APR NewsInfo July-September 2019 issues

NEWS NFO SCOUTING IN THE ASIA-PACIFIC REGION

JULY - SEPTEMBER 2019

VOLUME 51, ISSUES NO. 7-9

Photo © Jean-Pierre Pouteau 2019

story on page 2

Thousands of Scouts from Asia-Pacific attend Jamboree in North America Story on page 2

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10 Brunei hosts diversity and inclusion workshop

Gerakan Pramuka holds learning session series about Scouts for SDGs

23 Scout Daniel: Disability not a deterrent to join Scouting

Photo © Jean-Pierre Pouteau 2019

COVER STORY

Thousands of Scouts from Asia-Pacific attend Jamboree in North America

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Nearly 5,000 Scouts and Leaders from 25 National Scout Organizations in the Asia-Pacific Region participated in the widely successful 24th World Scout Jamboree in North America.

Reserve in West Virginia. Themed “Unlock a New World”, the global event featured 12 days of cultural exchange, camping, adventure, skills building, leadership training and citizenship education.

The 24th World Scout Jamboree was an experience of a lifetime for 45,000 young people from over 150 countries who came together at the Summit Bechtel

The jamboree is the world’s largest outdoor educational youth event held every four years and hosted by different nations and National Scout Organizations. This

year, the jamboree is jointly hosted by the Boy Scouts of America, Scouts Canada and Asociación de Scouts de México.

“Through activities that engage young people in leadership training and dialogue about the peace and sustainability of our planet, the [24th World Scout] Jamboree is enabling young people to become active global citizens who

are creating positive change in communities around the world,” said Ahmad Alhendawi, Secretary General of the World Organization of the Scout Movement.

“This [Jamboree] is a beautiful reminder of how Scouting celebrates diversity and unity – a truly global city that is a perfect example of how the world out there should be,” Alhendawi added.

A wide selection of activities was offered to the Scouts, including a variety of outdoor adventure activities at the Summit Bechtel Reserve, the most advanced

adventure facility for young people in the world. Nearly 50 wild and wonderful adventures were conducted every day such as white-water rafting, zip lining, rock climbing, skateboarding and mountain biking.

Hallmarks of past jamborees were also featured including the Global Development Village (GDV) that provided an interactive spaced designed to raise awareness on global issues and encouraged Scouts to contribute to the world’s largest youth contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals; the Better World Tent

that served as a space were all world programmes, initiatives and call to actions were showcased; Centro Mondial that served as an educational area for Scouts to learn about different faiths, beliefs, technology and essential life skills; and the World Point the participating National Scout Organizations highlighted their cultures and demonstrated the uniqueness of their countries.

This jamboree also recorded the participation of 4,966 Scouts and Leaders from the Asia-Pacific Region, representing 25 of its 28 National Scout Organizations.

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The Scout Association of Japan

sent the biggest delegation from the region with 1,207 Scouts and Leaders. It was followed by TGA Scouts of China with 752, Scouts Australia with 680, Korea Scout Association with 506 and

APR NSOS Scouts Australia Bangladesh Scouts Bhutan Scouts Association Persekutuan Pengakap Negara Brunei Darussalam Cambodia Scouts The General Association of the Scouts of China Fiji Scouts Association Scout Association of Hong Kong The Bharat Scouts & Guides (India) Gerakan Pramuka (Indonesia) Scout Association of Japan Kiribati Scout Association Korea Scout Association The Scout Association of Macau Persekutuan Pengakap Malaysia The Scout Association of Maldives The Scout Association of Mongolia Myanmar Scout Nepal Scouts SCOUTS New Zealand Pakistan Boy Scouts Association The Scout Association of Papua New Guinea Boy Scouts of the Philippines The Singapore Scout Association Sri Lanka Scout Association National Scout Organization of Thailand Uniao Nacional dos Escuteiros de Timor Leste Pathfinder Scouts Vietnam GRAND TOTAL

The Bharat Scouts & Guides with 388.

The newly minted Pathfinder Scouts Vietnam also sent six participants.

