Africa Scout Day Celebration Calls for Diversity, Engagement and Advocacy

8 minutes
Africa Scout Day celebrations, Burundi 2024

Over 500 Scouts from 15 countries around Africa and the world (Burundi, Ethiopia, Cote d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of Congo, Denmark, Finland, France, Ghana, Kenya, Senegal, Sweden, United Kingdom, United States of America, Tanzania and Uganda) gathered in the Burundian capital of Bujumbura for the 14th commemoration of the Africa Scout Day with calls for the Scouts to embrace the future with openness and optimism; engage more young people for growth and impact; and elevate their collective voice to drive lasting change locally, nationally, and globally. 

Created through Resolution 1607 of the African Union Council of Ministers of 23rd June 1995, the purpose of the annual Africa Scout Day is to celebrate the Scout Movement’s contribution to the development of Africa - its young people, adults, and communities.

This year’s commemoration involved a variety of activities including an international camp, an environmental advocacy training for young people, a press conference, a gathering of the Africa Scout Foundation and a Gala Dinner to raise money to support the hosting of the 9th Africa Scout Jamboree to be held at the Bungere National Scouts Camp in Gitega from 2nd to 11th August 2024.

We gather today to not only celebrate Africa Scout Day, but also to reflect on our proud Scouting heritage and on the enduring partnership between the Scouting movement in Africa and the African Union and many other partners we have worked with over the years. These collaborations are pivotal in advancing our shared goals of youth empowerment, community development, and peace-building across the continent. Looking towards the future, we envision even deeper collaboration, with partners from all sectors of society, where Scouts will continue to play a vital role in shaping the continent's progress and prosperity.
Frederic Tutu Kama-Kama
Regional Director, Africa
Africa Scout Day celebrations, Burundi 2024
Promoting International Friendships 

The Africa Scout Day International Camp attracted over 120 participants from five countries at Ecole Secondaire Technique in Kigobe. The participants took part in different training activities in the Scouts for SDGs, community service where they planted 367 trees at the Mwezi Gisabo Boulevard in Kigobe.

A cultural evening was also held to give participants a taste of Burundian culture and traditions through song and dance, dressing and food. Talented Scouts also got to showcase themselves through stage performances and dance to some live music.

The aim of the camp was to facilitate cultural exchange and promote international friendships among Scouts and to offer them an opportunity to learn and build skills for active global citizenship. 

Ms Ledet Yosef, Member of the Africa Scout Committee challenged young people to step out of their comfort zones and embrace new experiences and perspectives; to engage fully with the world around them and seek out opportunities to serve and lead with integrity and compassion; and to strive to elevate themselves and others working to build a brighter future for all. She also urged adult leaders to become mentors and role models and provide the necessary resources, guidance, and encouragement for young people to embrace their unique identities, engage with their communities, and strive for excellence in all their endeavors. 

Africa Scout Day celebrations, Burundi 2024
By fostering an environment of inclusivity, respect, and empowerment, we enable young people to discover their potential and become catalysts for positive change. Let us pledge to stand alongside our youth, offering unwavering support and mentorship as they embark on their journey of growth and discovery.
Ledet Yosef Solomon
Member, Africa Scout Committee
Raising Scouting’s Influence and Impact Through Advocacy 

31 young people from Burundi, Ethiopia, DR Congo, Ghana, and Uganda underwent a two-day training on Environmental Advocacy aimed at equipping them with knowledge, skills, and tools to become effective environmental advocates in their communities, with a special focus on combating plastic pollution. The training enabled them to gain a deeper understanding of environmental issues and to learn how to advocate for positive change.

The training focused on helping the participants to learn, understand and practice, advocacy in general and environmental advocacy specifically, basics of environmental science and key environmental issues facing the world today, and to building skills for effective advocacy. At the end of the training participants were able to practice developing advocacy campaigns and make individual and collective commitments to advancing advocacy for the environment within their communities and countries. 

