“A Scout in need is a Scout indeed,” Moldovan Scout helps refugees
As of today, over two million people have already fled Ukraine due to war, leaving families homeless, unemployed, and traumatized.
Refugees have made harrowing journeys, often separated from loved ones to neighbouring countries such as Poland, Romania, Moldova, Hungary, and Slovakia. In many cases, crossing the border is just the first part of a long and uncertain journey to establish a new home, at least temporarily.
One thing that refugees are encountering at the borders is friendly faces - Scouts who are volunteering to welcome and support those fleeing due to the conflict.
Helping people in need is at the heart of Scouting’s values. In fact, the Scout Law states that “a Scout’s duty is to be useful and to help others,” and, “a Scout is a friend to all”. We are seeing this in practice through countless stories of how Scout neighbours are stepping forward to support refugees.
In a conversation with Anastasia Iarovoi, a Scout since the age of six and now a 24-year-old Youth Advisor with the Eurasia Scout Committee, the connection between Scouting and the imperative to serve our communities is clear.
"If I had to point out one thing out of the many things I learned from Scouting, it would be solidarity. From solidarity comes the moral obligation not to leave your neighbour in need," says Anastasia.
Through Scouting's Youth Programme, young people learn skills that are invaluable in humanitarian crisis settings. This includes practical skills like setting up shelters and cooking outdoors with minimal supplies, to soft skills like teamwork, dialogue, and a spirit of giving.
Anastasia is from Moldova, a country of 2.6 million people that has seen 230,000 people cross its border since the war in Ukraine began two weeks ago.
As soon as the crisis began, Anastasia went to the nearest charity supporting refugees in the capital city of Chisinauand to offer her help. She spent hours accepting and sorting through donations with other volunteers, proudly wearing her Scout scarf.
In Scouting, she reminds us that there is a saying for solidarity: “A Scout in need is a Scout indeed.” Anastasia emphasizes the need for unity, working together across different levels of Scouting and with other charitable organizations, to help young people and anyone in need.
But the Scout phrase that she says has become her motto is: “A life of serving is worth living”. Like many Scouts, who make it a habit of cultivating a culture of peace and service, they find happiness and fulfillment through service to others.
Embodying the spirit of Scouting, she says "The least I could do is to volunteer and help. I am sure that in each of us there is at least a bit of light, kindness, and solidarity, and when we show it to others, we multiply it."
Want to make a contribution?
- Learn how to help during a humanitarian crisis
- Make a donation towards community service projects led by Scouts: donate.scout.org
- Get inspired or share your story at sdgs.scout.org