Scouts

Adults

Total

524 152 11 0 600 5 158 207 71 996 316 66 6 16 6 33 40 33 13 76 9 80 97 15 5

156 70 3 2 152 1 140 181 11 211 190 72 0 7 0 8 21 28 6 57 4 58 48 4 1

680 222 14 2 752 6 298 388 82 1207 506 138 6 23 6 41 61 61 19 133 13 138 145 19 6

3,535

1,431

4,966

This [Jamboree] is a beautiful reminder of how Scouting celebrates diversity and unity – a truly global city that is a perfect example of how the world out there should be.

“The secret of peace and harmony that you have unlocked here [at the 24th World Scout Jamboree] is not meant for you to retain simply as a memory.

Rather, it is a mission beckoning you to do your part in unlocking the possibility of peace for our entire world moving forward.

Table 1. APR Participation Matrix for the 24th World Scout Jamboree.

Source: Educational Methods Group, World Scout Bureau Asia-Pacific Support Centre

Meanwhile, Persekutuan Pengakapan Negara Brunei Darussalam, Kiribati Scout Association and The Scout Association of Macau did not send any participation for the jamboree.

In his message during the closing show, Ban Ki-moon, former Secretary General of the United Nations

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and a Scout himself, highlighted how the jamboree allowed the Scouts to discover the key to live in peaceful coexistence with others.

Rather, it is a mission beckoning you to do your part in unlocking the possibility of peace for our entire world moving forward.”

“The secret of peace and harmony that you have unlocked here [at the 24th World Scout Jamboree] is not meant for you to retain simply as a memory.

The next World Scout Jamboree will be held in 2023, to be hosted by the Korea Scout Association in Sae Man Geum, Chollabukdo, Republic of Korea.

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Photo © Jean-Pierre Pouteau 2019

There were 3,535 Scouts aged between 14 to 17 years old, and 1,431 Scout Leaders aged 18 and above.

Photo © Persekutuan Pengakapa Malaysia

OUR REGION

Asia-Pacific NSOs commit to continued membership growth Christeen Z Lauron | World Scout Bureau Asia-Pacific Support Centre

The Asia-Pacific Region continues to have the largest membership from among member National Scout Organizations (NSOs) in the World Organization of the Scout Movement (WOSM) with over 31 million members from 28 NSOs. To continuously keep the momentum and ensure that Scouting as a non-formal education is available and accessible to every young people, an Asia-Pacific Regional Growth Seminar was

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held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on 16-20 August 2019.

Newly appointed APR NSO Membership Growth Coordinators were invited to attend the seminar.

For the current triennium, WOSM is focusing on providing greater support to 31 large countries based on its scope and the NSO’s capability for growth. Of the 31 large countries, five are in the Asia-Pacific Region – India, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines and Thailand.

In the first part of the Seminar, key leaders from selected NSOs were invited to share their success stories, the progress made on their current action plan, the challenges that they’ve encountered and the solutions that they’ve employed in achieving their targets.

In his keynote address, Ahmad Alhendawi, Secretary General of WOSM, highlighted how Scouting is helping more young people to become active global citizens. “Scouting

is one of the solutions to the different societal problems that exists. It provides an avenue for young people to learn more not only through books and classrooms, but through people and the environment as well.”

“This gathering is very timely and very relevant since we are aiming to increase Scouting’s membership and increase the impact of Scouting all around the globe. Our movement continues to grow and one of the main contributors to this success is the Asia-Pacific Region. The APR does not only have the largest Scout population, but it also has the largest youth membership around the world,” he stressed further.

For his part, J Rizal C Pangilinan, Regional Director of WOSM’s Asia-Pacific Region shared how the Asia-Pacific Region is working closely with NSOs to contribute to the growth target under WOSM Vision 2023.

“The Asia-Pacific Regional Scout Committee at the Asia-Pacific Support Centre continues to work hand-inhand with all our NSOs in order to ensure continuous growth – we are doing NSO visits from time to time, we are providing our NSOs with in-person support through our colleagues an d volunteers.

By 2020, we hope to welcome Afghanistan as full-fledged member. We have a huge

potential for growth.”

Key leaders from the Asia-Pacific Region were present during the seminar including Vice-Chairman Dr Somboon Bunyasiri and Elston Hynd of the APR Scout Committee, Rajalingam Ramasamy of the APR Strategy and Monitoring Task Force, and Paramasivam Palany of the APR Governance Sub-Committee.

