IN THE ASIA-PACIFIC REGION NFO NEWS JULY - SEPTEMBER 2019 VOLUME 51, ISSUES NO. 7-9 Photo © Jean-Pierre Pouteau 2019

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

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Brunei hosts diversity Gerakan Pramuka holds Daniel: Disability not and inclusion workshop learning session series about a deterrent to join Scouting Scouts for SDGs Photo © Jean-Pierre Pouteau 2019 COVER STORY

are creating positive change in adventure facility for young that served as a space were all communities around the world,” people in the world. Nearly 50 world programmes, initiatives and Thousands of Scouts from Asia-Pacific said Ahmad Alhendawi, Secretary wild and wonderful adventures call to actions were showcased; General of the World Organization were conducted every day such Centro Mondial that served as attend Jamboree in North America of the Scout Movement. as white-water rafting, zip lining, an educational area for Scouts rock climbing, skateboarding and to learn about different faiths, Nearly 5,000 Scouts and Leaders Reserve in West Virginia. Themed year, the jamboree is jointly host- “This [Jamboree] is a beautiful mountain biking. beliefs, technology and essential from 25 National Scout Organi- “Unlock a New World”, the global ed by the Boy Scouts of America, reminder of how Scouting cele- life skills; and the World Point zations in the Asia-Pacific Region event featured 12 days of cultural Scouts Canada and Asociación de brates diversity and unity – a tru- Hallmarks of past were the participating National Scout participated in the widely success- exchange, camping, adventure, Scouts de México. ly global city that is a perfect ex- also featured including the Global Organizations highlighted their ful 24th in skills building, leadership training ample of how the world out there Development Village (GDV) that cultures and demonstrated the North America. and citizenship education. “Through activities that engage should be,” Alhendawi added. provided an interactive spaced uniqueness of their countries. young people in leadership train- designed to raise awareness on The 24th World Scout Jamboree The jamboree is the world’s ing and dialogue about the peace A wide selection of activities was global issues and encouraged This jamboree also recorded the was an experience of a lifetime largest outdoor educational youth and sustainability of our planet, offered to the Scouts, including Scouts to contribute to the world’s participation of 4,966 Scouts for 45,000 young people from event held every four years and the [24th World Scout] Jambo- a variety of outdoor adventure largest youth contribution to and Leaders from the Asia-Pacif- over 150 countries who came hosted by different nations and ree is enabling young people to activities at the Summit Bech- the Sustainable Development ic Region, representing 25 of its together at the Summit Bechtel National Scout Organizations. This become active global citizens who tel Reserve, the most advanced Goals; the Better World Tent 28 National Scout Organizations.

2 3 Photo © Jean-Pierre Pouteau 2019

There were 3,535 Scouts aged sent the biggest delegation from The Bharat Scouts & Guides with This [Jamboree] is a “The secret of peace and har- between 14 to 17 years old, and the region with 1,207 Scouts 388. 1,431 Scout Leaders aged 18 and and Leaders. It was followed by beautiful reminder of mony that you have unlocked above. TGA with 752, The newly minted Pathfinder how Scouting cele- here [at the 24th World Scout Scouts with 680, Korea Scouts also sent six of Japan Scout Association with 506 and participants. brates diversity and Jamboree] is not meant for you unity – a truly global to retain simply as a memory. city that is a perfect Rather, it is a mission beckon- APR NSOS Scouts Adults Total example of how the ing you to do your part in un- world out there should locking the possibility of peace 524 156 680 Scouts 152 70 222 be. for our entire world moving Bhutan Scouts Association 11 3 14 forward. Persekutuan Pengakap Negara Brunei Darussalam - - - Scouts 0 2 2 The General Association of the Scouts of China 600 152 752 Fiji Scouts Association 5 1 6 Scout Association of Hong Kong 158 140 298 The Bharat Scouts & Guides (India) 207 181 388 Gerakan Pramuka (Indonesia) 71 11 82 Scout Association of Japan 996 211 1207 Kiribati Scout Association - - - 316 190 506 The Scout Association of Macau - - - Persekutuan Pengakap Malaysia 66 72 138 The Scout Association of Maldives 6 0 6 The Scout Association of Mongolia 16 7 23 Myanmar Scout 6 0 6 33 8 41 SCOUTS 40 21 61 Pakistan Boy Scouts Association 33 28 61 The Scout Association of Papua New Guinea 13 6 19 Boy Scouts of the Philippines 76 57 133 The Scout Association 9 4 13 Sri Lanka Scout Association 80 58 138 National Scout Organization of 97 48 145 Uniao Nacional dos Escuteiros de Timor Leste 15 4 19 Pathfinder Scouts Vietnam 5 1 6

