NEWS NFO SCOUTING IN THE ASIA-PACIFIC REGION
APRIL 2019
VOLUME 51, ISSUE NO.4
Cubs enjoy fun-filled Cubboree in Sri Lanka story on page 16
Earth Hour 2019: Scouts working together to protect nature
2
8
Hong Kong celebrates Wood Badge Centenary, opens APR Adults in Scouting Workshop
10
10
Lights spark joy for kids in the South Pacific after Scouts team up with Solar Ambassadors conduct Scouts SolarBuddy Go Solar training for Malaysian Scout Leaders
Malaysia reviews national strategic plan, gears up for change
18
14
Local governments in Nepal send teachers, community leaders to undergo training with Scouts
COVER STORY Hong Kong celebrates Wood Badge Centenary, opens APR Adults
in Scouting Workshop As part of the celebration of the Wood Badge Centenary in the Asia-Pacific Region, the APR Adults in Scouting Workshop kicked off on 21 April 2019 at the Hong Kong Scout Centre in Kowloon, bringing together 44 participants from 15 National Scout Organizations, including one participant from the Israel Boy and Girl Scouts Federation.
2
The opening ceremony was graced by Craig Turpie, Chairperson of the World Scout Committee, along with several members of the Asia-Pacific Regional Scout Committee and the APR Adults in Scouting Sub-Committee. In his message, Turpie emphasised the important role of the adults in Scouting in leader
training. “This year, 2019, marks 100 years of the Wood Badge, an enduring symbol of our Movement’s commitment to ensuring that adults in Scouting are trained to lead and manage, in order to provide quality youth programmes for growing numbers of young people who benefit from the life changing experiences Scouting offers. And whilst it’s right that
we reflect on our rich heritage of shaping leaders, it’s vitally important that we understand that Adults in Scouting is about so much more than adult leader training.” “Your role is a vitally important one. Success in implementing Adults in Scouting is critical to the Mission of Scouting and in our efforts to achieve all that is set out in Vision 2023 – our Strategy for Scouting – which acts as our collective call to action to be better tomorrow than we are today,” he added further. Phyo Thura Win, a young leader from Myanmar Scouts who was just readmitted to the World Organization of the Scout Movement in 2016 said that the workshop has offered him and his NSO an opportunity for growth. “The workshop definitely offers an exciting opportunity for Myan-
mar Scouts. It teaches us how to better implement the World Adults in Scouting Policy and learn from the inspiring practices from other NSOs. I am learning a lot, and with the support from the World Scout Bureau Asia-Pacific Support Centre and other neighbouring NSOs, we can surely implement this in Myanmar.” Aside from host country Hong Kong, participating countries include Australia, Bangladesh, Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Israel, Japan, Macau, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, TGA Scouts of China, and Thailand. The host, the Scout Association of Hong Kong (SAHK), in coordination with the World Scout Bureau Asia-Pacific Support Centre, has pooled its seasoned Leader Trainers, along with
Craig Turpie, Chairperson of the World Scout Committee
overseas resource persons, to handle sessions on the World Adults in Scouting Policy, the newly adopted APR Plan 20182021, WOSM Services, among others. In conjunction with the workshop, a Wood Badge Reunion was also held on April 22 at Tai Tam Scout Centre, gathering more than 200 attendees.