World Scout Committee Vice Chairman Andy Chapman and WOSM Treasurer Joseph Lau were also present during the event.

The seminar was sponsored by the APR Scout Foundation and was hosted by Persekutuan Pengakap Malaysia and its leadership.

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APR Governance Sub-Committee chair raises $100,000 for the homeless Neville Tomkins OAM JP, chairman of the APR Governance Sub-Committee and Chief Commissioner of Scout Australia’s New South Wales Branch, has endured his ninth chilly night sleeping outside for the homeless in the St Vincent de Paul CEO sleepout.

“Neville’s efforts in supporting our community are a clear

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PPM names Mahathir Mohamad ‘President Agung’ Persekutuan Pengakap Malaysia (Scouts Association of Malaysia) proclaimed on Monday, August 19, Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad as its ‘Presiden Agung” (President).

The proclamation was held at the Prime Minister’s Office along with PPM’s senior leadership.

Earlier in June, Neville braved his ninth consecutive St Vincent de Paul CEO sleepout, this time raising over $100,000 for the homeless and vulnerable. In a chilly hanger at Canberra Airport, Neville once again swapped to a cardboard mattress to experience the struggles of those without a proper roof over their head.

Upon reaching the $100,000 milestone, Chief Commissioner of Scouts Australia, Phil Harrison, congratulated Neville on his dedication and commitment to supporting the less fortunate.

OUR NSO

In the same occasion, Chief Scout Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Paduka Dr. Shafie bin Haji Mohd Salleh also presented the ‘Anugerah Bintang Semangat Padi Kelas Pertama (Emas)’ to the prime minister.

The Emas is PPM’s highest distinction for a person’s outstanding contribution to the growth and development of Scouting in Malaysia. It is usually conferred only to national and state leaders.

example of the Scouting values in practice. As Scouts, we’re helping to create a better world. By providing our support to those who struggle to afford rent, food, or access to essential health services, we’re ensuring our least fortunate are not left behind.”

Originally posted on the website of Scouts Australia (http://bit.ly/2xIoSn3)

“Tun M’s appointment [as President] will help us raise the image of Persekutuan Pengakap Malaysia – not only nationally, but also internationally, most especially that the operational headquarters of the World Organization of the Scout Movement (WOSM) has been in Kuala Lumpur for the past five years,” Shafie said in a statement.

J Rizal C Pangilinan, Regional Director of WOSM’s Asia-Pacific Region also lauded PPM over Mahathir’s appointment. “The Asia-Pacific Region is very much delighted with this development. With Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad as PPM’s President, it offers us a perfect opportunity to introduce Scouting to more young people in Malaysia and to effectively bring forth positive change in the community,” he said.

Photo © Persekutuan Pengakap Malaysia

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Brunei hosts diversity and inclusion workshop

In this workshop, we were taught about recognising and respecting individual differences, that we could put aside our differences and that we all have equal opportunities. -- Hana Hj Ralif, Persekutuan Pengakap Negara Brunei Darussalam

Aaron Bryan Lopez | World Scout Bureau Asia-Pacific Support Centre

Photo © Persekutuan Pengakap Negara Brunei Darussalam

Photo © Persekutuan Pengakap Negara Brunei Darussalam

Over forty Scouts gathered in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei Darussalam for a National Diversity and Inclusion Workshopon 8-11 September 2019. The workshop was organised by Persekutuan Pengakap Negara Brunei Darussalam (PPNBD), in partnership with World Scout Bureau Asia-Pacific Support Centre.Key leaders responsibleforthe implementation of Diversity and Inclusion in their respective National Scout Organizations (NSOs)

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attended the workshop to learn more aboutthe principles, contemporary issues, and best practices on Diversity and Inclusion.

