Keeping the Scout Promise Amidst an Epidemic.

When the Ebola pandemic gripped West African countries, Scouts were among the people at the forefront fighting the deadly disease. Now that the disease is no more, we are pleased to share with you a very inspirational story from Marlaye Souma, a Scout Leader from Conakry, Guinea. He narrates the role played by the Scouts and his contribution to ending Ebola in Guinea.

"When you become a Scout you make a promise to stay a Scout for life. We say a Boy Scout for day, a Boy Scout forever. When Ebola entered the country, UNICEF supported the Boy Scouts to distribute hygiene materials in communities. People trusted us and so we were able to help convince them that the disease was real and to teach them to use proper precautions in order to protect themselves. Looking back, I’m proud as a Scout to have contributed to the training of many young boys who are today giving a lot to their community."

Volunteers like Souma, are a true embodiment of the spirit of Scouting - service. They continue to prove that indeed, Scouts can be counted on to playing a constructive role for the creation of a better world. The movement is proud of Scout Leaders like Souma and all the Scouts in West Africa and across the world who fought bravely to see the end of the Ebola pandemic.

Photograph and quotation courtesy of UNICEF Africa.