LOCAL Scouts will benefit from the ‘exchange’ programme from their counterparts in the United Kingdom. The International Scouts Expedition Program is currently underway at Polokwane, in Limpopo province. 

North West Scouts Development Officer and Project Coordinator, Tshimane Mogotsi said the initiative commenced on July 28 in Mahikeng.

Mogotsi said they are currently in Polokwane until August 19.  

“Mahikeng resemble the birth home of the scouting idea and concept. We have international scouts who visited our shores. There have always been some particular frequent expeditions by both national and international scouts.

“So, it was imperative to pay homage and some kind of pilgrimage to the historical heritage home of scouting in Mahikeng. Thus, the community of Mahikeng in general should take pride in such rich history. The area tend to be our still actively existing heritage and need to be kept alive, relevant and mobilising patriotism within today’s youth in particular,” Mogotsi said. 

He further said they have hosted a contingent number of 120 United Kingdom Explorer and Network Scouts. Mogotsi said scouts from Suffolk County visited Mahikeng together with their leaders.

“This is part of the MahikengScouts City International Scouts Expedition Camp. This program comes after a long time established friendship between these organisations (Mahikeng and Suffolks). We had previous expeditions back in 2009 in Lesotho and Swaziland in 2011.

“The expedition camp was hosted by North West University Rovers Scouts in 2014. The expedition is informed by the formal partnership of Suffolk and Mahikeng scouts, which is part of the greater plan for Rebranding, Repositioning and Renewal of Mahikeng as “Scouts City,” he said.

Mogotsi added that the expedition program was sectioned according to local scouting experience which consists of camps and socialising with local scouts. He said they also explored local cultural and historical experience by visiting heritage sites, game reserves, art centres.

“We also visited few schools through our outreach programmes. The organisation embarked on community empowerment and skill development projects. The main aim was to bring the spirit of togetherness within communities. Our scouts painted some of Early Childhood Centres.

“We also have most effective ECD programmes that provide direct learning experiences to children and families. Our programmes target toward younger and disadvantaged children. The programmes are of longer duration, high quality, high intensity and are integrated with family support, health, nutrition or educational systems and services,” he said.

Mogotsi added that despite convincing evidence, programme coverage is low. He further said to achieve the Millennium Development Goals of reducing poverty and ensuring primary school completion for both girls and boys, governments and civil society should consider expanding high quality, cost-effective early child development programmes.

Mogotsi said local scouts will visit United Kingdom in exchange programme. Some of scouts said the initiative was educational. Lesego Selone, 26, from Ganyesa said: “The programmes ensure that there is a spirit of selflessness within our society. We are always encouraged to assist others who are less-fortunate. Our communities continue to live in abject poverty.

“The youth is faced with various socio-economic challenges like crime, teenage pregnancy, alcohol and drug abuse, poverty, unemployment and HIV and AIDS pandemic. We also educate them on exercising and live a healthy lifestyle at all times.”

Another scout, Ntsikelelo Ncanci from Klerksdorp shared the same sentiments. Ncanci said the programmes in place contribute in child development, character shaping process and promote teamwork.

“I am currently unemployed, but that does not deter my ambitions. I am a disciplined, dedicated and determined cadre because of the training I received. The programmes educate us to be ready and face trials and tribulations head-on.

“I have also learnt that there is no short-cuts to success. We need to start investing in our future and encourage the current generation to work hard. There are also skill development programmes where entrepreneurship is been promoted,” he said. –Newsnote