The workshop also introduced the HeForShe Action Kitto the participantsand included a tour in Pusat Bahagia,a government welfare institution holding classes for people with special needs.The participants were divided into teams whose team names wereinspired

by people who have worked in promotingof diversity and inclusionin the world. Team names includedKofi Annan, Nelson Mandela, Commander Spock, Mahatma Gandhi, and WOSM Secretary General Ahmad Alhendawi. Resource speakers for the workshop includedWorld Scout Committee member Peter Blatch (Scouts Australia), APR Programme Subcommittee Chairman Cedrick G. Train (Boy Scouts of the Philippines), Vice-Chairman Rio

Ashadi (Gerakan Pramuka), Young Adult Member Chow Yik ManEdwin (Scout Association of Hong Kong), member Mohammad Atiquz Zaman(Bangladesh Scouts) andSyd Castillo of the World Scout Bureau Asia-Pacific Support Centre. Haji Mohamad Paizzal bin Haji Pilukfrom the Community Development Department of Brunei’sMinistry of Culture, Youth and Sports was also invited to serve as resource person.“In this workshop, we

were taught about recognising and respecting individual differences, that we could put asideour differences and that we all have equal opportunities,” said Hana Hj Ralif of Persekutuan Pengakap Negara Brunei Darussalam.On another note, Naval Upadhyaya of Nepal Scoutsshared the situation of diversity and inclusion in his country. “In Nepal, there are certain practices on diversity and inclusion that are not followed and conformed

upon. We still have a long way to go and this workshop has provided me withworking knowledge and ways as to how to spread awareness about diversity and inclusion and how to respond with positive actions.”Diversity and Inclusion is one of the 12services offered by WOSM thatfocuses on respecting and valuing diversity, and making sure that Scouting is inclusive,open and accessible to people from all walks of life.

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Rover Scouts provide assistance to thousands

Aung San Suu Kyi is Myanmar Scout’s new Chief Scout Kaung Myat Htoo and Phyo Thura Win | Myanmar Scout

Sarwar Mohammad Shahriar | National Commissioner for Public Relations, Publications and Marketing, Bangladesh Scouts

In an elaborate ceremony, State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi was installed as the Chief Scout of Myanmar Scout and the Myanmar Girl Guides Association on July 20, Saturday. The ceremony was held at the Diamond Jubilee Hall of Yangon University.

Rover Scouts from different part of Bangladesh are providing assistance to relief efforts and rescue operations for people who have been affected by the recent heavy flooding in Bangladesh. The severe flooding has affected 22 districts in the country, displaced nearly 800,000 and inundated thousands of homes.

The flooding has affected about 2 million people.

Attended by government ministers and other officials, some members of the diplomatic corps, and officials from the Scouts and Guides and thousands of Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, the installation is expected to further drum up support for Scouting in Myanmar.

This came as a result of two weeks of heavy monsoon rains, causing several water dams to spill, road networks to collapse and landslides to occur on the hillside.

In this national emergency, Rovers from Bangladesh Scouts volunteered day in and day out in several locations and action

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“I want to support the Scout Movement in order to help the young people, whose thoughts are still young and pure, to become upright citizens. Through the Scout and Guide trainings, they will personally be benefitting from it, including our environment,” she added further.

Dr. Tin Nyo, Chief Commissioner of the Myanmar Scout said that this moment has been in the books for a time. “The installation of the Chief Scout is the culmination of our long efforts to bring back the Scout Movement in Myanmar since the dissolution of the Union of Burma Boy Scouts in 1964.”

Myanmar was readmitted to the World Organization of the Scout Movement on 11 August 2016 at its 164th member.

Photo © Bangladesh Scouts

“I am so glad to have been appointed as Chief Scout. This is kind of preserving family tradition as my mother was a Chief Commissioner. Since I was young, I became a Scout and participated in many Scout activities. Looking back at my years as a Scout nearly 5 decades ago, I have no regrets as I did well and sincerely. I truly value this Chief Scout post. I wish I can work and participate in all activities of the Scout Movement not only here in the country but also in the world.”

Throughout the flooding, until the waters began to recede, the Scouts were all over the place lending a helping hand to the people in need.

Photo © Myanmar Scout

In her address, Aung San Suu Kyi said that more than maintaining family tradition, her installation as Chief Scout is a proof that her training with the Scouts yielded good results.

centres. Some Scout groups with trainings in swimming and emergency services provided direct assistance in the rescue operations. Others were stationed in relief centres charged with packing relief goods for the victims. There were also other Rover Scouts who were tasked to collect and deliver food, basic clothing and medicines to the evacuation centres. Others went online and started funding and donation campaign to raise funds for the victims, while others helped government workers to repair damaged roads.