Photos © Scout Association of Hong Kong
3
“...Success in implemen
Mission of Scouting and
in Vision 2023 – our Str
collective call to action
-- Craig Turpie, Chairperson of the World Scout Commit
Photos © Scout Association of Hong Kong
4
nting Adults in Scouting is critical to the
d in our efforts to achieve all that is set out
rategy for Scouting – which acts as our
n to be better tomorrow than we are today.�
ttee
5
2019 marks 100 years of the Wood Badge, an enduring symbol of our commitment to ensuring that adults in Scouting are trained to lead and manage, in order to provide quality youth programmes
Photo Š Scout Association of Hong Kong
7
Maldives hosts Wood Badge Reunion for South Asian countries The Scout Association of Maldives hosted the very first Wood Badge Reunion of the South Asian Association of National Scout Organizations (SAANSO) at Maafushi Island in Male on 26-29 April 2019. The reunion coincides with World Scouting’s celebration of the Wood Badge Centenary, revelling a century of shaping leaders through Scouting. It was attended by about 50 participants from over 10 National Scout Organizations. In his address during the Wood Badge Banquet at Jamaaludhdheen School, President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih of the Republic of Maldives rallied fellow leaders to support the Scout Movement and the programmes of The Scout Association of Maldives. “Enjoying the outdoors as part of living a healthy, active and pos-
Photo © The Scout Association of Maldives
8
itive lifestyle is something that the government encourages, and Scouting offers that opportunity to the young people. Our nation and our communities would be stronger and better when more values and principles of Scouting are present within it. That is why as leaders, we ought to support the programmes of Scouting,” he said. He added further, “The Scout Movement was introduced in Maldives about 60 years ago, and it has highly influenced the development of many Maldivians during their formative years, instilling importance social values in them. We need Scouting in our communities for it is a movement that teaches important values such as to be kind, trustworthy and considerate.” The event is the second major
celebration in the Asia-Pacific Region commemorating the centenary of the Wood Badge across the world. The first one was conducted just few days earlier in Hong Kong for the APR Adults in Scouting Workshop and the APR Wood Badge Reunion. The wood badge remains as an important mechanism to ensure that the standard conduct of Scout trainings throughout the world. Over ten countries participated during the event. They include Bangladesh, TGA Scouts of China, Hong Kong, India, Malaysia, Maldives, Myanmar, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Thailand. It was held in Maafushi Island, one of the most famous inhabited islands in Maldives, a haven for exclusive resorts that caters to a huge number of tourists year on year.
“Our nation and our communities would be stronger and better when more values and principles of Scouting are present within it. That is why as leaders, we ought to support the programmes of Scouting.” -- Hon. Ibrahim Mohamed Solih President of the Republic of Maldives
Hon. Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, President of the Republic of Maldives, addressing the participants. Photo © Office of the President of Maldives
9
PARTNERSHIP STORY With reports from Bernando G. de Leon, National Commissioner for Community-Based Scouting, Boy Scouts of the Philippines
Solar Ambassadors conduct Scouts Go Solar training for Malaysian Scout leaders
10
E
nvironment education has been a key thrust for World Scouting and continues to play an important role in the Scout Movement since it was founded. With most of the Scout programmes and activities focused on environment education and its flagship programmes – World Scout Environment Programme and Scouts Go Solar Programme – Persekutuan Pengakap Malaysia partnered with Solafrica and its pool of solar ambassadors to conduct a Scouts Go Solar Workshop for its key leaders across the country who are directly responsible in implementing the Scout Programme in Malayisa. The PPM Scouts Go Solar Workshop was conducted at the Institut Pendidikan Guru (IPG) Kampus Pulau Pinang in Penang, Malaysia on 23-26 March 2019. About 50 Scout Leaders, mostly national and regional commissioners, participated in the workshop to learn about the Scouts Go Solar Programme.
The workshop trained local leaders about the programme, including the practical applications of solar activities that could be done during Scout activities. It raised awareness about climate change and the sustainable solutions that could be carried out by Scouts, suitable for their age through learning-by-doing activities on renewable energy technology and solar energy. “This is always an exciting opportunity for us, to be able to train other Scout Leaders about the programme, and eventually become part of the team who will be implementing it in Malaysia. This is my contribution to my National Scout Organization (Persekutuan Pengakap Malaysia) for their trust and confidence when they sent me to Switzerland in 2018 to attend the specialised training, the Scouts Go Solar Training,” said Lau Hooi Lyn, course director of the workshop.