GRAND TOTAL 3,535 1,431 4,966

Table 1. APR Participation Matrix for the 24th World Scout Jamboree. Source: Educational Methods Group, World Scout Bureau Asia-Pacific Support Centre

Meanwhile, Persekutuan Peng- and a Scout himself, highlighted Rather, it is a mission beckoning akapan Negara Brunei Darus- how the jamboree allowed the you to do your part in unlocking salam, Kiribati Scout Association Scouts to discover the key to live in the possibility of peace for our and The Scout Association of peaceful coexistence with others. entire world moving forward.” Macau did not send any partici- pation for the jamboree. “The secret of peace and har- The next World Scout Jamboree mony that you have unlocked will be held in 2023, to be host- In his message during the closing here [at the 24th World Scout ed by the Korea Scout Associa- show, Ban Ki-moon, former Secre- Jamboree] is not meant for you tion in Sae Man Geum, Chollabu- tary General of the United Nations to retain simply as a memory. kdo, Republic of Korea.

4 5 Photo © Persekutuan Pengakapa Malaysia OUR REGION

Asia-Pacific NSOs commit is one of the solutions to the For his part, J Rizal C potential for growth.” different societal problems Pangilinan, Regional Director Key leaders from the that exists. It provides an of WOSM’s Asia-Pacific Asia-Pacific Region were to continued membership growth avenue for young people to Region shared how the present during the seminar Christeen Z Lauron | World Scout Bureau Asia-Pacific Support Centre learn more not only through Asia-Pacific Region is including Vice-Chairman books and classrooms, but working closely with NSOs Dr Somboon Bunyasiri through people and the envi- to contribute to the growth and Elston Hynd of the The Asia-Pacific Region con- held in Kuala Lumpur, Malay- In the first part of the Semi- ronment as well.” target under WOSM Vision APR Scout Committee, tinues to have the largest sia on 16-20 August 2019. nar, key leaders from 2023. Rajalingam Ramasamy of membership from among Newly appointed APR NSO selected NSOs were invit- “This gathering is very time- the APR Strategy and Moni- member National Scout Membership Growth Coordina- ed to share their success ly and very relevant since “The Asia-Pacific Region- toring Task Force, and Para- Organizations (NSOs) in the tors were invited to attend the stories, the progress made we are aiming to increase al Scout Committee at the masivam Palany of the APR World Organization of the seminar. on their current action plan, Scouting’s membership and Asia-Pacific Support Centre Governance Sub-Committee. Scout Movement (WOSM) the challenges that they’ve increase the impact of Scout- continues to work hand-in- World Scout Committee Vice with over 31 million members For the current triennium, encountered and the solu- ing all around the globe. Our hand with all our NSOs in Chairman Andy Chapman from 28 NSOs. WOSM is focusing on pro- tions that they’ve employed movement continues to grow order to ensure continuous and WOSM Treasurer Joseph viding greater support to 31 in achieving their targets. and one of the main contrib- growth – we are doing NSO Lau were also present during To continuously keep the large countries based on its utors to this success is the visits from time to time, we the event. momentum and ensure that scope and the NSO’s capa- In his keynote address, Ah- Asia-Pacific Region. The APR are providing our NSOs with Scouting as a non-formal bility for growth. Of the 31 mad Alhendawi, Secretary does not only have the largest in-person support through our The seminar was sponsored education is available and large countries, five are in the General of WOSM, highlighted Scout population, but it also colleagues an d volunteers. by the APR Scout Foundation accessible to every young Asia-Pacific Region – India, how Scouting is helping more has the largest youth mem- By 2020, we hope to welcome and was hosted by Perseku- people, an Asia-Pacific Re- Indonesia, Malaysia, the Phil- young people to become ac- bership around the world,” Afghanistan as full-fledged tuan Pengakap Malaysia and gional Growth Seminar was ippines and Thailand. tive global citizens. “Scouting he stressed further. member. We have a huge its leadership.

