East Africans gather to promote unity and diversity through Scout activities in Burundi

Hundreds of Scouts from Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda and hosts Burundi have gathered in Gitega for the annual East Africa zonal Scout activities. The series of activities include Scout Competitions (for Junior, Senior and river Scouts), Youth Forum attended by youth leader delegates from each country and the Zonal Scout Conference which brings together the top leadership of National Scout Organizations in the zone.

 

The 2018 edition of the East Africa Scouts Inter-Patrol Competitions began in earnest at the National Scout Campsite in Bungere, in Burundi. The annual event attracted teams from Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and the hosts Burundi. The competitions serve as a platform for the national Scout champions to showcase their skills and competencies at the zonal arena. The Scouts are assessed on different elements of the Youth Programme, topical issues and engage in activities that build their capacities and knowledge on issues such as Sustainable Development Goals. In line with the priority of promoting diversity and inclusion, the competitions also have patrols of Scouts with hearing impairment.

 

26 youth people are taking part in the 13th edition of the East Africa Scouts Youth Forum. The forum provides an opportunity for the NSO youth leaders to discuss issues affecting them, exchange ideas, learn about World Scouting’s decision-making processes and gain insights from inputs of different experts on topics of concern. They young people will also elect a new Zonal Youth Committee to work with the leadership of the NSOs to steer zonal youth activities over the next 2 years. The forum ultimately comes up with recommendations to be tabled for the consideration the East Africa Scout Conference. The participants are upbeat at the start of the forum and renewed their commitment to contribute towards making positive impact in their communities as change agents.

 

Six top leaders from each of the 7 National Scout Organizations in East Africa Zone are also meeting for the East Africa Zonal Scout Conference, similar to the Heads of States Summit of the East African Community. The conference discusses issues affecting Scouting in the zone, reviews progress made and adopts resolutions on how to better support the growth and development of Scouting in their countries. The conference also receives the report of the Youth Forum and coordinates all zonal Scout activities.

 

Taking place, under the theme of “Scouts promoting unity and celebrating diversity” one-week series of events ends on 20 December 2018.

  • 13EAZSYForum Programme - Burundi 2018.pdf