Scouts of Venezuela implements Interreligious Dialogue Challenge to promote peace

Scouts of Venezuela has officially launched the Interreligious Dialogue Challenge as part of its educational program. This Challenge offers young people a valuable opportunity to explore, understand and establish friendships in a spiritual environment.

Framed within Scouts for the SDGs and contributing to SDG 16, the educational project of Scouts of Venezuela drives towards the promotion of respect, diversity and the spiritual and religious development of young people. Interreligious exchange is encouraged and a culture of peace is promoted, where dialogue plays a fundamental role.

Aimed at young people from 15 to 20 years old, the Interreligious Dialogue Challenge is structured in two main stages:

• Exploration Stage: During this phase, Scouts will participate in activities designed to teach the basic principles of interreligious dialogue and explore their own personal learning objectives. It seeks to foster understanding of diverse religious beliefs and practices, as well as to promote personal reflection and openness to new perspectives.
• Reflective Action Stage: Ongoing reflection will take place during this stage as participants engage in service activities and other initiatives that allow them to further develop values and skills. The formation of interreligious networks will be promoted to provide mutual support among its members.

The working team in Scouts of Venezuela, has developed the educational guide of the Interreligious Dialogue Challenge, which was presented at the National Scout Assembly of Venezuela in March 2024, marking the beginning of its implementation.

The project has been designed with the active participation of WOSM consultants and a team of volunteers representing different religious groups with experience in education, ensuring its relevance and appropriateness to the needs of young Scouts. The pilot demonstrated the great interest of members in participating in this proposal, highlighting the importance of the subject for the organization. This initiative generated great expectation among young people, who are eager to participate in the activities that make up the Interreligious Dialogue Challenge.

The Interreligious Dialogue Challenge is part of WOSM's Messengers of Peace Initiative, it seeks to contribute to broadening worldviews and acquiring skills to promote peace and unity.

National Scout Organizations can request support through WOSM Services to adapt the Challenge to their educational programmes, ensuring its effective implementation.

If you are looking for a challenge that will help you develop spiritually while promoting peace and harmony, this challenge is for you! For more information on how to get involved, visit the Scouts for SDGs Hub.