The Seychelles Scouts Association: Highlights of the year |13 October 2017
90 years since its founding, the National Scout Organisation (NSO) of Seychelles, The Seychelles Scouts Association (TSSA), has received its full membership certificate as part of the World Organisation of the Scout Movement (WOSM) at the 41st World Scout Conferencein Baku, Azerbaijan where the theme for this year was ‘Together for Positive Change’.
Although it has only gained full membership this year, TSSA has been an accredited WOSM NSO since July 14, 2002. According to the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts, WOSM is an independent, worldwide, non-profit and non-partisan organisation which serves the Scout Movement. Its purpose is to promote unity and the understanding of Scouting's purpose and principles; while facilitating its expansion and development.
“Scouting provides young people with opportunities to participate in programmes, events, activities and projects that contribute to their growth as active citizens. Through these initiatives, young people become agents of positive change who inspire others to take action” - SCOUTS.
It is in this light that the Chief Commissioner of the association, Holbert Jean, reiterates that as an organisation, they are appealing to any volunteers who would like to make a difference in the lives of the youth in Seychelles, to come forward and to rest assured that everyone receives the necessary training.
“Since we are a voluntary movement, some of our challenges are to retain adult leaders and to attract new leaders. It is sad to note that there are a lot of children who are interested to join but due to lack of trained leaders, not much can be done,” says Mr Jean.
He added that TSSA is currently in the process of building their headquarters and they would like to invite any companies who wish to help them as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) projects, to contact them.
Speaking about other recent highlights for TSSA, the Chief Commissioner said that the association is increasing in terms of membership. This was said following the recent welcoming of twelve Scouts from the Bel Ombre troop.
Mr Jean recounts that “the new Scouts were camping at Bel Ombre school with their leader, Marie-Helene Adrienne, and her assistant leaders during the August holidays, from Monday 21st to Saturday 26th. The investiture ceremony was held at the Parish church which was attended by parents and other Scouts. For this, we would like to thank Father Collin”.
The August holidays also brought the opportunity for a group of thirty-three Scouts from Mahé to participate in a camping activity which lasted seven days, between the 18th to the 25th. The Scouts were based at Baie Ste Anne school.
Throughout their stay, the members participated in various sports, environmental, community and leisure activities with other children from Praslin. A group of Patrol Leaders also attended a training session during the camp.
It is the Chief Commissioner’s hope that the TSSA will continue to grow and that such activities will increase in the future, to help impart life-long skills and good morals into our society.
For enquiries or further information, contact TSSA office on 2728612 during office hours.
References:
World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS)
World Scouts Conference 2017 (WSC2017)
SCOUTS