2009

NAIROBI – The 2nd Africa Scout Summit ended in the evening of 20th April 2009, during a convivial and colourful closing ceremony. 119 people attended the meeting and all African NSOs (National Scout Organizations) but one were represented.

NAIROBI, 15 April 2009 – Members of the Africa Regional Scout Committee are in Nairobi, Kenya for the 2nd Africa Scout Summit that will be held at the KCB Leadership Centre in Nairobi from 16 to 20 april 2009. The Summit will bring together two key leaders from each of the NSOs in the Region, plus NGOs and partners. The new WOSM’s Secretary General Mr. Luc Panissod and WOSM’s Desk Officer for Africa, Ms. Anne Whiteford will offer support to the event.

The Bénin Scout Association (Scoutisme Béninois) will hold an international jamboree under the banner “Together: Unity, Solidarity and Peace”. The event will be held from 25th July to 3rd August 2009 in Bohicon, Bénin.

On Friday 13 March 2009, under the banner, “Our Africa, Our Environment: Scouts Care”, the Scout fraternity commemorated Africa Scout Day with pomp. In Nairobi, where the regional office (ARO) is headquartered, that occasion was marked with an environmental walk, donation of Scout uniform and the planting of 100 trees. ARO staffs were involved in the activity, that was covered by a local radio station PAMOJA FM 99.9. The Africa Scout Committee was represented by Mr. Naivasha. The Government of Kenya was represented by the District Commissioner, Nairobi West. After the tree planting at a Nairobi School, the DC, Nairobi west, named the Garden, "Africa Scout Garden".

The Ag. Regional Director, Mr. Winston Adams and Jacques Sandrizi faciliated a multipurpose management workshop for the leaders of the Ethiopia Scouts Association, in Addis Ababa on 7 and 8 March 2009. The main goal of this training was to equip the newly elected leaders with skills and experience to build Scouting in Ethiopia. This was also an opportunity to understand ESA better to help the WSB-ARO to support Scouting in this country.

Mrs Elzette Balgobin, the Unit Manager for the Indian Ocean sub region, arrived in Seychelles on the 27th February 2009 to look into ways of strengthening cooperation between the Regional office, and the Seychelles Scouts Association (SSA).

In the wake of atrocities that have ravaged the DRC – home of the Fédération des Scouts du Congo (FESCO)– many youngsters are nursing both physical and psychological wounds. These children were kidnapped by rebels and used as fighters, labourers, porters and sex slaves in a war that has torn the mineral-rich “sub-continent” apart for years. Nonetheless, dozens of youngsters have returned home. Unfortunately, reintegration has not been easy as some face death threats or may become idle, only to be re-enlisted into the rebellion. That’s why, as reported by AP, Congo’s Scouts Federation has intervened.

KINSHASA - Hot on the heels of 4th AGM at national level, FESCO (Fédération des Scouts de la R.D. Congo) is an organization on the move. The national team continues to implement the resolutions of the aforementioned AGM.

ACCRA - From 20 to 22 February, the Ghana Scout Association, in collaboration with the Horizon Kids Ghana (HKgh) held a weekend camp in Dawhenya. The objectives of this activity were: to celebrate the Founder’s Day, to introduce Scouting to the Community, to conduct an environmental awareness walk, and to increase membership.

LUANDA - On 21 February 2008 The Scout Association of Angola held the first meeting of Area Commissioners. The event which brought together fifteen of the eighteen senior leaders at Area level, analyzed the state of preparedness ahead of the Second National Scout Camp, to be held from 28 August to 5 September 2009 in the town of Brovil, Kwanza Sul Province