NFO NEWSSCOUTING IN THE ASIA-PACIFIC REGION COVID-19 SPECIAL ISSUE VOLUME 52, MAY 2020

Spirit of In Action Covid-19 Special Issue Featuring the collective services of across Asia-Pacific Region during the COVID-19 pandemic where Scouting spirit shines brighter to cope with unprecedented challenges. A F G H A N I S T A N

Scouts in Afghanistan are closely working with the government to promote health awareness by sewing fabric face masks, doing house-to-house campaign observing social distancing, and disinfecting vehicles. Few weeks back, Scouts collected donations and purchased food and essential items for distribution to 11 families who lost their income due to the lockdown. They prepared food packages to last for a month, including rice, flour, oil, sugar, beans, tea and hygiene kit with soap, hand sanitizer, and face masks.

2 Photo c Afghan Photo c Scouts

3 Chief Commissioner Philip Harrison called on all Scouts to Stay at Home and Safe during the pandemic.

A U S T R A L I A

“Scouting is moving online, provide ongoing social connections, support for possible mental health, useful fun stuff to do. In short, we are still open for business, just in a different way.”

-- Phil Harrison, Chief Commissioner, Scouts

Video link: https://youtu.be/ioxU9m-bq9Q Photo c c Photo Scouts

4 B A N G L A D E S H

Rover Scouts in produced hand sanitizers as a safety measure from the virus. Leaflets in Bengali were produced and distributed to school children and in public places to create awareness.

Photo c

5 B H U T A N Scouts fight COVID-19 – from distributing food to patrolling at night

Scouts in Bhutan help fight the spread of A from Nagor said, “we COVID-19. Some distribute food and health kits. can fulfill the King’s mission and vision, if we make Others volunteer at quarantine facilities and do our community a better place for everyone espe- house-to-house visit. The rest patrol at night. cially to our elders, through our collective small acts of kindness.” Scouts are inspired by the televised speech of King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, King Scout Karma Choden, a nursing student and youth of Bhutan. He said, “with the risks posed by volunteer in a quarantine facility, said “as a Scout coronavirus confounded by the economic uncer- and a nursing student, it is always a pleasure to tainties, the resilience of our people may also contribute to our nation in our small way, and this gradually diminish. Moving forward, it is impera- gives me a feeling of happiness.” tive for the King, government, and the people to join hands and work together so that our people Leaders and Scouts of Thim Throm collaborate are inspired and ready to face this adversity with with local teams to take turns patrolling at night. fearless courage.” To keep Scouting going, Bhutan Scouts launched

Photo c Photo Bhutan Association Scouts Scouts and leaders distributed rice, oil, salt, an online camp with emphasis on learning and sugar and hygiene kit donated by the govern- building Scouting through networking. Online ment to different communities especially the sessions tackle WOSM programmes and feature elderly people. performances by Scouts and . 6 ...as a Scout and a nursing student, it is always a pleasure to contribute to our nation in our small way, and this gives me a feeling of happiness.

-- Scout Karma Choden, nursing student and volunteer at a quarantine centre

7 B R U N E I

Scouts in Brunei Darussalam took the initiative to hand over a donation of BND5,000 (USD3,500+) through the Ministry of Health for the COVID-19 Relief Fund. The donation ceremony was held at the Dewan Al-Afiah of the Ministry of Health, and was received by Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of Health, Haji Khalid bin Haji Azhari, presented by the President of the PPNBD, Awg Haji Matusin bin Orang Kaya Sura Haji Tuba.

With the arrival of Ramadan, Scout leaders prepared a total of 41 food packs and distributed to four districts in the country.

Photo c Persekutuan Pengakap Negara Brunei Darussalam Brunei Negara Pengakap Persekutuan c Photo

8 F I J I

Lautoka Scouters Council distributed relief supplies to villagers as a way of helping families who are running out of food because of the lockdown.

Photo c Fiji Scout Association

9 H O N G K O N G Hong Kong introduces Scout Health Guard

The Scout Association of Hong Kong is one and Well-being” reminding members to of the first associations to encourage its maintain a healthy lifestyle while promot- members to maintain personal hygiene at ing the well-being for people of different all times and to share protective tips with ages. Hong Kong Scouts launched its own family and friends. edition of Special JOTI and those who have completed the tasks as assigned In support of the Sustainable Devel- at home became eligible to one piece opment Goals (SDGs), TSAHK high- of specially designed badge and Health lighted the third goal “Good Health Guard Badge.