6 7 APR Governance Sub-Committee OUR NSO chair raises $100,000 for the homeless PPM names Mahathir Mohamad

Neville Tomkins OAM ‘President Agung’ JP, chairman of the APR Governance Sub-Committee and Chief Commissioner Persekutuan Pengakap Malaysia (Scouts of Scout Australia’s Association of Malaysia) proclaimed on Monday, August 19, Prime Minister Tun Branch, has endured Dr Mahathir Mohamad as its ‘Presiden his ninth chilly night Agung” (President). sleeping outside for the homeless in the The proclamation was held at the Prime St Vincent de Paul Minister’s Office along with PPM’s senior CEO sleepout. leadership.

Earlier in June, In the same occasion, Chief Scout Tan Neville braved his Sri Dato’ Seri Paduka Dr. Shafie bin ninth consecutive Haji Mohd Salleh also presented the St Vincent de Paul CEO ‘Anugerah Bintang Semangat Padi Kelas sleepout, this time Pertama (Emas)’ to the prime minister. raising over $100,000 The Emas is PPM’s highest distinction for for the homeless and a person’s outstanding contribution to the vulnerable. In a chilly growth and development of Scouting in hanger at Canberra Malaysia. It is usually conferred only to Airport, Neville once national and state leaders. again swapped to a cardboard mattress “Tun M’s appointment [as President] will to experience the help us raise the image of Persekutuan struggles of those Pengakap Malaysia – not only nationally, without a proper but also internationally, most especially roof over their head. that the operational headquarters of the World Organization of the Scout Movement Upon reaching the (WOSM) has been in Kuala Lumpur for the $100,000 milestone, past five years,” Shafie said in a statement. Chief Commissioner J Rizal C Pangilinan, Regional Director of of Scouts Australia, WOSM’s Asia-Pacific Region also lauded Phil Harrison, congrat- PPM over Mahathir’s appointment. “The ulated Neville on his Asia-Pacific Region is very much delighted dedication and commit- example of the Scouting values in practice. As Scouts, we’re helping to with this development. With Prime Minister ment to supporting create a better world. By providing our support to those who struggle to Mahathir Mohamad as PPM’s President, it the less fortunate. afford rent, food, or access to essential health services, we’re ensuring our offers us a perfect opportunity to introduce least fortunate are not left behind.” Scouting to more young people in Malay- “Neville’s efforts sia and to effectively bring forth positive in supporting our change in the community,” he said. Photo © Persekutuan Pengakap Malaysia community are a clear Originally posted on the website of Scouts Australia (http://bit.ly/2xIoSn3)

8 9 Brunei hosts diversity and inclusion In this workshop, we were taught about recognising and respecting individu- workshop al differences, that we could put aside our differences and that we all have Aaron Bryan Lopez | World Scout Bureau Asia-Pacific Support Centre equal opportunities. -- Hana Hj Ralif, Persekutuan Pengakap Negara Brunei Darussalam Photo © Persekutuan Pengakap Negara Brunei Darussalam Photo © Persekutuan Pengakap Negara Brunei Darussalam