“I have always made myself available for these types of opportunity – to be able to pay it forward. In the same manner that I was given the opportunity to be trained and learn how the programme can be implemented to my Scouts, I am also giving my fellow Scout Leaders the opportunity to learn more about the programme and help us implement it down the line.” -- WOSM Solar Ambassador Bernando G. de Leon Boy Scouts of the Philippines
Continued from page 11 The organisers also sought the help of solar ambassadors Bernando G. de Leon and Erwin C. Villanueva of the Boy Scouts of the Philippines. De Leon and Villanueva are among the top implementers of the Scouts Go Solar Programme in the Philippines, responsible for the concept of the Solar Roadshow that has since been replicated in several countries across the world. De Leon said that he continues to be thankful to WOSM, Greenpeace, Solafrica and now to PPM for the opportunity to be of service. “I have always made myself available for these types of opportunity – to be able to pay it forward. In the same manner that I was given the opportunity to be trained and learn how the programme can be implemented to my Scouts, I am also giving my fellow Scout Leaders the opportunity to learn more about the programme and help us implement it down the line.” The Scouts Go Solar (SGS) project is an environmental partnership between the World Organization of the Scout Movement, Greenpeace and Solafrica, a Swiss NGO, working in close collaboration with the Kandersteg International Scout Centre (KISC) in Switzerland.
12
Photo © Edwin Lam Zhen De, Scouts Association of Malaysia
13
A Scout in Malaysia volunteers for his school’s
River Restoration project
Photo © SAM@ALIFF AJWAD BIN MARZUKI International Relations, National Headquarter Office, Scouts Association of Malaysia
14
“As a Scout, I made it my personal mission to care for the environment, to protect it whenever necessary.” -- Sam-Luc Bilodeau, Scout and medical scientist
Thousands of students volunteered to make about 178,900 enzymatic mudballs to aid the river restoration project of a big university in Malaysia. The enzymatic balls, made by hands, will be thrown directly into the now polluted Damansara river located just at the back of the school. The river runs from Sungai Buloh until Shah Alam. Sam-Luc Bilodeau, a Scout from Malaysia and a medical scientist, volunteered for his school’s River Restoration project. The enzymatic mudballs, made out of fruit peels and mud will help the river by decomposing the sludge. The decomposition of the sludge will produce nutrition that will in turn feed the oxygen-increasing phytoplankton. The resulting rise of oxygen in the river will activate the oxidative bacteria, further acceleration the sludge decomposition. All these things made Sam-Luc excited. To him, he was not only making himself productive by volunteering for the project, but he was already contributing to protect and preserve the environment, an ode that he has made as a Scout. “As a Scout, I made it my personal mission to care for the environment, to protect it whenever necessary. Scouting taught me the value of the environment in our daily lives – humanity’s entire life support system depends on the well-being of all the environmental factors,” he explained.
“We were making about 25,000 mudballs a day, and we were targeting for 150,000 mudballs. What made it so exciting was the sheer number of the volunteers. Every day, our numbers continued to increase, and every day, we met new people. And we all had one thing in mind – to make some mudballs, and hopefully help in the restoration of the Damansara river,” Sam-Luc added further. On the fourth day of the project, and a day before throwing all the mudballs into the river, officials from the Malaysia Book of Records came in to inspect the quantity of the mudballs as the organisers also sought to make a record for the largest mudball throwing event. From the targeted 150,000 mudballs, Sam-Luc and the rest of the volunteers managed to make 178,900 mudballs, beating their target by over 28,900 more. Finally, the big day came, and Sam-Luc and the rest of the volunteers threw all 178,900 enzymatic mudballs into the Damansara river. “For every throw I made, I felt like all the pain and tears finally paid off. Hopefully, with this initiative, and after all the research that were conducted by our team, we could slowly restore our river back to the way it was before.” The project sought to contribute towards the realisation of Goal 13 (Climate Action), Goal 14 (Life Below Water and Goal 15 (Life on Land) of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.
15
8,000 Cubs enjoy fun-filled
Cubboree in Sri Lanka Over 8,000 Cubs from Sri Lanka, Maldives and India gathered for the 12th National Cubboree of the Sri Lanka Scout Association held on 6-8 April 2019 in Siyane National College of Education, Veyangoda, Gampha District. The Cubboree is Sri Lanka’s largest gathering for Cub Scouts and is organised once every three years. The theme of the event was “Mother Lanka – Our Heritage.”
Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena personally attended the event during its opening ceremony and highlighted the importance of expanding and introducing Scouting to more young people in the country. “The Scout Movement plays a very important role in building a generation of young people rich in discipline and virtues. That is why there is a growing need to introduce Scouting to more young Sri Lankans, and have at least 25% of our school children join Scouting,” said President Sirisena.
“We are giving special attention to the changes that need to be made in our country’s educational system. We want to prepare our children and build an excellent future for them. That is why we are looking at relevant programmes such as the Scout Movement to help our education experts on this front,” he added further. For the first time, a total of 239 Cub Scouts and leaders from South Asian countries participated the event. The event was also attended by several state officials from the government.
“We want to prepare our children and build an excellent future for them. That is why we are looking at relevant programmes such as the Scout Movement to help our education experts on this front.” -- Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena
Photos © Sri Lanka Scout Association
17
Local governments in Nepal send teachers, community leaders to undergo training with
Scouts
With reports from the National Headquarters of Nepal Scouts
In an interesting development for the Scout Movement in Nepal, local government units in its Province No. 1 sent their respective school teachers and community leaders to attend the 6-day Basic Unit Leader’s Training at Morang District’s Biratnagar from 16 to 21 April 2019. The training was attended by more than 550 teachers, community leaders and Scout leaders coming from all the 14 districts and 138 local
18
governments in the province. There were 18 courses. Nepal Scouts organised such trainings in order to produce a new batch of trained unit leaders in the country. Several discussions with provincial and local governments took place with one goal in mind – to reach out to more young people across the country. For this to be realised, new
Photo Š Nepal Scouts
unit leaders need to be trained about Scouting and the programme that it offers to the young people. The trainings were organised in the premises of a local college with that has the adequate resources to run 18 training courses simultaneously. Nepal’s Ministry of Social Development covered the substantial work to organise the
trainings in the province, along with the Ministry of Youth and Sports. On the other hand, Nepal Scouts gathered its pool of training staff and assigned them their respective courses. There were 80 trained leaders that served throughout the training courses. Chief Minister Sherdhan Rai of Province No. 1 inaugurated the trainings, along with key minis-
19
Photos © Nepal Scouts
ters and members of the provincial parliament. He expressed his support to the Nepal Scouts and to its massive training campaign being conducted throughout the country. “This [training] marks the start of a long and productive partnership of the Provincial Government of No. 1 with the Nepal Scouts. We will make Scouting compulsory in the province, we will empower our teachers and community leaders to better train and prepare our young people for the real world. This is our contribution to the next generation,” he said.
20
During his address, Chief Minister Rai also assured Nepal Scouts that the provincial government will support all Scout activities by way of providing funds and appropriations from the government. At the side-lines of the training courses, an orientation for local stakeholders was also conducted. This included college administrators, school chiefs and owners of private schools. “We thank the Nepal Scouts for introducing
Scouting to us. We will create Scout units in our schools, and we are more than certain that this programme will benefit our students and many other young people,� said Tikaram Puri, founder of a local college in Biratnagar and National President of the Private Schools Association in the province. Nepal Scouts will be conducting similar training courses in all seven provinces in the country as part of its massive training campaign and in order to reach out to more young people.
Nepal Scouts organise such trainings in order to produce a new batch of trained unit leaders in the country.
21
Afghan Scouts visit US embassy in Kabul to promote peace Originally posted on Facebook (U.S. Embassy Kabul - http://bit.ly/2GXydf6) KABUL, Afghanistan – United States Ambassador to Afghanistan John R. Bass received a couple of Scouts from the Afghanistan National Scout Organization who came to visit the US Embassy in Kabul on April 12 to promote peace and to celebrate the support of the United States for the Afghan Scouts. The Scouts planted some seedlings at the Peace Garden with Ambassador Bass, played team-building games, made origami, and had a demonstration by the Embassy’s Fire Department. It was a day full of fun and excitement for everyone involved.
