Learning, coping and making friends while #TogetherAtHome
In a time of crisis, millions of young people came together online to experience a special edition of JOTI - Jamboree on the Internet! This JOTI brought more than 100 activities on mental health, digital citizenship and humanitarian approaches to the homes of young people across the globe. The JOTI outreach was compounded by thousands of digital meetings organized by Scout groups around the world!
At a challenging time of social distancing, JOTI enabled us all to connect together through chats, workshops, challenges and JOTI Live shows. The educational programme offered a safe space to cope and remain encouraged to continue being leaders of positive change.
From learning how to keep pets happy and healthy during quarantine, to discovering the basics of a zero-waste life to understanding online safety and digital protection, JOTI participants had the opportunity to enjoy a memorable mosaic of skills-building activities stretching over 100 virtual campfires and 6 live shows.
Special guests and heartfelt messages
A number of special guests made an exclusive appearance during the JOTI Special Edition live shows and virtual campfires to send a message of comfort and solidarity and share their expertise with young people.
Together, we listened to a personalised video message from head of the World Health Organization (WHO), Dr. Tedros Adhanom, offering information and advice to the young participants of JOTI.
The JOTI Live Opening Show witnessed a historical moment, where World Scouting and the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) announced their renewed partnership, as UN High Commissioner, Filippo Grandi and World Scouting Secretary-General, Ahmad Alhendawi virtually signed the partnership agreement. The partnership will provide more educational opportunities to young people in marginalised communities.
UN Envoy on Youth, UNFPA Executive Director Dr. Natalia Kanem, UN Special Representative on Violence Against Children, Najat Mj’id and Special Adviser for UN 75 have all shared their insights, advice and expertise with young people during these isolating times through special interviews aired throughout the live shows.
“Coming out of this crisis, it will be up to this young generation to rebuild our economies & societies,” said Jayathma Wickramanayake, UN Envoy on Youth.
Learning to cope and keep safe
Covid-19 awareness was central to the overall JOTI programme, being prominent in the event’s main themes and variety of activities. A range of webinars, talks and special interviews helped participants better grasp the vitality of maintaining a healthy physical and mental condition as we adjust to social distancing.
“Thank you, I’m having so much fun with this programme! Pandemic period is not an obstacle to Scouting and meeting new friends,” said Muhammad, a Scout from Indonesia.
As with all our events, online safety was a key priority as keeping young people Safe from Harm remained at the forefront of the event. Participants undertook an online safety training, to ensure they are able to recognize and avoid danger online and to keep others safe as well. Being safe online was a crucial topic in this JOTI, as several sessions and special guests discussed this along with cyberbullying.
Talented Scouts Rocked the Virtual Stage
A talent show has been put together to offer a virtual international stage to over 150 Scouts worldwide. From singing and ballet dancing to poetry and piano, Scouts have marvellously demonstrated a great deal of talent and artistry. They have turned the JOTI Live shows into a vibrant stage moving over 100 million viewers around the globe!
The JOTI Live shows were streamed twice a day to fit most time zones and offer to everyone the opportunity to enjoy a memorable moment of togetherness. Young people across borders came together in a unique moment of solidarity.
Young people brought their enthusiasm to social media as they shared hundreds of photos of their at-home camps by participating in the #EpicBlanketTent challenge!
Young people also created a ripple effect of kindness as they joined a #ChainofGratitude challenge on social media, sharing their message of support to workers putting their lives at risk to continue providing services such as healthcare workers, security guards, drivers and more.
During JOTI, World Scouting launched a a Covid-19 Emergency Fund to support volunteers worldwide in the response to the pandemic, as millions of Scout volunteers are actively supporting the response to fight COVID-19 by helping the authorities and early responders. Donate to contribute to Scouts’ response initiatives worldwide.
Under challenging circumstances, the JOTI Special Edition has been skilfully rolled-out by the dedication of volunteers and staff to provide thousands of young people around the globe with an educational experience filled with positive vibes and timeless friendships. Scouts will re-connect together in October for the annual JOTA JOTI event, and build on their learnings and friendships that were created during this special JOTI.