10 ...highlighted the third goal “Good Health and Well-being” reminding members to maintain a healthy lifestyle while promoting the well-being for people of different ages.

11 I N D I A India launches virtual National Youth Forum; reaches out to communities

When the government of India declared a “Scouting never stops as you make a way to national lockdown to avoid the further spread get connected with each other. Scouting can of the virus, the Bharat Scouts & Guides always battle even the most challenging situa- found a way to stay connected and spread tion. My friends, we live in unusual time forcing joy and support among its members. Scouts all of us to think of how we do our lives, how are meeting online to lift each other’s spirits we do our business. Countries that have more and keep Scouting going. Scouts and Rovers Scouts, have solid structure are more capable in Karnataka organized a meeting called “On- to fight this virus, and you have done that. You lineScoutMela” and hosted webinar sessions have proven your ability to mobilise Scouts engaging young people with topics #Togeth- and be there for those who are in need and for erAtHome, #ScoutsStayHome, #ScoutsforS- your country as it battles this unusual pandem- DGs and #MessengersofPeace. ic that is really impacting all aspects of life. So on behalf of the 50 million Scouts, I want A virtual National Youth Forum was creat- to salute you all for being good Scouts, good ed for young members of BSG for them to Guides – showing that we are always prepared discuss and express their views on different even if our challenges are very complex,” the issues, as well as to enhance their skills in Secretary General said. decision-making at the institutional level of Scouting and Guiding. He added that the Scout Movement is now very resourceful and innovative. He cited as an During its launch, the Secretary General example the holding of the online – of the World Organization of the Scout the JOTI Special Edition – where it was able to Movement, Ahmad Alhendawi, guested at connect millions of Scouts around the world, the virtual national forum and addressed allowing them to learn about the enormous

the young people of BSG. talents from Scouts. Photo Guides & cScouts Bharat The Photo

12 Even before the government called for the national lockdown, Scouts and Guides of India were actively producing and distributing face masks and hand sanitizers. Others opted to disinfect public places such as schools and railway stations, and do awareness campaigns. During the lockdown, Scouts cooked large amounts of food and distributed meals to people who temporarily lost their livelihood due to the lockdown.

13 I N D O N E S I A

Scout Care disinfects schools, produces ScoutGel

As the coronavirus affects millions of lives, ing activities in Indonesia, instead conduct Gerakan Pramuka (GP) Indonesia adheres to initiatives where Scouts can connect and the government’s lockdown policy and urged interact online. Scout leaders launched all Scouts to stay home. the “Home Scouting” activities encourag- ing Scouts to stay at home and get con- As early as March 2020, GP Chairman and nected through Instagram and Facebook. Chief Commissioner Comm. Gen Police An “internet workshop and seminar” was (Ret.) Budi Waseso requested all provincial also conducted on how to keep safe and

Photo c Gerakan Pramuka Indonesia Pramuka Gerakan c Photo and district headquarters to stop all Scout- healthy during the pandemic.

14 In other areas, trained and properly to the frontliners. equipped Rovers and Senior Scouts, through the Pramuka Peduli or Scouts Care Team, With the help of Scout leaders who are worked with the government to disinfect also religious teachers, mass prayers were schools and public places covering West conducted online. Java to South Sulawesi province. -- Berthold Sinaulan, Member, APR Commu- nications and Partnerships Sub Committee In Banten province, Rovers produced hand Photo (c) Gerakan Pramuka National HQ sanitizers called “ScoutGel” and distributed

15 K O R E A

Rovers in South Seoul Local Council donated face masks to a local community, while Rovers in Pusan Local Council conducted fumigation activities in 13 kindergarten areas. Other Scouts donated 180,000 bottles of drinking water to volunteer venters in collaboration with the Community Chest Fund of Korea. In Taegu, Scouts organised a fundraising activity on 12 March and supplied 13,500 bottles of drinking water to volunteer centres. Scouts of South Kyung-Gi local council also organised fundraising activities from 17 to 24 March. The amount raised – USD 2,500 – was later donated to the Community Chest Fund

of Korea. Photo c Scout Korea c Photo

16 M A C A U

Photo c of Macau

The Scout Association of Macau launched a charity fundraising campaign to support the work being done in mainland China against COVID-19. The NSO made an initial donation of 100,000 Macanese Pataca (USD12,500+) to the fundraising which ended on 30th March 2020. Chairman of the Council Leong Sio Pui said that the fundraising promotes the fine tradition of patriotism and love for country, and encouraged Scouts to participate.