Over forty Scouts gathered attended the workshop to by people who have worked Ashadi (Gerakan Pramuka), were taught about recognis- upon. We still have a long in Bandar Seri Begawan, learn more aboutthe princi- in promotingof diversity and Young Adult Member Chow ing and respecting individual way to go and this workshop Brunei Darussalam for a ples, contemporary issues, inclusionin the world. Team Yik ManEdwin (Scout differences, that we could has provided me withwork- National Diversity and Inclu- and best practices on names includedKofi Annan, Association of Hong Kong), put asideour differences ing knowledge and ways as sion Workshopon 8-11 Sep- Diversity and Inclusion. Nelson Mandela, Commander member Mohammad Atiquz and that we all have equal to how to spread awareness tember 2019. The workshop Spock, Mahatma Gandhi, and Zaman() opportunities,” said Hana Hj about diversity and inclusion was organised by Persekutu- The workshop also intro- WOSM Secretary General andSyd Castillo of the World Ralif of Persekutuan Peng- and how to respond with an Pengakap Negara Brunei duced the HeForShe Action Ahmad Alhendawi. Resource Scout Bureau Asia-Pacif- akap Negara Brunei Darus- positive actions.”Diversity Darussalam (PPNBD), in Kitto the participantsand speakers for the workshop ic Support Centre. Haji salam.On another note, and Inclusion is one of the partnership with World Scout included a tour in Pusat Ba- includedWorld Scout Com- Mohamad Paizzal bin Haji Naval Upadhyaya of Nepal 12services offered by WOSM Bureau Asia-Pacific Support hagia,a government welfare mittee member Peter Blatch Pilukfrom the Community Scoutsshared the situation of thatfocuses on respecting Centre.Key leaders respon- institution holding class- (Scouts Australia), APR Development Department of diversity and inclusion in his and valuing diversity, and sibleforthe implementation es for people with special Programme Subcommittee Brunei’sMinistry of Culture, country. “In Nepal, there are making sure that Scouting is of Diversity and Inclusion needs.The participants were Chairman Cedrick G. Train Youth and Sports was also certain practices on diver- inclusive,open and accessible in their respective National divided into teams whose (Boy Scouts of the Philip- invited to serve as resource sity and inclusion that are to people from all walks of Scout Organizations (NSOs) team names wereinspired pines), Vice-Chairman Rio person.“In this workshop, we not followed and conformed life.

10 11 Aung San Suu Kyi is Myanmar Rover Scouts provide assistance Scout’s new Chief Scout to thousands 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 Rover Scouts from different part of Bangla- centres. Some Scout groups with trainings Suu Kyi was installed as the desh are providing assistance to relief efforts in swimming and emergency services Chief Scout of Myanmar Scout and rescue operations for people who have provided direct assistance in the rescue and the Myanmar been affected by the recent heavy flooding in operations. Others were stationed in relief Association on July 20, Satur- Bangladesh. The severe flooding has affected centres charged with packing relief goods day. The ceremony was held 22 districts in the country, displaced nearly for the victims. There were also other Rover at the Diamond Jubilee Hall of 800,000 and inundated thousands of homes. Scouts who were tasked to collect and Yangon University. The flooding has affected about 2 million deliver food, basic clothing and medicines people. to the evacuation centres. Others went online Attended by government and started funding and donation campaign ministers and other officials, This came as a result of two weeks of heavy to raise funds for the victims, while others some members of the diplo- monsoon rains, causing several water dams helped government workers to repair matic corps, and officials from to spill, road networks to collapse and land- damaged roads. the Scouts and Guides and slides to occur on the hillside. thousands of Boy Scouts and Throughout the flooding, until the waters Girl Scouts, the installation In this national emergency, from began to recede, the Scouts were all over the is expected to further drum Bangladesh Scouts volunteered day in place lending a helping hand to the people in up support for Scouting in and day out in several locations and action need. Myanmar.

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

“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 “I want to support the Scout Movement in order to help the young was young, I became a Scout people, whose thoughts are still young and pure, to become upright and participated in many citizens. Through the Scout and Guide trainings, they will personally Scout activities. Looking back be benefitting from it, including our environment,” she added further. at my years as a Scout nearly Photo © Photo 5 decades ago, I have no Dr. Tin Nyo, Chief Commissioner of the Myanmar Scout said that this regrets as I did well and sin- moment has been in the books for a time. “The installation of the Bangladesh Scouts cerely. I truly value this Chief Chief Scout is the culmination of our long efforts to bring back the Scout post. I wish I can work Scout Movement in Myanmar since the dissolution of the Union of and participate in all activities Burma Boy Scouts in 1964.” of the Scout Movement not only here in the country but Myanmar was readmitted to the World Organization of the Scout also in the world.” Movement on 11 August 2016 at its 164th member.

