Caption: Members of the Fiji Scouts Association during the annual general meeting at Government House . Photo: SUPPLIED.
Fiji’s Head of State, His Excellency the President Ratu Epeli Nailatikau, has reminded the country’s largest scouting body on the role it plays in developing and guiding youths.
As the Chief Scout of the Fiji Scouts Association, Ratu Epeli delivered the opening remarks at their Annual General Meeting held at Government House on Saturday, April 26.
Ratu Epeli said this is a historical year for Fijian scouts as it marks 100 years of their operations here.
“That is a great achievement. We have come a long way and we are fortunate that our generation will witness and participate in the Fiji Centennial Jamboree at Queen Victoria School from the 18th t0 22nd August, 2014,” Ratu Epeli said.
Excellency President Ratu Epeli Nailatikau presenting recommendation award to female scout, Lautoka teacher Mrs Savitri Prasad at Government House .
“I would like to acknowledge the contribution of all scouts and other stakeholders, especially those citizens who have played an important part in fostering the scout movement over the years. By your active support you have made scouting an exciting and a worthwhile pursuit.”
Association president, Abhay Nand said they continued to examine ways in which improvements could have been effected and development taken forward for the benefit of young girls and boys.
“The Ministry of Education has supported scouting in Fiji through promoting it in schools around the country. The scout journey has been possible through the remarkable voluntary efforts of many ordinary citizens who so generously gave their valuable time to help manage, administer and lead at all levels of this organisation,” Mr Nand said.
Lautoka’s Saru MGM Primary School teacher, Savitri Prasad, who has been a member of the association for the last five years, said it is a privilege for her to support and guide scouts for their future.
“Through the scout program at our school, we teach children how to be independent when they are without their parents and also support and guide them for their future. We teach in students life skills which is part of our education system now. It is a great privilege for me because we are instil good values and good behavior in these scouts and mold them to be better citizens of this country,” Mrs Prasad said.
“We have about 60 boys and girls scouts at our school who actively participate in rallies and scout camps as well as being trained as good leaders.”
There are 8335 registered scouts, including 482 female scouts in Fiji.
MEDIA RELEASE.