Chairs of WOSM & WAGGGS’ joint visit to Tunisia further strengthens collaboration and commitment to youth development
On 1 – 3 July 2017, the Chairperson of the World Scout Committee, João Armando Gonçalves, representing the World Organization of the Scout Movement (WOSM), and Nicola Grinstead, the World Board Chair of the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS) made their first-ever joint visit to Tunisia, and met with Scouts of Les Scouts Tunisiens, and government officials.
The Chairs of both organisations had a full hectic three-day agenda. They first met the Minister of Youth and Sports during the official reception at Les Scouts Tunisiens’ headquarters. Their schedule was subsequently filled with meetings with the President of Tunisia, President of the Parliament, and several ministers – Minister of Women, Family and Children; Minister of Foreign Affairs; Minister of Tourism – district governors and other top government officials as well as intergovernmental and non-profit organisations.
Gonçalves and Grinstead attended the Citizenship Day, a street event organised by the Scouts to promote citizenship, which also saw the presence of 15 partners (governmental institutions and NGOs). During this event, the Tunisian Scouts launched its national U-Report campaign in collaboration with UNICEF, and concluded the month-long celebration of World Refugee Day with UNHCR. They also visited and participated in local community service projects as well as leadership training and management workshops for Scouts and Brownies’ leaders.
Solidified commitment
This is a significant visit for both organisations and all parties involved. During their meetings, both Chairs shared about the positive impact of Scouting and Guiding, while they also heard from the Scouts, government and NGOs about the local issues and areas that need to be addressed. This exchange facilitated discussion, aligned priorities, and established how Scouting and Guiding is important to community development in Tunisia.
The presence of both organisations gave reassurance that, as the oldest youth organisations in the world focused on empowering young men and women through non-formal education, WOSM and WAGGGS continue to be committed to developing young people as change agents to lead others in making positive impact in the local communities.
This timely joint visit is also a testament to WOSM and WAGGGS long-standing relationship, partnering throughout the years in providing a holistic education for young people; fostering peace, dialogue and respect; and ensuring sustainable development throughout many generations.
Photo credit: Les Scouts Tunisiens
