A Colourful Display of Diversity as Jamboree Opens

Yamoussoukro, August 2, 2016: The 7th Africa Scout Jamboree opened with a colourful ceremony held at the John Paul II Place in the heart of Yamoussuokro. Over 1,000 Scouts drawn from 17 countries gathered to share in this occasion that set the jamboree mood alive.

Participants, members of the International Service Team, religious leaders, leaders of Federation Ivoirienne du Scoutisme, representatives of the Government of Cote d’Ivoire, Africa Scout Committee, World Scout Committee and the World Scout Bureau among other guests were present to be a part of a new history made right here in Yamoussoukro, Cote d’Ivoire.

The over 2 hours ceremony was packed with various activities including: flag parade for the countries present, music and cultural dances. The Scouts matched or danced in the glare and cheer of their delegation in an awesome display of fraternity and coexistence.

Aka Benard, the Chairperson of the Jamboree Organizing Committee; Ayim Palamwe, Vice Chairperson of the Africa Scout Committee and Joao Armando, the Chairperson of the World Scout Committee all had an opportunity to address the jubilant Scouts. They appreciated the Scouts for travelling from far and wide to join in the celebration of the spirit of Scouting. They impressed on the participants to take part in the jamboree activities so as to learn as much as possible and create new friendships. They also reminded the Scouts of their call to be Messengers of Peace in their communities.

"The theme for this Jamboree is "empowered youth in an emerging Africa." That is what Scouting wants to do - to help you to be better persons and to play an active role in the development of this continent," said Joao Armando, Chairperson of the World Scout Committee

The Jamboree was officially opened by the Central Sub-Prefect of the City of Yamoussoukro, who welcomed the visiting Scouts to cote d’Ivoire. “The presence of the Scouts from around the world in Cote d’Ivoire was a strong message of peace and coexistence to the city of Yamoussoukro,” he observed.

It’s now time to enjoy the Jamboree and to share their experiences with others even back at home for them to see what Scouting really means. Happy Jamboree to all Scouts.

Story by the Jamboree Media Team