Building a bridge to the Congo through Scouting

Scouting exists to actively engage and support young people in their personal development, empowering them to make a positive contribution to society.

With over 31 million members in all but 6 countries worldwide it should come as no surprise Scouting can be found in The Democratic Republic of Congo. In 2013 photographer Simone Bazos visited the country and discovered an extraordinary Scouting story, which in turn inspired Scouting in rural Cheshire.

In the wake of Congo’s civil war leaving failing institutions, a lack of parenting, schooling and activities for children the need for Scouting was never greater. It had evolved far beyond knots and pitching tents to help fill the void left by conflict.

Providing structure and an outlet for young people, equipping kids with practical skills such as first aid and leadership but also a safe environment to have fun are all valuable roles Scouting serves in Congelese society.

And these first aid skills are much needed. Large parts of the Congo are contaminated with landmines, cluster bombs and other weapons due to prolonged conflict. For Congolese children playing, exploring and discovering leads to life threatening accidents. Sadly, 42% of landmine casualties involve children under 18.

Once a year, in thousands of locations around the world, Scout camps are held over a single weekend. Each camp has a long wave radio station and internet access. JOTA “Jamboree on the air” creates bountiful opportunities for young people to speak with Scouts in many far flung locations around the world. You never know quite who you’ll connect with, or what conversations may be had. It creates a huge sense of togetherness, that we all have much in common.

In the video below Lyndon Rakowski of 3rd Macclesfield Upton Priory Scout Group speaks about how we collaborated with Mines Advisory Group, to create a thought provoking set of actives at our base camp for Jamboree On The Air.

The JOTA activity was made possible thanks to Lyndon Rakowski, Scout Leader at 3rd Macclesfield Upton Priory Scout Group and Ellie Coult at MAG.

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