12 13 Photo (c) Gerakan Pramuka Photo (c) Gerakan

Photo © Gerakan Pramuka

about the SDGs and how to make it personal thru Indonesia and an understanding of the society. simple acts.” Gerakan Pramuka holds “As Scouts, we need to be aware of the situ- “This is also about involving young people as de- ation at home and globally so that we could learning session series about cision makers and raising their awareness about act on them in our own little way. We need to the different problems being faced by society,” he become part of the solution, and the best way added. to do that is through Scout projects that benefit Scouts for SDGs other people,” he said. Each resource person shared their experiences on Berthold Sinaulan | APR Communications and Partnerships Sub-Committee Scouting, especially how to prepare and execute Another speaker, Rio Ashadi gave an in-depth meaningful and impactful social service projects discussion about the Sustainable Development More than 120 Scouts from all over Jakarta joined former National Rover Council Secretary Ahmad and community development initiatives. Goals. The participants were divided into 17 small the learning session series conducted by Gerakan Zaki, and National Outstanding Garuda Scout groups to discuss about the goals and design Pramuka on June 22, 2019. The sessions high- Awardee Pras Permono. The first keynote was from Triadi Suparta who their own project based on goal. lighted Scouts for SDGs and community develop- shared his experiences in Scouting and its impact ment projects that directly contribute towards the When asked what the event is for, organising to his life. He shared that Scouting, on top of the The last speaker was Ahmad Zaki. He focused Sustainable Development Goals. committee chairman Fakhir Naufal of Kebayoran fun and adventure that it gave him, brought a lot on project management skills to ensure that Baru Sub-District Council said that it is in accord- of wonderful opportunities to him and his peers. each Scout will be able to design a project The participants spent the day discussing and ance with Gerakan Pramuka’s commitment to Scouting involved them to bring hope and hap- with utmost technical feasibility, and even- sharing their thoughts on each of the 17 Sus- educate young Indonesians about the Sustainable piness to other people through the services that tually execute the project in their own troop. tainable Development Goals. Several resource Development Goals. they’ve conducted. Each group made a presentation about their persons were also invited to facilitate the discus- discussions. Social media campaign to stop sions, among them were Rio Ashadi (Vice-Chair- “This event is specifically designed to discuss Riski Dwi Amanda talked about the challenges using plastic bottles, plastic bags, and straws man of the APR Programme Sub-Committee), Scouting and the Sustainable Developments. faced by Scouting in Indonesia. The session was as an action to reduce dengue fever out- Riski Dwi Amanda (member of the National Rover WOSM’s Scouts for SDGs offers the perfect particularly important for it gave the participating break by way of removing or reducing possi- Council), Senior Triadi Suparta, opportunity to teach and education the Scouts Scouts a better understanding about Scouting in ble breeding grounds of mosquitoes and tree

14 15 Gerakan Pramuka holds...from page 11

planting activities are examples of small This event was also livened up by Scouting Scout Leaders take higher adult projects that were discussed. memorabilia exhibitions. Scouts were also allowed to exchange and swap their badges leader training in Malaysia After the discussions, the participants played with different Scouts, Scout groups, councils, Dr Ekbert Yong | National Training Commissioner, Persekutuan Pengakap Malaysia some games which were designed to find and even from international events. These common values and goals, and to learn the exhibitions were prepared by members of importance of collaboration and working Scout Collector Indonesia, Indonesia Scout together with other Scout groups, councils, Journalist, and some individual collectors. The or even partnerships with other organisations organising committee provided this space to to make the project happen. introduce concept of brotherhood and connec- tivity among Scouts. Photo © Gerakan Pramuka Gerakan