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Photo (c) Gerakan Pramuka

Photo © Gerakan Pramuka

Gerakan Pramuka holds learning session series about Scouts for SDGs Berthold Sinaulan | APR Communications and Partnerships Sub-Committee

More than 120 Scouts from all over Jakarta joined the learning session series conducted by Gerakan Pramuka on June 22, 2019. The sessions highlighted Scouts for SDGs and community development projects that directly contribute towards the Sustainable Development Goals.

The participants spent the day discussing and sharing their thoughts on each of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Several resource persons were also invited to facilitate the discussions, among them were Rio Ashadi (Vice-Chairman of the APR Programme Sub-Committee), Riski Dwi Amanda (member of the National Rover Council), Senior Scout Leader Triadi Suparta,

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former National Rover Council Secretary Ahmad Zaki, and National Outstanding Garuda Scout Awardee Pras Permono.

about the SDGs and how to make it personal thru simple acts.”

“This is also about involving young people as decision makers and raising their awareness about the different problems being faced by society,” he added.

Each resource person shared their experiences on Scouting, especially how to prepare and execute meaningful and impactful social service projects and community development initiatives.

When asked what the event is for, organising committee chairman Fakhir Naufal of Kebayoran Baru Sub-District Council said that it is in accordance with Gerakan Pramuka’s commitment to educate young Indonesians about the Sustainable Development Goals.

The first keynote was from Triadi Suparta who shared his experiences in Scouting and its impact to his life. He shared that Scouting, on top of the fun and adventure that it gave him, brought a lot of wonderful opportunities to him and his peers.

Scouting involved them to bring hope and happiness to other people through the services that they’ve conducted.

“This event is specifically designed to discuss Scouting and the Sustainable Developments.

WOSM’s Scouts for SDGs offers the perfect opportunity to teach and education the Scouts

Riski Dwi Amanda talked about the challenges faced by Scouting in Indonesia. The session was particularly important for it gave the participating Scouts a better understanding about Scouting in

Indonesia and an understanding of the society.

“As Scouts, we need to be aware of the situation at home and globally so that we could act on them in our own little way. We need to become part of the solution, and the best way to do that is through Scout projects that benefit other people,” he said.

Another speaker, Rio Ashadi gave an in-depth discussion about the Sustainable Development Goals. The participants were divided into 17 small groups to discuss about the goals and design their own project based on goal.

The last speaker was Ahmad Zaki. He focused on project management skills to ensure that each Scout will be able to design a project with utmost technical feasibility, and eventually execute the project in their own troop.

Each group made a presentation about their discussions. Social media campaign to stop using plastic bottles, plastic bags, and straws as an action to reduce dengue fever outbreak by way of removing or reducing possible breeding grounds of mosquitoes and tree

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Scout Leaders take higher adult leader training in Malaysia

Gerakan Pramuka holds...from page 11

planting activities are examples of small projects that were discussed.

After the discussions, the participants played some games which were designed to find common values and goals, and to learn the importance of collaboration and working together with other Scout groups, councils, or even partnerships with other organisations to make the project happen.

This event was also livened up by Scouting memorabilia exhibitions. Scouts were also allowed to exchange and swap their badges with different Scouts, Scout groups, councils, and even from international events. These exhibitions were prepared by members of Scout Collector Indonesia, Indonesia Scout Journalist, and some individual collectors. The organising committee provided this space to introduce concept of brotherhood and connectivity among Scouts.

Dr Ekbert Yong | National Training Commissioner, Persekutuan Pengakap Malaysia

Photo © Gerakan Pramuka Photo © Persekutuan Pengakap Malaysia

For the first time, Persekutuan Pengakap Malaysia (The Scout Association of Malaysia) conducted a Course for Assistant Leader Trainers using English as the medium of instruction.

We need to be aware of the situation at home and globally so that we could act on them in our own little way. We need to become part of the solution, and the best way to do that is through Scout projects that benefit other people.

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provided opportunities for lively exchanges of views and ideas, further enhancing the participants’ learning.

A total of 58 Scout Leaders from Brunei, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Maldives and Singapore participated in the recently concluded 37th Course for Assistant Leader Trainer (CALT) organised

by Persekutuan Pengakap Malaysia (The Scout Association of Malaysia). The training was conducted at MAHSA International School in Kuala Lumpur on August 17 to 23.

