challenges - (1) #Reachout (2) #StayatHome (3) #Handwash and (4) #Visibility B. Environment and Sustainability – The challenges encompass the problems in single use plastic and farming at home. Challenges – (1) #HowLongUntilitisGone? (2) #PlasticTideTurnersChallenge (3) #GoGreen and (4) #GoOrganic C. Earth Hour – This challenge is in line with the celebration of the Earth Hour which is on 28 March at 8:30 to 9:30 where Scouts were encouraged to switch off their lights Challenges – (1) #VoiceforthePlanet (2) #VirtualCampfire (3) #GameatNight and (4) #Dinner-in-the-dark D. Digital Scouting Guiding – Scouts participated in various online activities. Challenges – (1) Special JOTI, 3-5 April 2020 (2) #E-Learning (3) #Video Tutorial and (4) #Webinars Many young people participated in the project. With the wide appreciation from Scouts around the country, the NSO awarded 12 participants who were nominated by a panel of judges at national level. The success of the project was also commended by the government administration, the media, WAGGGS and other institutions.
Boy Scouts of the Philippines: E-Scouting Award, Agriculture in the Philippines, The Agricultural Mindset, Crop Production in the Community, Facing Up to the Ecological Crisis: A Reflection and Plastic Tide Turner.
Scouts from the Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu Leaders’ Council consisting of 27 members initiated an online Scouting Facebook page named E-Scouting PH to educate Scouts in using different approaches. Objective of the initiative is to bring Scouting to homes for Scouts to continue learning and enjoy Scouting despite the challenges of the pandemic. E-Scouting PH offered an adaptive way to continue the Scouting activities online through their flagship #ScoutsWebinar. Scouts were engaged with a series of webinars facilitated by experts in each topic. The first webinar was conducted fromt 27 to 30 April 2020 with topics Scouts Well-being In this Time of Crisis, Scout’s Life in Taiwan, Every Scout Deserves a Trained Leader, Community Development Projects: Sustainability and Management, COVID-19 Awareness, Keeping Scouts Safe from Harm and Camp Emergency Management. The second series of webinars was conducted from 15 to 20 May 2020 with the following topics: Messengers of Peace, Psychological First Aid, Scouts of the World Award, Scouts Go Solar, A Medal for Success, Rover Scouting in Singapore, Better World Framework, 12 Habits of Highly Effective Scouts, Life as a COVID-Positive Scouter in an Isolation Center, Youth Spirituality, A Glimpse of Disability Inclusion in Scouting, and Scouting in the Asia-Pacific Region. On the third series of webinars conducted from 1 to 7 June 2020, topics included were World Scout Environment Programme, Hydroponics and Aeroponics, Seed and Sapling Handling, Fundamentals to Vertical Gardening, Turtle Conservation for the Scouts of the World
“Due to these times, Scouting is greatly challenged. However, many Scouts found a way to connect and still improve their life skills. #ScoutsWebinar is one of the many great examples of Scout-Initiated programs that help us, Scouts, connect and learn. Scouts have
adapted amidst this circumstance, proving that Scouting will Never Stop. Together let us Scout On!”, said by Daphne Jaralve. Aside from the educational discussion, E-Scouting PH initiative also encourages the spiritual growth of the Scouts through a live broadcast of evening Scouts Rosary every Friday at 7pm. The Scouts Rosary prays for the frontliners fighting the COVID-19. In addition, an online Angelus is also being broadcast every Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday at 6pm. A virtual camp was also conducted by Marikina Rover Scouts Circle 56 last 15 to 17 May 2020 with the theme Flexibility, Connectivity and Sustainability. Topics discussed were Introduction to SDGs and Take Action, HeforShe, World Scout Environment Programme, Scouts of the World Award, Messengers of Peace, Scouting and Humanitarian Action and Online Safety.