While recognizing the many inspiring things about Scouting in Africa and the incredible work and projects that Scouts are carrying out in service of their communities, Andy Chapman encouraged Scouts to think even bigger - about how they can use their skills and passion to make a difference, not just in their own backyard, but across the globe.

I have no doubt in your commitment to the Scouting values of service, leadership, and personal growth. But I challenge you to take this commitment one step further. Whether it be through implementing projects within your communities, serving our Movement in different capacities, volunteering with international organisations, participating in cultural exchange programmes, or advocating for global issues, you have the power to make a difference.
Andy Chapman
Chairperson, World Scout Committee
Africa Scout Day celebrations, Burundi 2024

This training was an activity of the partnership between World Scouting and UN Environment to inspire a new generation of environmental leaders committed to protecting our planet for future generations and tackling plastic pollution through the Plastic Tide Turners Challenge.

Africa Scout Foundation Catalysing Opportunities for Young People

The Africa Scout Foundation, led by the Board Chairperson Ms Jemima Nartey, hosted members and ambassadors of the Foundation and friends of Scouting in Africa at a gathering to celebrate the progress and drum up more support for the Foundation. 

The gathering called for more support for the Foundation urging that there is an opportunity to mobilise friends, family members, colleagues, employers and others who believe in the transformative power of Scouting to make a contribution that will have a lasting impact.

By investing in the Africa Scout Foundation, you’re not just donating funds - you are investing in the potential of countless Scouts who are the agents of change in their communities. Your generosity will empower and equip them with the experiences, adventures, and opportunities to thrive, to lead, and to make a positive impact on society.
Andy Chapman
Chairperson, World Scout Committee
Africa Scout Day celebrations, Burundi 2024

With as little as 10 Dollars for junior category, 150 Dollars for individual category, 250 Dollars for Scout Association category and 1000 Dollars for Corporate Category one can become a member of the Africa Scout Foundation and contribute towards building a brighter and stronger future for current and future generations of young Scouts in the continent. Visit the Africa Scout Foundation website to learn more today. 

A gala dinner was also hosted to help mobilise funds to support Burundi Scouts Association with the hosting of the 9th Africa Scout Jamboree coming up in August 2024. Funds raised at the dinner will go towards supporting the Burundi Scouts Association in their efforts to ensure the hosting of a successful Jamboree that will be crucial in providing opportunities for the thousands of young participants to engage in meaningful activities that promote leadership and community service.

Africa Scout day celebrations, Burundi 2024
Welcome to the 9th Africa Scout Jamboree in August

After successful Africa Scout day celebrations, focus now shifts to full-scale planning for the 9th Africa Scout Jamboree. National Scout Organizations are encouraged to fastrack the nomination of their Heads of Contingents and registration of their participants aged 12 to 17 years for the opportunity to join others from around the world for bring together Scouts aged 12 to 17 years from across Africa and beyond for ten days of a range of activities promoting education, friendship, adventure, and cultural exchange.

Vist the Jamboree website and scout.org webpage for more information and guidance on how you can take part in this event, either as a participant or a member of the International Service Team.  

The celebrations were graced by the Minister of National Defense of Burundi Hon Alain Tribert Mutabazi as Chief Guest and in the presence of the Minister for Commerce, Transport, Industry and Tourism Marie Chantal Nijimbere, the Mayor of Bujumbura CP Jimmy Hatungimana, Chairperson of the World Scout Committee Andy Chapman, members of the Africa Scout Committee represented by Ledet Yosef and Albert Nyamwana, the Africa Regional Director of the World Organization of the Scout Movement Frederic Tutu Kama-Kama, and the Chief Commissioner of Burundi Scouts Association Philbert Ndayisaba among other leaders and Scouts. 

The next Africa Scout Day celebrations will be held in Madagascar in March 2025.

Africa Scout Day celebrations, Burundi 2024