To commemorate the Wood Badge Centenary, an exclusive dinner was organised by the National Training Team during the course. The Chief Scout Commissioner of Malaysia graced the event together with state representatives from all over the country. The night ended with the guests linking arms, singing along to the song they held close to their hearts, the Gilwell Song.

Various interesting sessions were held, with topics ranging from Adult Learning Principles to Safe from Harm. The diversity of the participants from different Scouting backgrounds

After a memorable 7-day course, all the participants departed with everlasting friendships and newfound skills on their path to becoming Adult Leader Trainers.

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Bhutanese Scouts learn basic firefighting techniques

Manfred Lim Fang Ren | Group Scout Leader of Eagle Scout Group

Dorji Wangchuk | Bhutan Scout Association

At the ECO Fest held on 21 July 2019 in Singapore, Scouts shared with visitors how to inject new life to recycled bottles and transform them into beautiful planters.

A special firefighting team from the government of Bhutan demonstrated to 125 Scouts the basic firefighting techniques during the 12th Leadership Camp. Firefighting is just one of the life skills that Scouts learn from well-experienced leaders.

ECO Fest is an initiative organised by students and families residing near the Siglap South Community Centre.

Photo © Singapore Scout Association

Scouts transform recycled bottles into beautiful planters

The event engaged families to play an active role in environment conservation. It started with a panel forum in the morning by environment agencies, advocates and grassroots leaders to increase awareness on environmental issues and how one can play a part to conserve the environment.

Singapore Scout Association received

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This year, out of the 125 Scouts who were selected for this 3-week training, five Scouts will be awarded with a Scout scholarship to study abroad with the help of His Majesty the King.

The scholarship will be based on the merits acquired during leadership training and board exams.

The leadership camp was initiated by the Royal Command in 2013, and around 1,400 Scouts were selected so far.

Photo © Bhutan Scouts Association

Participants were introduced to various interactive booths on how to save the earth.

Venture Scouts from Eagle Scout Group of East area took this opportunity to organize a hands-on session in recycling plastic bottles into bottle planters to grow small plants at home.

His Majesty King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck granted an audience to the Scouts attending the camp opening on 8th July 2019, and said, “You are the future leaders and must ensure our sovereignty, independence, and social harmony at all times. You are our strength and I believe in your confidence and wisdom that you will selflessly serve the Tsa-Wa-Sum

at all cost. Be a custodian of our unique identity, in preserving and promoting our aged-old culture and traditions. Happy Scouting!”

an overwhelming response, and it was a fun bonding time for families.

They brought home their own bottle planters as souvenir.

More than 40 bottles were made during the two-hour workshop and smiles were in abundance as families had fun learning something new from the Venture Scouts.

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Scouts help farmers harvest their crops for free Sarwar Mohammad Shahriar | Bangladesh Scouts

Photo © Bangladesh Scouts

targeting to help at least 11 farmers,” he added further.

The Scout group is composed of about 50 Rover Scouts who all willingly devoted their time to help out the farmers in Phulpur.

One of the farmers, Abu Bakr Siddique, has been suffering from cancer for over two years. “I have been suffering from cancer for two years. I am penniless for the treatment and I have no money to hire people to harvest my crops.”

Siddique is among those who paddy fields were harvested by the Rover Scouts. He sold his harvest at the market which earned him some cash, allowing him to buy medicine for his treatment and medication.

Milon Mia, a Rover Scout who participated in the activity hopes to volunteer is such activities more often. “It is my first time to harvest rice and crops, and the experience was very good. What made the experience more fulfilling is the fact that we were able to help the farmers earn a living, put food into their mouths and allow them to buy the essential things they need,” she narrated.

The initiative gained traction and other volunteers from the public and private sectors also came to help out. The Bangladesh Scouts has since sent more Scouts to help out, including providing the Scout group with some monetary assistance for the initiative.

Rovers help flood victims in northeast of India

A group of Rover Scouts from Bangladesh Scouts’ Helds Open Scout Group in Phulpur, Mymensingh are helping poor farmers harvest crops from their paddy fields at no cost. The activity is part of the group’s social activities.