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Scouts New Zealand: Online Programmes Despite not being able to participate in the usual Scouting activities, Scouts were able to complete the online programmes available in the Scouts New Zealand website which allows young people to have a direct access on the Youth Programme using their gadgets. The team in the Atearoa New Zealand National Scout Centre has produced 15 programme drops for the members and 1,300 families participated during the lockdown in the country. The activities were initiated and enjoyed by the members for the last three and a half months and is designed to do from home but can be tailored for face to face meeting nights.
The Singapore Scout Association: Scouting From Home The Singapore Scout Association (SSA) launched the Scouting from Home, encouraging the Cubs and Scouts to do indoor activities with their family and join their Scout peers in learning new things while at home. The initiative also helps Scouts progress towards earning their proficiency badges. Appreciating the spirit of resilience of the Scouts, SSA gave certificates endorsed by Chief Commissioner Antong S. Rahmat for the top ten stories uploaded in Facebook and Instagram. “At first, we were disappointed to know our Scout activities will be suspended during the COVID [pandemic]. However when our Scout Leaders share that we can earn our proficiency badges while at home, that got us so excited! I am thankful to my parents and brothers who are supportive and participated with us to complete the #CookBadge activity.� Says Zechariah Teo, Phoenix Scout Group. (Source: The Singapore Scout Association Facebook page)
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Sri Lanka Scout Association (SLSA) in collaboration with the Health Promotion Bureau organized a public awareness campaign called Save Nation – Save Life which aims to raise awareness on the prevention of COVID-19 health risks while providing various opportunities for the Scouts while staying at home. Some of these activities includes COVID-19 poster campaigns, WHO Safe Hands Challenge, COVID-19 Chat Bot and social media campaigns.
Sri Lanka Scout Association: Save Nation – Save Life
The SLSA Messengers of Peace National Core Team also initiated a 7-day challenge which targeted all levels of Scouting through Facebook. The project was able to reach more than 20 Scouts districts in the country as well as Scouts abroad. Scouts who have completed the 7-day challenge were awarded with e-certificates from SLSA. More than 1,500 Scouts participated in the activities which started from 1-7 May 2020. The 7-day challenge activities are: (1) Read selected Campfire Yarns of “Scouting for Boys” & recall your unforgettable Scouting memories, (2) Plant a Tree in your garden & contribute to create a green world, (3) Prepare lunch with your family and have a nice family time, (4) Listen to Scouting Songs and share them with your friends, (5) Watch some Scouting movies and have a novel experience, (6) Involve in good deeds throughout the day share your experience with Scout friends and (7) Celebrate Vesak festival in a meaningful way with advanced technology. SLSA has also conducted a webinar series showcasing the Programmes under the Better World Framework. The webinar was moderated by Mr. Janaprith Fernando, World Scout Committee Member and Deputy Chief Commissioner of SLSA, and facilitated by Dr. Asanka Eriyawa, Assistant Headquarters Commissioner. Resource Persons who are experts in the Programmes Scouts4SDGs, Messengers of Peace, Scout Donation Platform, World Scout Environment Programme, Scouts Go Solar, Diversity and Inclusion in Scouting and HeForShe, Dialogue for Peace, Scouts of the World Award and Safe from Harm were invited. The webinar series were able to reach more than 1,500 people. To view the Facebook lives of the webinar, the following URLs will direct you to each programme’s discussion: 1. Scouts4SDGs 2. Messengers of Peace
3. 4. 5. 6. 7.
Scout Donation Platform World Scout Environment Programme Scouts Go Solar Diversity and Inclusion in Scouting and HeForShe Dialogue for Peace
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Scouts action
to COVID-19 pandemic
PATHFINDER SCOUTS VIETNAM By Le Ahn Tuan Vietnam is assessed as a country with an effective anti-COVID-19 record with low virus-infected cases and no deaths. Thanks be to God, there was no case of COVID-19 infection recorded among Scout units and their families. In addition, Pathfinder Scouts Vietnam (PSV) has taken actions not only to protect Scout members and units but also to support the community in minimizing difficulties and challenges in a period of social isolation.