Photo © Persekutuan Pengakap Malaysia

For the first time, Persekutuan Pengakap provided opportunities for lively exchanges Malaysia (The Scout Association of Malaysia) of views and ideas, further enhancing the conducted a Course for Assistant Leader Train- participants’ learning. ers using English as the medium of instruction. To commemorate the Centenary, A total of 58 Scout Leaders from Brunei, Hong an exclusive dinner was organised by the Kong, Malaysia, Maldives and Singapore partic- National Training Team during the course. The ipated in the recently concluded 37th Course Chief Scout Commissioner of Malaysia graced for Assistant Leader Trainer (CALT) organised the event together with state representatives by Persekutuan Pengakap Malaysia (The Scout from all over the country. The night ended with We need to be aware of the situation at home and globally Association of Malaysia). The training was con- the guests linking arms, singing along to the so that we could act on them in our own little way. We need ducted at MAHSA International School in Kuala song they held close to their hearts, the Gilwell Lumpur on August 17 to 23. Song. to become part of the solution, and the best way to do that is through Scout projects that benefit other people. Various interesting sessions were held, with After a memorable 7-day course, all the topics ranging from Adult Learning Principles participants departed with everlasting to Safe from Harm. The diversity of the par- friendships and newfound skills on their ticipants from different Scouting backgrounds path to becoming Adult Leader Trainers.

16 17 Scouts transform recycled bottles Bhutanese Scouts learn basic into beautiful planters firefighting techniques Manfred Lim Fang Ren | Group Scout Leader of Eagle Dorji Wangchuk | Bhutan Scout Association

At the ECO Fest held A special firefighting team from the govern- at all cost. Be a custodian of our unique iden- on 21 July 2019 in ment of Bhutan demonstrated to 125 Scouts tity, in preserving and promoting our aged-old Singapore, Scouts the basic firefighting techniques during the 12th culture and traditions. Happy Scouting!” shared with visitors Leadership Camp. Firefighting is just one of how to inject new life the life skills that Scouts learn from well-experi- This year, out of the 125 Scouts who were se- to recycled bottles and enced leaders. lected for this 3-week training, five Scouts will transform them into be awarded with a Scout scholarship to study beautiful planters. His Majesty King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wang- abroad with the help of His Majesty the King. chuck granted an audience to the Scouts The scholarship will be based on the merits Singapore Scout Association Singapore ECO Fest is an initiative © attending the camp opening on 8th July 2019, acquired during leadership training and board organised by students Photo Photo and said, “You are the future leaders and must exams. and families residing ensure our sovereignty, independence, and so- near the Siglap South cial harmony at all times. You are our strength The leadership camp was initiated by the Royal Community Centre. and I believe in your confidence and wisdom Command in 2013, and around 1,400 Scouts that you will selflessly serve the Tsa-Wa-Sum were selected so far. The event engaged families to play an active role in environ- ment conservation. It started with a panel forum in the morning by environment agen- cies, advocates and grassroots leaders to increase awareness on environmental issues and how one can play a part to conserve the environment.

Participants were introduced to various interactive booths on Photo

how to save the earth. © Bhutan Scouts Association 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 an overwhelming response, and it was a fun bonding time for families. grow small plants at They brought home their own bottle planters as souvenir. home. More than 40 bottles were made during the two-hour workshop and Singapore Scout smiles were in abundance as families had fun learning something new Association received from the Venture Scouts.

18 19 targeting to help at least 11 farmers,” he Milon Mia, a who participated in added further. the activity hopes to volunteer is such activi- Scouts help farmers harvest their ties more often. “It is my first time to har- The Scout group is composed of about 50 vest rice and crops, and the experience was Rover Scouts who all willingly devoted their very good. What made the experience more crops for free time to help out the farmers in Phulpur. fulfilling is the fact that we were able to help Sarwar Mohammad Shahriar | Bangladesh Scouts One of the farmers, Abu Bakr Siddique, has the farmers earn a living, put food into their been suffering from cancer for over two mouths and allow them to buy the essential years. “I have been suffering from cancer for things they need,” she narrated. two years. I am penniless for the treatment and I have no money to hire people to har- The initiative gained traction and other vest my crops.” volunteers from the public and private sectors also came to help out. The Bang- Photo © Bangladesh Scouts Siddique is among those who paddy fields ladesh Scouts has since sent more Scouts were harvested by the Rover Scouts. He to help out, including providing the Scout sold his harvest at the market which earned group with some monetary assistance for him some cash, allowing him to buy medi- the initiative. cine for his treatment and medication.

