WOSM’s 6th Meeting in the European Parliament
On 7th May WOSM held its 6th meeting in the European Parliament on how young people are leading social change in Africa in the framework of EU Africa co-operation. The meeting was hosted by Scout and Member of the European Parliament (MEP) Alessandro Battilocchio (IT) and was addressed by Margrete Auken (DK), the Parliament's Vice-President Luisa Morgantini (IT), Anthony Crasner, The European Commission (DG DEV), Julia Ojanen of Plan International/Concord, Giuseppe Porcaro, The European Youth Forum and Babacar Ndiaye CNGEI. Various methods of empowering young people were discussed, as was the need to focus on education and the opportunities provided by youth organisations between the two continents especially between the nearly one million Scouts in Africa and the 1.4 million in Europe.
Babacar Ndiaye explained how Scouting in Africa has been adapted to meet local needs, particularly community development. Ms. Auken described Scouting as being of "vital importance" for giving young people a sense of their own potential, "especially for girls". Ms. Morgantini praised the increasingly collaborative approach being taken by the EU with Africa, but expressed the belief that policy contradictions still exist. Anthony Crasner of the Commission added that "young people should have a voice … and that voice should be heard". Julia Ojanen of Plan International/Concord said young people must claim political spaces so as to empower a voice, equality and employment.
Although the Scouting is not involved with party politics, it plays an active role in civil society, advocating for youth involvement, non-formal education, global citizenship and volunteering. In December 2007, the Scouts played an active role in the EU-Africa Youth Summit, and as a grassroots organisation is now ready to help in the implementation of the EU-Africa strategy. Mr. Battilocchio reaffirmed that, "Scouts are always welcome in my office".
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