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Upon receiving government’s warnings about the COVID-19 pandemic, PSV took the initiative to suspend activities and promote widely the precautionary measures such as keeping social distance for the Scout units and members. Despite the interruption of activities, some Scout units created their own local activities. Other Scouts carried out communication drives to raise public awareness and minimise community infection. PSV has organized online conferences, distance training and creative ways to communicate such as singing through video, social media, joining JOTA-JOTI activities, drawing pictures at home, etc. At the same time, some Scouting units made donations of food, medical supplies (masks, handwash, rubber gloves) and other necessities for the poor and needy people who were directly impacted by the pandemic. During the emergency, Scout members who are doctors and medical staff helped treat patients in hospitals and quarantine areas as well as in healthcare facilities. After several days without new cases of infection, the social isolation order was lifted and socio-economic activities returned. We are gradually recovering and the whole country entered the post-COVID-19 period as a “new normal� phase. During this period, many Scout units gradually returned to normal activities but still have to guard against the possibility of the coronavirus resurging. Large camps and training sessions remain limited until the regions are truly free from the potential threat of the virus. Although the COVID-19 pandemic is a major challenge for Scouting around the world, the spirit and willingness to help others at any time is a concept of the Messenger of Peace where Scouts create useful and safe activities for their communities.
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GERAKAN PRAMUKA
By Ms Nauli Fitria Dhamayanthie
When the COVID-19 pandemic started in
COVID-19 impacted almost all sectors across
Indonesia, we immediately participated in
Indonesia once the outbreak spread, forcing
the fight against the virus, distributing hand
some employees to work from home while
sanitizers and masks to the communities. With
others became unemployed. Many people,
more than a thousand cases, Scouts assisted
especially the poor and informal workers, are
the disinfection team to sanitize public plac-
worried not only of the disease but of starva-
es, such as NSO Headquarters, schools, and
tion.
houses of worship. To date, more than 4,000
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Scouts are actively assisting the government
In support of government efforts, Gerakan
in the fight against the virus.
Pramuka started an initiative to distribute food
packages to frontliners and informal workers
audiences across Indonesia.
and, for in a sustainable way, Scouts do home gardening and farming. This way, Scouts are
Through online media, we encourage young
active and productive while staying at home.
people to be productive while staying at home. Some of them are creating projects, and a good
During the COVID-19 pandemic, we learned
example is the “Coffee for Peace� where an MoP
a lot, find something new to do. We became
volunteer makes bracelets out of expired coffee
more aware of our hygiene and health. We
beans, a creation that is eco-friendly and zero
keep promoting good actions through online
waste. He sells the bracelets and donates the
meetings, an effective way to reach large
money to frontliners.
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PERSEKUTUAN PENGAKAP NEGARA BRUNEI DARUSSALAM
By Ms Liyana binti Salleh Brunei recorded its first case of COVID-19 infection in late March 2020. The Ministry of Education ordered all schools and higher education institutes to close. This action indirectly affected usual daily activities, including our NSO. Upon the declaration of the pandemic in our country, our NSO immediately stopped and postponed all forms of activities that involve young Scouts at all levels until further notice. As most of the Scouts are school based, all activities from Cub Scouts to Junior Scouts are also postponed. Adult leaders and Rover Scouts, however, may continue activities by following the standard guidelines set by the Ministry of Health. During the early days of the pandemic, adult Scouts assisted in logistics under the Ministry of Health to allocate donated packages to frontliners. Most Scouting activities remained inactive, except for few activities such as online quizzes. Three weeks ago, Brunei recorded zero cases of infection for 28 days and mosques
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were opened to the public for the first time. Some Rovers and adult Scout leaders volunteered in temperature checking at mosques as well as giving away hand sanitizers. We slowly started to resume our usual routine activities and, on 1 June 2020, PPNBD celebrated its tree planting day (still abiding the rules set by the Ministry of Health). As most of the reported cases in the country are asymptomatic, the Ministry of Health stated we still need to practice social distancing and strictly keep our personal hygiene even when all the rules are being lifted. This impacts our NSO because in Scouting we normally do camps and social gatherings; this new normal impacts how we usually do our activities. I believe as a Scout, it is part of our duty to be responsible citizens, to listen and follow whatever guidelines are required by the government to keep ourselves safe and everyone around us, too. This includes postponing many outdoor activities this year.