File photo

File photo

17 M A L A Y S I A

Rovers in Malaysia raised funds to produce DIY face shields for frontliners with

the support of government and other NGOs. Photo Photo cMalaysia of Association Scout

18 M A L D I V E S

ht Photo c The Scout Association of Maldives produced posters on preventing COVID-19 through

hand washing and sanitizing, coughing/sneezing, physical and social distancing. S

cout Association of Maldives

19 M O N G O L I A

The Scout Association of Mongolia partnered with UNICEF and the Ministry of Health to raise awareness by posting COVID-19 information in 50,000 companies, shops, hospitals and public areas. Scouts distributed locally-made masks and appreciation

letters to frontliners including medical staff, police officers and emergency workers. Photo Photo cMongolia of Association Scout

20 MM AY LA D N M A R

ht cMyanmar Scout c Photo

Myanmar Scouts promoted online campaigns to stay home. Scouts repacked food supplies and distributed them to different communities in Yangoon.

21 N E P A L

Nepal asks elders to stay home; launch online sessions

When cases of COVID-19 started in , and Lalitpur, where it is customary for the elderly Scouts organized Pandemic Awareness Pre- people to stay outside. paratory Meeting at the national headquarters attended by Rovers and leaders of Kathmandu “It is difficult for us to persuade them not to go Valley. They agreed on how to conduct aware- out because they are used to that routine – go- ness campaigns in communities using proper ing to the temple sites, or just staying outside protective gears. National Coor- their houses while talking to their friends. But dinator Lok Bahadur Bhandari re-echoed the at this challenging time, they have to follow for words “the safety of all Scouts is our utmost their own safety,” Nepal Scouts Director Ram priority, and we take the health, safety and Prasad Bhattarai said. well-being of young people, volunteers and staff, very seriously.” For people who are not earning enough money for the family, Scouts are mobilized to help the Rover Rangers and Scouters, together with government in distributing cooked meals and local government units, doubled their efforts relief packages to them. in convincing people to stay home, especially in traditional cities like Kathmandu, Bhaktapur While the highest priority is the safety of every

22 human being, Nepal Scouts has taken the using hashtags #StayHome #togetherathome Nepal Scouts c Photo initiative to feed the birds and monkeys roaming discussing about WOSM Programmes – Messen- around the cities which are also looking for food gers of Peace, Diversity and Inclusion, HeForShe, particularly in the temple areas. Scouts Go Solar, World SCOUT Environment Pro- gramme, among others. Sessions were facilitated To ensure that Scouting continues, Nepal Scouts by Director Ram Prasad Bhattarai and Leader launched in its Facebook page online sessions Trainer Devraj Ghimire.

23 P A K I S T A N

Rover Scouts in Pakistan support the government in conducting awareness sessions on Basic Protective Measures against the virus by creating a helpline and forming a rescue team to assist in emergency.

Scouts disinfected vehicles and public areas, and distributed food packages.

24 ht cPakistan Boy Scout Association c Photo

25 P H I L I P P I N E S Many ways Filipino Scouts show they care

With the increasing cases of COVID-19 in and sharing. Many are campaigning for protective Metro Manila, Boy Scouts of the Philippines measures such as staying home and observing offered its B-P International Hotel in Manila as proper hygiene. temporary accommodation for health workers who are at the frontline of the coronavirus Others reached out to those directly affected by pandemic. the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) in the island of Luzon. Local Scout Councils packed CNN Philippines reported from a media brief- food, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and ing in mid April that Boy Scouts of the Philip- vitamins, and distributed them to those in need in pines President Roberto Pagdanganan offered their localities. Others gave food to frontliners and the 120-room facility for doctors, nurses and homeless people. In Antique, Scouts helped the health workers from the Philippine General provincial government in building isolation areas. Hospital. Employees of the BSP-HQ devised improvised PPEs such as face shields and face masks, alcohol In different parts of the country, some Scout and water and donated them to hospitals treating groups have their ingenious ways of caring COVID-19 patients.

