‘Scout movement serves to develop potential of young people’

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KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said the scout movement is an important medium that serves to develop the potential of the younger generation.

He said in addition to the efforts undertaken by the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the government was constantly encouraging more young people to join the scout movement as part of a strategy to maximize their skills and knowledge.

“When we think about Scouts, we often think of camp fires, jack knives and learning to tie a reef knot, but scouting also offers an educational experience that maximizes potential, unlocks opportunities and affects change.

“It is a movement that is dedicated to bringing out the best in people helping young people develop ethics, values, leadership and civic awareness,” he said during the opening of the World Scout Bureau Headquarters-Kuala Lumpur Office at Sentral Vista, Brickfields, here on Wednesday.

Also present were World Scout Bureau Secretary General Scott Teare, Malaysia Chief Scout Tan Sri Dr Shafie Mohd Salleh and prime minister’s wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor.

Citing Scout as an important voluntary and non-political youth movement which operates regardless of gender, origin, race or creed, Najib said the very mission of scouting was to contribute to the education of young people-to develop their full emotional, intellectual, physical, social and spiritual potential as individuals, as citizens and as members of their local, national and international communities. — Bernama

He said with more than 40 million members in 162 countries, the Scouts Movement is making a difference in the people lives, not just to Scouts themselves, but also those they help.

For example, Scouts are working to help thousands of Syrian refugees in Lebanon, where Scouts in Philippines are supporting victims of typhoon Haiyan, he added.

On the other note, Najib took the opportunity to encourage all National Scouts Organisations to support Malaysia in its effort to host the upcoming 41st World Scouts Conference and the 13th World Scouts Youth Forum in 2017.

“I hope that the vote, which will take place in Slovenia later this year, will favour Malaysia’s bid,” he said.

Before moving to Kuala Lumpur, the World Organisation of the Scouts Movement operated at the headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. — Bernama