Small Acts of kindness Although Brunei never underwent any lockdown unlike other countries around the world, by listening and adhering to the guidelines set by the government we are actually doing acts of kindness to our healthcare system.
project during Ramadhan, our Rover crew helped food sponsors to give away food to the needy, in addition to the adult leaders who supported the logistic work under the Ministry of Health.
How? By staying at home, we actually can help minimise spreading the virus. Less spread mean less infection and less cases, in turn, leads to lessen the burden to our healthcare system especially to medical staff. During the pandemic, much attention is focused on combating and containing the viral spread. Hence, many daily operations were affected. The commonly affected groups are those who live in rural areas and unemployed families who receive daily support from the government.
Social distancing is observed in all places. The most effective method is staying at home. Of course, Scouting is all about adventure, friends, gatherings but we cannot do all of them now for the safety of everyone around us.
Volunteerism makes a lot of difference. Volunteers from all over the country were called to help and support. It can be a simple task such as ushering at the hospital or as brave as being frontliners to help the medical staff. Small acts of kindness work wonders. Many donors in our country are giving endless support to the government in monetary form or in-kind donations. As part of our MoP
PPNBD, in collaboration with extra-curricular education department of the Ministry of Education, has recently launched a badge challenge for Junior Scout and venture Scout levels. In addition, our national level also launched an e-quiz targeting young Scout leaders as well as adult leaders. Even though, we are not frontline heroes, we are actually helping our heroes out there by staying at home. By protecting ourselves, we are also protecting them. By breaking the chain of infection, it leads to having fewer sick people and less burden to our healthcare system. Just with our small actions, many lives can be saved.
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BANGLADESH SCOUTS
By Jubair Eusuf From early January to March 2020, Scouts are building social awareness in the country by distributing millions of handbills and leaflets on COVID-19. After having the first patient of COVID-19 last March, Scouts were instructed to stay at home through the Stay Home Be Safe campaign. Through this programme, Scouts spread messages on how to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Bangladesh Scouts rapidly started some virtual online programs such as online troop meeting, pack meeting, crew meeting, skill-based activities, painting, book reading, competitions, etc. Bangladesh Scouts also took initiatives in collaboration with organizations like UNICEF, national media, UNDP and Bangladesh Computer Council (BCC) in organizing various online activities which can help Scouts to stay at home. Different kinds of online training activities
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were encouraged by Bangladesh Scouts to the Rover Scouts, to make them skilled and prepare them for upcoming services. Bangladesh Scouts set-up a CORONO Coordination Cell (CCC) for monitoring activities throughout the country. Scouts help the Government of Bangladesh in online help center facility, Live Doctor Consultation facility, Bangladesh challenge/ Google mapping activity, among others. We are doing many virtual activities but Scouting is outing so we are looking forward to the end of this situation, waiting for the day when we can again move around freely and doing Scouting activities like camping. We learn that every situation is an opportunity. If we don’t face this situation, we cannot learn so many things that may help alleviate our future.
SCOUTING NEW ZEALAND
Despite not being able to participate in the usual Scouting activities, Scouts were able to complete the online programmes available in the Scouts New Zealand website which allows young people to have a direct access on the Youth Programme using their gadgets.
Scouting From Home Programme Drop 6
The team in the Atearoa New Zealand National Scout Centre has produced 15 programme drops for the members and 1300 families participated during the lockdown in the country. The activities were initiated and enjoyed by the members for the last 3 and half months and is designed to do from home but can be tailored for face to face meeting nights.