26 PhotoBoy Scouts of the Philippinesc

27 S I N G A P O R E

Sweet words are good for the soul Truly, Truly, gentle and kind words are sweet as In her Facebook post, President Halimah said that honey and good for the souls. the cards may be a small gesture, “but it speaks volumes about our caring society”. Over 500 heart-warming messages from Scouts and non-Scouts from Bangladesh, China, France, Zachy, a 6-year-old Scout, wrote his thank-you Hong Kong, India, Japan, Macau, Malaysia, note, and added extra care by placing $7 of his Nepal, Sri Lanka, The General Association of the pocket money in the envelope, urging the recipient and the United States sent their to take a break and have a coffee. Small act, but well-wishes to the health workers of . extraordinary. Zachy, was one of the 18,000 Scouts and Girl Guides who took part in the initiative. These messages were printed and presented as hand-made cards to the medical workers of the The idea was initiated by Melinda Murphy Hiem- Singapore General Hospital in a ceremony at- stra, leader of a USA Girl Scouts Overseas (Sin- tended by Singapore President Halimah Yacob. gapore) Troop, Troop 82, who was inspired by the

28 sacrifices being done by the health workers in com- batting the virus. It was picked-up and supported by the Singapore Scout Association, Community Chest and .

The hospital staff received the letters on 1 March 2020 in a small ceremony at the campus overseen by President Halimah Yacob, who had earlier toured the hospital to speak with front-line staff.

Professor Kenneth Kwek, deputy group chief execu- tive of SingHealth (organisational transformation and informatics), and was once a scout, said front-line workers have been very touched by the support they have received from society.

Professor Kwek admitted that the Scout motto of “Be Prepared” is pertinent in this pandemic. “I think to a certain degree, we are all Scouts, because we’re always prepared.”

Moreover, The Singapore Scout Association Chief Commissioner Antong S Rahmat invited Cubs and Scouts to join and inspire others with their stories of #ScoutingFromHome – from doing indoor activi- ties with their family or convening virtually with their peers.

Although Scouts love the outdoors, he believed that Scouting spirit will never wane in being creative, and can explore different ways of learning new skills.

Source: www.straitstimes.com/singapore/scouts-and-guides- pen-letters-of-encouragement-to-healthcare-workers

Photo Singapore Scout The c Association

29 S R I L A N K A

Sri Lanka Scouts introduce “Save Nation – Save Life” campaign

“Save Nation – Save Life” is a national community service project organized by Sri Lanka Scout Asso- ciation (SLSA) in collaboration with the Health Promotion Bureau to increase public awareness on the prevention of COVID-19 disease. In this way, the association takes the leadership to convey important messages to the communities using different modalities to save the nation from current health situation.

Opportunities for Stay Home and Stay Safe activities are varied. Here are some of them:

• COVID-19 Poster Campaign – This is mainly to raise awareness on Different posters were made with the energy consumption and it help of Health Promotion Bureau, World effects on the environment. Health Organization and UNDP Sri Lan- ka which were shared among Scouts to • COVID-19 Chat Bot – Awareness on increase their awareness on COVID-19 COVID-19 situation and prevention is disease. vital for Scouts and the general pub- lic. Thus “Save Nation – Save lives” • WHO Safe Hands Challenge – project aimed to increase awareness SLSA joined Safe Hands Challenge, a among Scouts and their communities campaign launched by the World Health by introducing CHAT BOTs. Organization to increase awareness on proper hand washing to prevent COV- • Myth Busting Challenge – This chal- ID-19 disease. lenge increases awareness on COV- ID-19 disease by sending myth bust- • Earth Hour – 2020 (Raise your voice for ing messages to the general public nature challenge): Together with World through audio-visual media. Wildlife Fund and Earth Hour Sri Lanka, Scouts celebrated Earth Hour- 2020 • JOTI – Special Edition – SLSA joined digitally by organizing a district level the WOSM Special Jamboree On The video story competition “ Raise Your Internet from 3-5 April 2020.

Voice for Nature Challenge”. Photo cAssociation Scout Lanka Sri Photo

30 31 T H A I L A N D

Scouts in Thailand designed, produced, and donated face

masks to prevent the spread of coronavirus. Photo Thailand of cOrganization Scout National Photo

32 T I M O R L E S T E

Photo c Uniao Nacional dos Escuteiros de Timor

Scouts largely participated in disinfecting vehicles and other public places to combat the virus.

33 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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