Rovers help flood victims in northeast of India

A group of Rover Scouts from Bangladesh stated that the farmers in Phulpur are the Scouts’ Helds Open Scout Group in Phulpur, most vulnerable. are helping poor farmers Photo © Bharat Scouts & Guides harvest crops from their paddy fields at “These are poor farmers, they till their lands no cost. The activity is part of the group’s in order to sell the harvest and earn some social activities. money. However, they don’t have enough Rovers in the northeastern part of India have Rovers and Scout leaders continue to col- manpower to harvest the crops and the rice. been mobilised to help people affected by laborate with local government agencies to Helds Open Scout Group is known in the They also couldn’t afford to hire rice harvest- flood due to incessant rains since the 14th render different services. entire region for its community develop- ers due to the high wages,” he said. of July. Some Rovers braved the flood and ment projects and activities previously evacuated residents who were trapped in Local reports say that at least 10,000 people conducted. The group is led by Tasafik Haq “It is because of these situations that made their houses, others distributed food, clothes, of two districts of Tripura were left homeless Nafi. When asked why they selected the our group decide to help these farmers, to blankets and medicine in different relief and are now in relief camps and government farmers in Phulpur as the beneficiaries of cut off the paddy from the lands of the poor camps. buildings. their community development activity, Nafi farmers; and we do this voluntarily. We’re

20 21 Scout Daniel: Disability not a deterrent to join Scouting

Jezreel Larry Caunca, Gledie Joy Barad and Ryan Jerome Uganiza | Boy Scouts of the Philippines

Among the 1,800 Scouts who is a good student. “Daniel is just like any other kid – attended the 72nd Provincial he’s into sports, he’s doing good in his studies, he plays Scout Jamboree of the Boy around with his classmates. If you take a look at them, Scouts of the Philippines’ Ilocos you wouldn’t really see any difference. He is a student Norte – Laoag City Council in with passion in what he’s doing.” Dingaras, Ilocos Norte, a particu- Photo © Bhutan Scouts Association lar Scout caught the attention of “Daniel is a child that is very persistent in achieving his his fellow Scouts – Scout Daniel dreams despite his condition,” says Roy Marquez, Daniel’s Dariagan. Outfit Advisor.

Daniel, 13, youngest among Daniel is currently pursuing his requirements in the seven, was born with a lower progressive scheme of the Boy Scouts of the Philippines. body disability that affected his He wants to be an Eagle Scout one day. Scouts launch campaign physical functioning and mobili- ty. His condition made it difficult against marijuana for him to walk properly. De- spite his condition, he is actively Sonam Yangden | Bhutan Scouts Association participating in all Scout activi- ties in his school in the town of Bacarra, Ilocos Norte in northern In an effort to clean up their schools from wild Before the conduct of the clean-up campaigns, Philippines. grasses and plants, Scouts went on an unusual the Scouts were brief about the harmful ef- mission – to uproot marijuana plants around fects of marijuana and tobacco in general, and “I do not consider my disabili- Photo the school premises. how Scouts can combat the issues on tobacco ty as a deterrent to join Scout

use in their own communities and the country © activities, or any other physical Bhupinder Paul Benigno, Ian Frank Mandac Nearly 1,000 Scouts from different schools at large. activities. I also do not consid- in Bhutan conducted series of clean-up cam- er it as a burden that I have to paigns to rid their schools of the marijuana Cannabis, or more commonly known as mar- carry all my life. I am more than plant. The clean-up covers not only the prem- ijuana is a psychoactive drug from the Can- contented with what I have, ises of the schools, but also its surroundings nabis plant used for medical or recreational with what I’ve been given, and I and vicinity, ensuring that no marijuana plant purposes. Although it naturally grows in abun- make sure to enjoy my life with will grow or be tendered in the area. dance in Bhutan due to its climate, smoking it it,” said Daniel when asked on is outlawed. how he copes in attending Scout The clean-up campaign started in May 2019 activities and programmes. and will continue as the need arises. In Thim- Despite the complete ban on tobacco sales, phu, Nima High School mobilised 650 Scouts tobacco use remains high among young people He is currently in his sixth grade for this campaign and welcomed participation aged between 13 to 17 years old. The Bhutan at San Agustin Elementary from community members and some police Scouts Association wants to curb that out by School in Bacarra town. He is officers. Jigme Namgyel School also did the introducing Scouting to young people, provid- an active and a bright pupil who same for their school with 86 Scouts partici- ing them with opportunities to make a good likes Sciences and loves play- pating. and a productive use of them time. ing basketball. He is also good in skateboarding and has some In Jakar, 150 Scouts from Gangrithang Primary Since the project began, participating Scout few skateboarding tricks up his School, and community-based Scout unit Na- units and their schools were able to surrender sleeves. He also does swimming. chung Scouts banded to ensure that the mari- about 50 kilograms of marijuana plants to the According to Elizza Benigno, juana plant is not within the sight of students. Bhutanese government. Daniel’s classroom adviser, he

