National Scout Organizations review Ticket to life project

At the evaluation and planning workshop of the Asia-Pacific Region's Ticket to Life (TTL) project, which aims to educate street children through Scouting, The Honorable Gopal Man Shakya, Minister of Youth and Sports of Nepal, expressed his appreciation to the work of Scouts and their role in building communities and assured Nepal Scouts of his continued support to Scouting.

On the same occasion, the Asia-Pacific Regional Distinguished Service Award was conferred to Gen Rabi Shum Shere J.B. Rana for his outstanding service both as a soldier and as a Scout with distinction.

In this workshop held from 13th to 16th November 2008 at the Kakani International Training Centre in Nepal, participating country coordinators looked into the progress of their work. More importantly, they shared their assessment on the impact of Scouting on the street children; the remarkable changes in their behavior, and how these changes are affecting their families and immediate communities. A briefing was made on the “rights of the child” and “keeping Scouts safe from harm.”

The workshop, organized by the World Scout Bureau/Asia-Pacific Region, in collaboration with Nepal Scouts, was attended by 32 participants from the eight countries: Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Mongolia, Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines and Sri Lanka.

APR representatives were Regional Director Abdullah Rasheed, Director Syd Castillo, who worked with Srinath TV, Unit Manager of the World Scout Bureau central office on Education for all and spiritual development and Mr Bishow Shrestha who served as the workshop coordinator.

Ticket to Life is being supported by the major contributors such as United States Fund for International Scouting (USFIS), Scout Association of Japan through the World Scout Foundation, Queen Sylvia Fund and the APR Scout Foundation.