International Leadership Training equips young people ready to inspire social impact

13/09/2025 - 12:00

3 minutes

In Scouting, youth leadership isn’t just a value, it’s the heartbeat of the movement. Guided by a new strategy that envisions a world shaped by young people, Scouting commits to sustained, long-term practice that empowers young people to discover their strengths, confront their weaknesses, and take charge of their own paths. This vision comes alive in experiences such as the recently concluded International Leadership Training (ILT) in Madagascar, where youth leadership takes center stage.

The (ILT) Africa, a flagship leadership development programme in Scouting, brought together 26 Scouts and leaders from 22 National Scout Organizations (NSOs) in Antananarivo, Madagascar, from 11–13 September 2025. Over three days, participants engaged in deep reflection, drew inspiration, and shared insights on what leadership means in Scouting today, and how young leaders can be catalysts for positive change in their communities.

The programme featured interactive sessions on leadership styles, communication, conflict management, team development, and the role of youth in decision-making at different levels of society. Grounded in real challenges faced by NSOs, these sessions were practical and relatable, equipping participants with tools they could apply back home. A strong focus was placed on Scouts for SDGs, underscoring the social impact Scouting can achieve when leadership is rooted in service. This connection to the Sustainable Development Goals reinforced Scouting’s identity as a movement preparing young people not only for life, but for service.

The lively interactions among the participants reflect not only their strong interest in the ILT content but also their desire to contribute positively to their communities. I am confident that through this training, we have sparked and inspired a group of leaders who will drive meaningful change, echoed Emmanuela Compaore one of the training facilitators.

One of the key highlights was the focus on youth leadership structures, particularly the Youth Forum, a platform where young people prepare recommendations to the Africa Scout Conference. The Conference, as the governing body of the Africa Scout Region, plays a vital role in shaping regional policy. ILT Madagascar was strategically timed, taking place just before the 10th Africa Scout Youth forum, which precedes the Africa Scout Conference. This gave participants a unique opportunity to see how their voices could directly influence decision-making at the highest regional level.

Putting their new skills into practice, participants worked in teams to develop and present proposals addressing challenges and opportunities within their NSOs. Beyond the training sessions, ILT Madagascar was also about building connections. Joint meetings, group projects, and even a lively game night strengthened friendships, creating a network of leaders ready to support one another long after the programme. These bonds highlighted a core lesson of Scouting: that collaboration is just as essential as individual skills.

Over the years, ILT Africa has grown into more than just a programme, it has become a movement within Scouting. Each edition builds on the last, creating momentum that equips young leaders to take on greater responsibilities, strengthen their NSOs, and shape the future of the Scout Movement. The 2025 edition in Madagascar continued this legacy with renewed energy, preparing participants to lead ethically, serve selflessly, and collaborate across cultures.

Positive Youth Development

Africa