22 23 UPCOMING EVENTS 2nd Community-Based Scout Camp

www.cbrmoot.scouts.com.au 2020

www.facebook.com/CBRmoot 8-14 FEBRUARY 8-14 FEBRUARY

22nd International Sabrang Tourism Park Adventure Programme Tekhnaf, Cox’s Bazar For complete details, click here. Bangladesh 2020 2-8 FEBRUARY 2-8 FEBRUARY

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. BS&G National Adventure Institute, Pachmarchi, For complete details, click here. Madhya Pradesh, India For complete details, click here.

24 25 SCOUTING IN ASIA-PACIFIC NEWSiNFO JANUARY APRIL 42nd WS Conference 13th APR Scout Moot/ SMT Residential Meeting 24-28 August, Egypt EDITORIAL and DESIGN TEAM 21st 5-10 April, Malaysia 30 Dec-10 January, Australia APR Scout Committee meeting National Workshop on Youth 18 April, Rep. of Korea Involvement / Engagement J. Rizal C. Pangilinan National Strategic Planning Indonesia Regional Director Workshop 10th APR Scout Leaders Summit National Safe from Harm Training 10-13 January, Afghanistan 19-22 April, Rep. of Korea SEPTEMBER Luz Taray BWF PH Workshop National Youth Involvement Better World Framework Workshop 13-16 January, Philippines Workshop 7–10 September Director, Communications 16-19 April, Pakistan Maldives and Partnerships Corporate Services Thematic Team meeting MAY International Day of Peace 19-23 January, Malaysia AIS Sub-Committee Meeting 21 September Theresa E. Quine 2 May Assistant, Communications National Strategic Planning National Safe from Harm Training Workshop National Adults in Scouting and Partnerships 20-24 January, Bhutan Workshop OCTOBER 3-6 May, Cambodia APR Scout Committee meeting FEBRUARY Bangladesh Neil Christian C. Bolandrina BWF PH-WMR Workshop BSP ANCM Assistant, Communication 7-10 February, Philippines 26 – 28 May, Philippines JOTA/JOTI and Information Services 16–18 October 9th Sharjah Intl Scout Gathering JUNE Sharjah APR Youth Leadership Training National Workshop on Better Kenny Ralph S. Fernando 10-19 February, UAE Course World Framework 1–6 June, Myanmar Indonesia Project Officer, WOSM Triennium Plan 2020-23 Communications Workshop National Youth Involvement National Adults in Scouting 14-16 February, Malaysia Workshop Workshop 11–14 June, Bangladesh Brunei MoP District Coordinators Workshop 2nd EDUFOR NOVEMBER 14-18 February, Sri Lanka 25–28 World Children’s Day COMMUNICATION AND TGASC 20 November Comms & Partnerships Thematic SOCIAL MEDIA CHANNELS Team meeting CSPSA ASEAN Jamboree 17-21 February, Malaysia 26-29 June, Fiji 25–29 November, Singapore

SAPSC Board meeting JULY DECEMBER (+63 2) 818-0984 18–20 February, Korea National TTL Workshop International Volunteer Day 12–15 July, Bangladesh 5 December Founder’s Day 22 February National Training System Review [email protected] Pakistan Visit to Myanmar 29 Feb-2 March AUGUST www.scout.org/asia-pacific International Scout Scarf Day W MARCH 1 August BWF PH-EMR Workshop 11-14 March, Philippines International Youth Day 12 August 6th World Scout Interreligious Symposium Gerakan Pramuka Day @ScoutinginAPR 12–15 March, France 14 August

World Scout Committee Meeting 14th WSYF, 27-29 March, Malaysia 17-21 August, Egypt

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