As South Africa commemorated youth standing up for inclusive education, in Scouting we also remember the journey Scouting in South Africa has taken to be one of the oldest and most inclusive youth organisations in the country which continuously addresses the needs of our nation’s youths by using exciting programmes to teach morals, values and life skills. SCOUTS South Africa has over 308 000 girls, boys, young men and women all being prepared to handle life’s twists and curveballs!
“SCOUTS SA is an exciting Movement for all, regardless of race, gender, creed or religion,” explains CEO Milly Siebrits. ”We believe that the future of any county is in its youth and therefore we have a big responsibility to see to it that we inspire them to be the leaders we believe they can be, and that can be done through very sound youth development programmes, moral values, such as the ones that the Scouting Movement offers.”
Scouts in South Africa have a long history of getting involved in the upliftment of communities. The programmes are either offered as extra mural activities in schools or by independent scout groups nationwide. “SCOUTS South Africa recognizes that education is a tool of empowerment for children in our country enabling them to achieve their maximum potential. Our programmes strive to fill the void created between the break-down of family units and overstretched educational structures, she adds”
Gavin Withers Photography
Chief Scout Sibusiso Vilane – first black African man to summit the peaks of the world and the North and South Pole – agrees with this and adds “Through my adventure travels and activities I have met many people and learnt that any type of physical adventure or activity undertaken has the amazing ability to instil a number of attributes, and very important character traits to an individual. Adventure teaches you that for you to succeed in anything, you have got to work hard, be determined, work with people, never give up and keep on trying because you don’t succeed overnight. Success takes a long time, success is about taking risks, breaking out of limiting beliefs and your comfort zones. Adventure does all of this in a practical way and that is what I believe Scouting is about, it’s learning by doing!”
“Central in this adventurous Scouting programme is a continuous transference of values such as honesty, loyalty, responsibility and respect. All activities are aimed at governing individual behaviour and the development of strong leadership skills that will equip members to be of service to others and to their community”, explains SSA CEO Milly Siebrits.
SSA is a member of the World Organisation of Scout Movements, WOSM. The Scout Movement was founded in 1907 by Baden Powell. It has over 40 million members globally in over 200 countries and territories.
More information Natasha Kayle, PR Manager SCOUTS South Africa, pr@scouts.org.za