President: Young Scouts Can Be Role Models
FIJI SCOUTS ASSOCIATION AGM ‘Our scout constitution states the purpose of our organisation is to contribute to the development of young people.’
The Fiji Scouts Association has a duty to train and guide young Fijian scouts to be role models of this country in the future.
President of the Republic of Fiji Major-General (Ret’d) Jioji Konrote made the enlightening remark during the opening of the Fiji Scouts Association annual general meeting at the Jean Murray National Training Centre yesterday.
Hosting the event for the third time in his capacity as Head of State and Chief Scout, the President acknowledged the scout organisation’s contribution to the rehabilitation efforts spearheaded by the Government.
“The action by those, who volunteered in collecting and distributing clothing, food packs and schools resources to those affected, is highly commendable,” Mr Konrote said.
He said the event was organised because the association agreed to serve and teach their young progenies as they agreed to be volunteers, supporters and companions to all they serve.
“Our scout constitution states the purpose of our organisation is to contribute to the development of young people,” the President said. “This development aims at achieving their full physical, intellectual, social and spiritual potentials as individuals.”
He said scouting played an important role in every civilised community today.
“Its reputation as a programme for character building, is effective solution to juvenile delinquency” the President said.
“Youths engage in substance abuse, after-sports brawls, petty break-ins and other mischief when they are idle or lack proper motivation and guidance from adults.” He said that scouting programmes foster friendship, teamwork, tolerance, understanding and perseverance to those around them.
“It is a vital force in the lives of young boys and girls and the programme they take part in allows them to develop holistically,” Mr Konrote said.
“We need to continue our efforts to bring scouting into the lives of the boys and girls who need help.
“Besides doing our bit to solve social problems in our communities, we shall be doing our traditional good-turn by sharing the values and traits we derive from scouting with others who are not so fortunate.”