A first in Myanmar: Globalizing Messenger of Peace

As the Messenger of Peace (MoP) initiative goes global, Myanmar Scout, for the first time, organized a training for its members to promote the peace network in local communities and in the long run inspire and engage young people across the country.

Forty-seven participants learned practical methods of undertaking peace related activities. Most of them are fresh from college, some are students, and others are Scout leaders from 14 provinces. In a field activity, as part of their practicum, they ran modules for over 150 university students. This is a hands-on exercise they could replicate in their own provinces as they are expected to serve as MoP local coordinators in their districts or provinces.
 
The Training started on 7th February in a simple opening ceremony by Dr. Tin Myo Win, Chairman of Peace Commission and Head of National Reconciliation and Peace Center. In his address he said “We need peace for the economic development and prosperity of our country. The requirements for achieving peace are love, kindness empathy and trust.” He added that the training can increase the number of people who are actively working for peace.
 
Chief Commissioner of Myanmar Scouts, Tin Nyo, expressed his appreciation to WOSM Asia-Pacific Region for supporting this event. He said “I believe from my heart that the peace starting from oneself can bring peace to our society and for creating a better world. Lord B.P made a comment on Myanmar in his book that Myanmar has the happiest people in the world. That’s enough inspiration to keep us moving towards peace through Scouting. “ He reiterated the importance of the five-day intensive training to contribute to peace as a way of serving communities.
 
Adults in Scouting Commissioner, Myint Swe, assisted by his team, directed the training with the support of Prassanna Shrivastava, APR Director for Organizational Development and MoP, Ms Virin Daenraj & Wandaya Budhtranon of National Scout Organization of Thailand, Mr Erwin Samili Ramli  of Gerakan Pramuka/Indonesia and Nancy Ladores from APR.
A-P Regional Director, J.Rizal Pangilinan, and Mr Maung Maung Win, International Commissioner, were advisors of the training.

In a separate meeting, Asia-Pacific Regional Chairman Paul Parkinson, APRSC Member Rajalingam Ramasamy, Chairman of Management Sub-Committee Dr. Somboon Bunyasiri, and Regional Director J Rizal Pangilinan met the leaders of Myanmar Scout to plan for the near future focusing on services they need for the further development of Scouting in Myanmar.