Scouting From Home Programme Drop 11
Scouting From Home Programme Drop 1 Scouting From Home Programme Drop 2 Scouting From Home Programme Drop 3 Scouting From Home Programme Drop 4 Scouting From Home Programme Drop 5
Scouting From Home Programme Drop 7 Scouting From Home Programme Drop 8 Scouting From Home Programme Drop 9 Scouting From Home Programme Drop 10 Scouting From Home Programme Drop 12 Scouting From Home Programme Drop 13 Scouting From Home Programme Drop 14 Scouting From Home Programme Drop 15 The NSO supported the adult leaders to transition to online Scouting focusing on maintaining the community, connection and consistency during the imposition of lockdown. Salesforce were also deployed in order to create a child safe online platform aligned to the strategic plan and Scout Method.
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Monthly Statistics This monthly statistical report shows the current progress of National Scout Organizations in the implementation of the Messengers of Peace Programme through the data populated at WOSM’s Global Network of Service – www.scout.org. The results are primarily made on the basis of [a] the number of users registered, [b] the number of actual service hours rendered, and [c] the total number of projects posted.
APRIL 2020 TOP 10 NSOs (scout.org users) India 56,088 Indonesia 39,224 Philippines 22,682 Malaysia 17,149 Bangladesh 15,350 Bhutan 8,782 Australia 6,307 Pakistan 5,826 Thailand 4,764 Hong Kong 4,056
TOP 10 NSOs (projects)
TOP 10 NSOs (service hours)
India 17,438 Malaysia 13,450 Bhutan 8,787 Thailand 6,178 Bangladesh 3,375 Philippines 2,850 Indonesia 1,243 Fiji 820 Pakistan 731 Nepal 491
Philippines 550,698,051 Bangladesh 248,161,767 Fiji 143,886,840 India 89,398,671 Malaysia 69,567,386 Bhutan 42,295,945 Thailand 14,514,466 Nepal 13,993,515 Indonesia 6,759,943 Sri Lanka 3,878,979
MAY 2020 TOP 10 NSOs (scout.org users) India 57,962 Indonesia 39,304 Philippines 22,775 Malaysia 17,243 Bangladesh 15,529 Bhutan 8,857 Australia 6,339 Thailand 5,930 Pakistan 5,899 Hong Kong 4,074
TOP 10 NSOs (projects)
TOP 10 NSOs (service hours)
India 19,773 Malaysia 13,465 Bhutan 8,905 Thailand 6,502 Bangladesh 4,181 Philippines 2,854 Indonesia 1,244 Pakistan 823 Fiji 821 Nepal 491
Philippines 550,744,871 Bangladesh 259,948,440 Fiji 143,886,888 India 90,445,874 Malaysia 69,733,047 Bhutan 42,944,516 Thailand 14,581,132 Nepal 13,993,515 Indonesia 6,760,043 Sri Lanka 3,884,721
JUNE 2020 TOP 10 NSOs (scout.org users) India 58,560 Indonesia 39,264 Philippines 22,881 Malaysia 17,268 Bangladesh 15,636 Bhutan 8,924 Australia 6,392 Pakistan 6,034 Thailand 5,947 Hong Kong 4,112
TOP 10 NSOs (projects)
TOP 10 NSOs (service hours)
India 20,431 Malaysia 13,439 Bhutan 9,113 Thailand 6,724 Bangladesh 4,332 Philippines 2,867 Indonesia 1,244 Pakistan 838 Fiji 821 Nepal 494
Philippines 550,755,096 Bangladesh 261,364,514 Fiji 143,886,888 India 90,628,290 Malaysia 69,720,197 Bhutan 43,160,318 Thailand 14,618,417 Nepal 14,000,289 Indonesia 6,760,043 Sri Lanka 3,886,221
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