Photos © U.S. Embassy Kabul
22
Photo © Korea Scout Association
Open Call: Applications for the
SAPSC International Volunteer Programme The Suncheon Asia-Pacific Scout Centre (SAPSC) is pleased to announce the open call for the applications for the 2nd Term of its International Volunteer Programme. SAPSC is run in partnership between the Asia-Pacific Region of the World Organization of the Scout Movement,
the Korea Scout Association and its Jeollanam-do Scout Council, and the Government of Suncheon City. It is an educational centre as much as it is a Scouting centre. Volunteers deliver the programmes in the centre, using Scout principles and they provide learning services and opportunities to its visitors and the young people of Korea.
The Suncheon Asia-Pacific Support Centre has been home to volunteers from more than 20 different countries. The application is open to Rover Scouts and Scout Leaders who are skilled, enthusiastic and interested in the Korean culture. The period for the second term is specified below:
Term
2nd Term, SAPSC International Volunteer Programme
Period
Mid-August to Mid-November 2019
Interested parties are requested to apply thru this link <https://goo.gl/mBZv4W> not later than 31 May 2019. You may refer to the documents attached for more details.
“SAPSC is a unique centre that is provides important services to its visitors. We teach kids,
we improve their knowledge, we give them a reason to grow up with a passion for travelling and discovering new cultures, we help them improve their use of the English language, and we have fun with them so that they leave the centre with great memories.”
(Hope, SAPSC volunteer)
23
UPCOMING EVENTS 18th Korean National Rover Moot We are pleased to share with you the invitation from the Korea Scout Association for their upcoming 18th National Rover Moot scheduled on 13-15 August 2019 at Julpo Bay, Mudflat Ecology Park, Buan Country, Jeollabuk-do, South Korea. The Rover Moot will feature various outdoor and indoor adventures, with emphasis on water activities. It will also feature the Korean culture which the participants may learn and enjoy throughout the moot. Applications should be submitted to the National Rover Scout Council thru Ms Lisa Kim <kimy55116@naver.com> and Ms Subin Katherina Park <subni225@gmail.com> not later than 19 July 2019. For more information, you may refer to their event page at https://www.scout.org/ node/528061.
APR Workshop on Good Governance We are pleased to inform you that The General Association of the Scouts of China (TGA Scouts of China) will be hosting the Asia-Pacific Regional Workshop on Good Governance on 21-24 September 2019 at the Chientan Youth Activity Centre in Taipei City. The workshop will gather senior leaders from National Scout Organizations in the Asia-Pacific Region in order to help them better understand the essentials of good governance in Scouting. The workshop will also focus on equipping the participants with the methods, techniques and tools to be able to benchmark all ten (10) dimensions of the Global Support Assessment Tool (GSAT). National Scout Organizations are requested to send their nominations by 30 June 2019. Inquiries and applications may be sent directly to Dr. Ie-Bin Lian, International Commissioner of The General Association of the Scouts of China at scouts@scout.org.tw. For more information, you may refer to their event page at https:// www.scout.org/node/528211.
24
13th Asia-Pacific Regional Scout Moot
We are pleased to share with you the invitation from Scouts Australia for the upcoming 13th Asia-Pacific Regional Scout Moot / 21st Australian Rover Moot scheduled from 30 December 2019 to 10 January 2020 at Canberra, Australia.
to experience local attraction and traditions, as well as core Scouting skills.
The Rover Moot will include a wide and varied programme showcasing the theme “Creating Better Rovers”. The programme will include five days of an expedition phase, as well as seven dats of the participant’s choice of onsite and offsite activities. Activities will provide a chance
Applications are already open and will close on 30 June 2019 for all international participants. For more information, visit the event’s website, www.cbrmoot. scouts.com.au or their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/CBRmoot. You may also get in touch with the Moot Secretariat at info@cbrmoot.scouts.com.au.