Helds Open Scout Group is known in the entire region for its community development projects and activities previously conducted. The group is led by Tasafik Haq Nafi. When asked why they selected the farmers in Phulpur as the beneficiaries of their community development activity, Nafi

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stated that the farmers in Phulpur are the most vulnerable.

“These are poor farmers, they till their lands in order to sell the harvest and earn some money. However, they don’t have enough manpower to harvest the crops and the rice.

They also couldn’t afford to hire rice harvesters due to the high wages,” he said.

“It is because of these situations that made our group decide to help these farmers, to cut off the paddy from the lands of the poor farmers; and we do this voluntarily. We’re

Photo © Bharat Scouts & Guides

Rovers in the northeastern part of India have been mobilised to help people affected by flood due to incessant rains since the 14th of July. Some Rovers braved the flood and evacuated residents who were trapped in their houses, others distributed food, clothes, blankets and medicine in different relief camps.

Rovers and Scout leaders continue to collaborate with local government agencies to render different services.

Local reports say that at least 10,000 people of two districts of Tripura were left homeless and are now in relief camps and government buildings.

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Scout Daniel: Disability not a deterrent to join Scouting Jezreel Larry Caunca, Gledie Joy Barad and Ryan Jerome Uganiza | Boy Scouts of the Philippines

Photo © Bhutan Scouts Association

Scouts launch campaign against marijuana Sonam Yangden | Bhutan Scouts Association

Nearly 1,000 Scouts from different schools in Bhutan conducted series of clean-up campaigns to rid their schools of the marijuana plant. The clean-up covers not only the premises of the schools, but also its surroundings and vicinity, ensuring that no marijuana plant will grow or be tendered in the area.

The clean-up campaign started in May 2019 and will continue as the need arises. In Thimphu, Nima High School mobilised 650 Scouts for this campaign and welcomed participation from community members and some police officers. Jigme Namgyel School also did the same for their school with 86 Scouts participating.

In Jakar, 150 Scouts from Gangrithang Primary School, and community-based Scout unit Nachung Scouts banded to ensure that the marijuana plant is not within the sight of students.

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Before the conduct of the clean-up campaigns, the Scouts were brief about the harmful effects of marijuana and tobacco in general, and how Scouts can combat the issues on tobacco use in their own communities and the country at large.

Cannabis, or more commonly known as marijuana is a psychoactive drug from the Cannabis plant used for medical or recreational purposes. Although it naturally grows in abundance in Bhutan due to its climate, smoking it is outlawed.

Despite the complete ban on tobacco sales, tobacco use remains high among young people aged between 13 to 17 years old. The Bhutan Scouts Association wants to curb that out by introducing Scouting to young people, providing them with opportunities to make a good and a productive use of them time.

Since the project began, participating Scout units and their schools were able to surrender about 50 kilograms of marijuana plants to the Bhutanese government.

is a good student. “Daniel is just like any other kid – he’s into sports, he’s doing good in his studies, he plays around with his classmates. If you take a look at them, you wouldn’t really see any difference. He is a student with passion in what he’s doing.”

Daniel, 13, youngest among seven, was born with a lower body disability that affected his physical functioning and mobility. His condition made it difficult for him to walk properly. Despite his condition, he is actively participating in all Scout activities in his school in the town of Bacarra, Ilocos Norte in northern Philippines.

Daniel is currently pursuing his requirements in the progressive scheme of the Boy Scouts of the Philippines.

He wants to be an Eagle Scout one day.

“Daniel is a child that is very persistent in achieving his dreams despite his condition,” says Roy Marquez, Daniel’s Outfit Advisor.

“I do not consider my disability as a deterrent to join Scout activities, or any other physical activities. I also do not consider it as a burden that I have to carry all my life. I am more than contented with what I have, with what I’ve been given, and I make sure to enjoy my life with it,” said Daniel when asked on how he copes in attending Scout activities and programmes.

Photo © Bhupinder Paul Benigno, Ian Frank Mandac

In an effort to clean up their schools from wild grasses and plants, Scouts went on an unusual mission – to uproot marijuana plants around the school premises.

