A wave of transformation: 80,000 Scouts spark change in Algeria

In a vibrant corner of the Arab Region, the Algerian Muslim Scouts, with contributions from the Arab Scout Region and generous support from the World Scout Foundation and Alwaleed Philanthropies - مؤسسة الوليد للإنسانية, launched the inspiring "Change Makers Project" to equip young Scouts with the necessary skills to serve their communities and become catalysts for positive change.

Between 2021 and 2023, the project had a profound impact by empowering young people to amplify their voices and actively shape society. More than 80,000 Algerian Scouts and other young leaders took part in various forums, training camps and Scouting activities focused on social entrepreneurship.

The local forums engaged young people in organising advocacy campaigns, developing leadership skills, and honing their communication and persuasion skills. Dedicated training camps also offered intensive workshops on legal, administrative and financial management, as well as project implementation to support the success of each project.   

Through these opportunities, young people learned how to start their own projects, implement them in the community, and become social entrepreneurs, all with ongoing support and guidance from local leaders to create sustainable impact. Participants had six months to bring their projects from idea to implementation, with the best stories and achievements honoured during the national Youth Scout Forum.

The Change Makers Project also emphasised effective teamwork and collaboration among a diverse group of youth, fostering an inclusive environment and extending equal opportunities beyond the capital city to young people across Algeria.

"Early in my life, during my adolescence, I aspired to transform my neighbourhood into a better place. By joining the Algerian Muslim Scouts, I discovered the Change Makers Project, which seemed like the perfect solution and the first step toward realising my dreams of creating a brighter future for my country," shared Khaledy Wasim, a passionate and committed young leader, who was also a valued member of the Change Makers Project team.

Over the course of two years, the Change Makers Project has not only created a safe space for Scouts and other young leaders to engage in peaceful dialogue, present their ideas, and develop skills for life, but the project has also contributed directly to a number of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to quality education, gender equality, peace and justice, decent work and economic growth, and partnerships for the Global Goals. 

Thanks to this incredible initiative and support from partners, the Change Makers Project is leaving a lasting legacy by empowering young people to drive positive change and create a brighter future for themselves, while also transforming their communities and the future of Algeria for the better. 

The project was implemented as part of the Scouts for SDGs global initiative, thanks to the longstanding support and partnership of Alwaleed Philanthropies - مؤسسة الوليد للإنسانيةvia the World Scout Foundation. Scouts for SDGs enables young people with skills for life and empowers them to take the lead in community development efforts to support the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).