17 Jul 2019

Government plans to partner with Botswana Scout Association (BSA) to identify members who can work with the youth in schools, Minister of Basic Education Mr Bagalatia Arone has revealed.

Speaking during the launch of the movement at Boro in North West District recently, Mr Arone said strengthening partnership with BSA was likely to enhance the education system and the achievement of quality results in schools.

The association would be expected to work with other entities such as churches to assist the youth while his ministry would assist with the required resources, he said.

He said the association’s role was to take part in positive character building in schools.

Mr Arone said his desire was to see all students across the country joining the movement noting that as a nation, Botswana could not achieve anything without a disciplined society. 

Government, he said, was committed to developing exemplary young people and recognised efforts by the association in striving to teach young people survival skills.

“I learnt that during the association’s boot camps, members who are mostly school going children are drilled in different basic life skills. Members are taught environmental conservation, spirit of coexistence with wildlife, tree planting, ideals of patriotism and how to make solar power among others,” Mr Arone said.

The association was hailed for teaching members to be patriotic and ensuring that peace and stability continued to reign in Botswana.

Mr Arone, also Okavango MP, stressed the important role played by the association in instilling a sense of discipline, responsibility, character building as well as nurturing them into accountable leaders.

He observed that the scout movement was known around the world for its discipline and dedication to the values contained in the Scout Promise and Law.

Mr Arone assured the association of government’s support.

“Our doors are open and we are ready to work with you because we believe in your principles and value what you are doing for the benefit of the country,” he said.

Minister Arone urged the children to go out and be change agents in their schools adding that they should join hands with teachers to preach the good news and instill discipline.

He said issues of vandalism in schools was worrisome and encouraged movement members to guard against such and promote behavioural change among their peers.

 He described the scouts as the largest youth educational movement globally with the prospects of developing young people through a value system based on law.

Scout commissioner, Mr Mpho Molatelo explained that the movement attracted over 400 learners from primary, junior and senior secondary schools as well as  tertiary students from across the country.

SADC executive chairperson of Scout Mr Ezekiel Malenga said they found it fit to launch the association in the district to celebrate the principles and fundamentals of scouts.

Mr Malenga said it was the association’s intention to spread the scout movement in schools in line with the Sustainable Development Goals. 

The event, dubbed the ‘National Scout Jamboree’, was dominated by members aged 12-17 years and celebrated milestones reached in the scouting journey. Ends