Scouts’ success developing the youth
“I think the role and impact of Scouts is even more essential and critical today than what it was before"
1st Strubens Valley Scouts are working towards a bigger, brighter future having fun and developing a passion for the world around them.
Group Scouter for the Strubens Valley 1st Scouts, John Bolterman, said scouts reconnects the children with nature through hikes and outdoor activities. He said, “It teaches them to be self-reliant and everything they learn goes back home and influences their day-to-day lives”. John also said that he has seen a difference in the workplace. If he applies for a position, his scouting background immediately sets him apart from the rest, which of course benefits any youngster entering the working world.
It’s not just at our local troops where lives are being positively impacted but all over South Africa too. Recently scouts from all over Johannesburg rallied together to put up a billboard advertising the learn by doing movement. The purpose of the movement is founded on Benjamin Franklin’s saying, “Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.” The youngsters spent the day making new friends and enjoying the sun while learning new skills. Talita Mekgwe from the Robin Hill Scout Group said, “It was something that I had never been done before. I also got the opportunity to see some of my scout friends and make new ones. I hope our billboard advertises Scouts and leads young kids away from teenage temptation to join the movement.”
Henry Sibande, a Youth Leader Representative, started as a Cub when he was just 8 years old. He said that he liked the uniform and also wanted to own one and that is what prompted him to join. He doesn’t come from a well-off family and has had few good role models in life, but the Scouts changed that. “For the first time in my life, I had an adult leader who spent time with me, patient enough to teach me and rebuke me in a respectful way when I crossed the line. He taught me to respect and love people, to believe in myself and to work hard in life,” Henry said. Since then he has managed to get his BA at the University of Pretoria and now sits on the Executive Committee for Scouts South Africa.
The Scouts have also done an incredible job in Limpopo. “In the past, Limpopo has had an average teenage pregnancy rate of 13 per cent. This rate has reduced among members to 0,072 per cent over the past 14 years. The Limpopo Scouting region also has a 92 per cent matriculation pass rate, whereas the provincial average is 62 per cent,” explained Limpopo Regional Scouting Commissioner, Louise Batty. This is attributed to a mother-daughter duo, Elizabeth “Zabe” Mabuza and Nkulu Mabuza, who work tirelessly to make an impact in rural communities.
Gerhard Sagat, head of strategy for an established advertising agency, said, “I think the role and impact of Scouts is even more essential and critical today than what it was before.”
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