24th World Scout Jamboree
22 July - 2 August 2019
The theme for the 24th World Scout Jamboree is Unlock a New World and was developed by the youth bid team, also known as the Dream Team. This theme speaks to the new adventures, cultures, and friendships that will be shared by Scouts from around the world during the 12-day event in North America, a continent often referenced as a “New World.” THE VENUE
The Summit Bechtel Reserve is located in West Virginia, USA, and is comprised of more than 14,000 acres (5,667 ha) of beautiful forested mountains adjacent to more than 70,000 acres (28,328 ha) of national park in the scenic New River Gorge area of West Virginia.
GEAR UP FOR THE WEATHER!
The month of July is characterized by warm weather, with daily high temperatures around 79 degrees F/ 26.1 degrees C and daily low temperatures around 62 degrees F/16.6 degrees C, and moderate to high humidity. The site typically experiences partly cloudy conditions during the month with the possibility of thunderstorms and rainshowers.
25
SCOUTING IN ASIA-PACIFIC
NEWSiNFO EDITORIAL and DESIGN TEAM
J. Rizal C. Pangilinan Regional Director
APRIL WSC and WSF Meeting 4-7 April, Korea
1st Nepal National Rover Moot 31 May - 4 June, Nepal JUNE APR Staff Management Meeting 19-20 June, Philippines
2nd Host Organizing Committee 11 - 1 4 A p r i l , U S A MoP Team Afghanistan Gathering 17-21 April
Luz Taray Director, Communications and Partnerships Theresa E. Quine Assistant, Communications and Partnerships Neil Christian C. Bolandrina Assistant, Communication and Information Services Kenny Ralph S. Fernando Project Officer, Communications COMMUNICATION AND SOCIAL MEDIA CHANNELS
APR Adults in Scouting Workshop 21-24 April, Hong Kong APR Adults in Scouting Sub-Committee Meeting 25 April, Hong Kong APR Scout Bazaar Management Committee 26-28 April, Philippines MAY MoP Thematic Team Meeting 9-12 May, Germany RSC Meeting 25-26 May, Japan APR Scout Foundation Management Committee APR Scout Foundation Fundraising Event 26 May, Japan
APR Good Governance Sub Committee Meeting 20 September, Taipei City APR Workshop on Good Governance 21-24 September, Taipei City
Educational Methods Thematic Team Meeting 10-16 June
OCTOBER APR Consultants Pool Training 8-12 October, Thailand
JULY 24th World Scout Jamboree 22 July-2 August, USA
JOTA/JOTI 18-20 October
AUGUST International Scarf Day 1 August International Youth Day 12 August 23rd European Scout Conference 24-28 August, Croatia
Regional Scout Committee Meeting 18-20 October, Indonesia NOVEMBER World Children’s Day 20 November DECEMBER International Volunteer’s Day 5 December
SEPTEMBER 3rd World Scout Education Congress 29th Arab Scout Regional Conference 7-10 December, Brazil 8-14 September, Egypt World Non-Formal Education International Day of Peace 9-11 December, Brazil 21 September 13th APR Rover Moot/ World Scout Committee Meeting 21st Australian Rover Moot 27-29 September, Egypt 30 Dec-10 Jan 2020, Australia National Youth Involvement Workshop 20-25 September, Pakistan
(+63 2) 818-0984 asia-pacific@scout.org
W
www.scout.org/asia-pacific
@ScoutinginAPR
The APR NewsInfo provides an outlet for great Scout stories, news and updates in the Asia-Pacific Region to be told and shared to the world. Do you have inspiring Scout stories that you want to share? Is your troop doing something to create a better world? Does your Scout project impact the lives of other people? If your answers are yes, we want to publish your story in our monthly newsletter. To submit, simply email your article or your story in word format (.doc or .docx) to aprcomms@scout.org
Get updated with the latest news about Scouting in the Asia-Pacific Region. Click the link below and subscribe to our monthly newsletters:
bit.ly/aprnewsinfosignup