On the 30th of April 2024, SCOUTS South Africa Chief Executive Officer Mr. Wayne du Plessis and the Chief Scout of the Lesotho Scout Association Mr. Katleho Mabaso signed a formal Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) whereby the respective National Scout Organisations agreed to mutually support each other to promote the sharing of skills development programmes, enhance cultural exchange, and enable the personal growth and development of the youth they serve in their respective countries.
“This is a good day for Scouting in our Region”, said SCOUTS SA CEO Mr Wayne du Plessis. “We have long wanted to formally strengthen the relationship between our two countries. I acknowledge this is merely the beginning but hope this grows into a long partnership that will enrich our mutual programmes and give the children and youth we serve exchange and learning opportunities. It took a long time to get to where we are today and I want to thank our Lesotho colleagues, Chief Scout Mr. Katleho Mabaso, Chief Commissioner Mrs.Tlotliso Masiloane and International Chair Mrs. Reitumetse Mohai, as well as our own International Chair Mrs. Sarah Chester-Browne for their hard work and dedication in making this happen.”
Lesotho Scout Association’s Chief Scout Mr. Katleho Mabaso reiterated this sentiment. “One would say that this is a very important moment where we lay the ground for our youth between the two neighbouring countries. This agreement will allow us to interchangeably work together, to share our experiences, to assist our youth gain expertise, make friends they can relate to, and share how to overcome some of the challenges they encounter.“
The Scout organisations have agreed to share resources and expertise and will endeavour to initiate exchange programmes for participation in Scouting activities to facilitate education and cultural interaction.
SCOUTS South Africa Chief Scout Mr. Khonzaphi Mdaka was not able to attend the signing but stated; “SCOUTS South Africa welcomes the Scouts from the Kingdom of Lesotho. We are looking forward to the cultural exchange. We are excited with the opportunity to share our knowledge with the international communities we live with and to in turn learn from you. Scouting knows no borders and we celebrate the brotherhood and sisterhood within the two countries. What is of utmost importance is to raise responsible citizens who will in future be leaders of the world.”
The MOU signing ceremony was concluded with a few words of encouragement from SCOUTS South Africa’s International Chair Mrs Sarah Chester Browne. “We are excited to start the process of exchanging ideas, knowledge and creating an environment for cultural enrichment. I look forward to working with you to finalise the action plan and to inviting you to the first event that falls under this MOU”, she concluded with a smile.”
Background information:
The Lesotho Scout Association is the national Scouting association of the Kingdom of Lesotho. Founded in 1936, it became a member of the World Organization of the Scout Movement in 1971.
Lesotho Scout Association is a voluntary non-political educational movement representing 2200 total members with similar ideals within the Scout Movement, building a global voice and an ability to engage younger audiences. Find more information at https://www.facebook.com/p/Lesotho-Scouts-Association-100069170088611/
SCOUTS South Africa (SSA) is one of the largest and oldest volunteer-driven educational organisations in the country preparing over 30 000 children and youth (5 – 30-year-olds) to be catalysts for social change by enabling them to be independent people who are self-fulfilled and confident individuals who play a constructive role in society. The age-appropriate experiential learning programmes focus on leadership training, life skills and personal development. The adult training programmes educate and equip volunteers and young adults with practical leadership, communication and vocational skills that are relevant and applicable in their daily lives and circumstances. SSA further encourages members to undertake and participate in projects that contribute towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and the National Development Plan, such as addressing poverty, inadequate education, the lack of employment opportunities, the mitigation of climate change, and the HIV/AIDS and Covid pandemics. Planning and implementing projects enable members to address specific needs in their direct communities and equips them with the skills to make a real difference. SCOUTS South Africa is a member of the World Organization of the Scout Movement. Find more information at https://www.scouts.org.za/
More information or to schedule an interview:
SCOUTS South Africa National PR Manager Natasha Kayle, 073 127 9356 or natasha.kayle@scouts.org.za
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