Among the 1,800 Scouts who attended the 72nd Provincial Scout Jamboree of the Boy Scouts of the Philippines’ Ilocos Norte – Laoag City Council in Dingaras, Ilocos Norte, a particular Scout caught the attention of his fellow Scouts – Scout Daniel Dariagan.

He is currently in his sixth grade at San Agustin Elementary School in Bacarra town. He is an active and a bright pupil who likes Sciences and loves playing basketball. He is also good in skateboarding and has some few skateboarding tricks up his sleeves. He also does swimming.

According to Elizza Benigno, Daniel’s classroom adviser, he

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2nd Community-Based Scout Camp 8-14 FEBRUARY 2020

UPCOMING EVENTS

www.cbrmoot.scouts.com.au www.facebook.com/CBRmoot

Sabrang Tourism Park Tekhnaf, Cox’s Bazar Bangladesh

For complete details, click here.

2-8 FEBRUARY 2020

22nd International Adventure Programme

BS&G National Adventure Institute, Pachmarchi, Madhya Pradesh, India

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The International Adventure Programme will be held for seven days, gathering Scouts and Adult Leaders aged between 12 to 45 years old. It will include series of physically challenging and high-adventure activities covering land, sea and air.

For complete details, click here.

For complete details, click here.

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SCOUTING IN ASIA-PACIFIC

NEWSiNFO EDITORIAL and DESIGN TEAM

J. Rizal C. Pangilinan Regional Director

National Strategic Planning Workshop 10-13 January, Afghanistan

Luz Taray Director, Communications and Partnerships

BWF PH Workshop 13-16 January, Philippines Corporate Services Thematic Team meeting 19-23 January, Malaysia

Theresa E. Quine Assistant, Communications and Partnerships

National Strategic Planning Workshop 20-24 January, Bhutan

Neil Christian C. Bolandrina Assistant, Communication and Information Services

FEBRUARY BWF PH-WMR Workshop 7-10 February, Philippines 9th Sharjah Intl Scout Gathering Sharjah 10-19 February, UAE

Kenny Ralph S. Fernando Project Officer, Communications

WOSM Triennium Plan 2020-23 Workshop 14-16 February, Malaysia MoP District Coordinators Workshop 14-18 February, Sri Lanka

COMMUNICATION AND SOCIAL MEDIA CHANNELS

Comms & Partnerships Thematic Team meeting 17-21 February, Malaysia SAPSC Board meeting 18–20 February, Korea

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Founder’s Day 22 February

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JANUARY 13th APR Scout Moot/ 21st Australian Rover Moot 30 Dec-10 January, Australia

Visit to Myanmar 29 Feb-2 March

APRIL SMT Residential Meeting 5-10 April, Malaysia APR Scout Committee meeting 18 April, Rep. of Korea 10th APR Scout Leaders Summit 19-22 April, Rep. of Korea National Youth Involvement Workshop 16-19 April, Pakistan MAY AIS Sub-Committee Meeting 2 May National Adults in Scouting Workshop 3-6 May, Cambodia BSP ANCM 26 – 28 May, Philippines

National Workshop on Youth Involvement / Engagement Indonesia National Safe from Harm Training SEPTEMBER Better World Framework Workshop 7–10 September Maldives International Day of Peace 21 September National Safe from Harm Training OCTOBER APR Scout Committee meeting Bangladesh

JUNE APR Youth Leadership Training Course 1–6 June, Myanmar

JOTA/JOTI 16–18 October

National Workshop on Better World Framework Indonesia

National Youth Involvement Workshop 11–14 June, Bangladesh

National Adults in Scouting Workshop Brunei

2nd EDUFOR 25–28 TGASC CSPSA 26-29 June, Fiji

NOVEMBER World Children’s Day 20 November

ASEAN Jamboree 25–29 November, Singapore

JULY National TTL Workshop 12–15 July, Bangladesh

DECEMBER International Volunteer Day 5 December

National Training System Review Pakistan

6th World Scout Interreligious Symposium 12–15 March, France

AUGUST International Scout Scarf Day 1 August

International Youth Day 12 August

Gerakan Pramuka Day 14 August

World Scout Committee Meeting 27-29 March, Malaysia

14th WSYF, 17-21 August, Egypt

MARCH BWF PH-EMR Workshop 11-14 March, Philippines

42nd WS Conference 24-28 August, Egypt

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.

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