Arab Parajamboree sets the bar for hosting inclusive Scout events

3 minutes

Imagine a place where diversity is celebrated, inclusion is the norm, and barriers are broken down. This is exactly what the second Arab Scout Inclusive Camp (Parajamboree) was all about. From 29 April to 5 May 2023, Scouts from Arab countries came together in Morocco for an event that showcased the power of Scouting to create a more inclusive and welcoming world.

Two Scouts sit together in the grass during the Arab Parajamboree
Copyright
World Scout Bureau

Organized by the Moroccan Scout Federation, in partnership with the Arab Region Support Center and the Arab Scout Organization, this accessible and inclusive event was designed to be a safe space where everyone was respected and included. Scouts learned valuable life skills while exploring the beauty of nature and forging lifelong connections with fellow Scouts from diverse cultures.

One of the unique features of this edition of the Parajamboree was the participation of a group of UNICEF-affiliated unaccompanied migrants residing in Morocco. This added a whole new dimension to the event, highlighting the importance of creating a welcoming and supportive environment which welcomes young people affected by conflict, poverty and other factors leading to migration.

A Scout named Amine plays games during the Arab Parajamboree
Copyright
World Scout Bureau

For Amine (pictured above), a 19-year-old Scout and brilliant student at the Administration University in Morocco, the Parajamboree was a dream come true. Amine, who lives with a physical disability, is an impressive Scout of eight years already. He speaks four languages and dreams of one day being the boss of his own company. He says:

This is my second inclusive Arab Jamboree and I have to say, it is a dream come true. I feel proud to be a Scout. Scouting helped me gain the confidence to express my opinions and succeed in my studies.
Amine
19-year-old Scout

At the Parajamboree, Amine and his fellow Scouts participated in various activities, including hiking, team-building exercises, and cultural exchanges. Despite their different abilities and backgrounds, the Scouts worked together as a team, learning from each other and accepting their differences.

Shayma, an Arab Youth Advisor and volunteer, stands at the Arab Parajamboree
Copyright
World Scout Bureau

Shayma (pictured above), an Arab Youth Advisor and one of the management team members of the Parajamboree, was thrilled to have the opportunity to work with the youth participants and learn from their differences and commonalities. She appreciated the way the Parajamboree provided a safe and inclusive space where everyone was respected and valued.

I feel that the event has given me a better understanding of how to consider the differences of all participants and how to make sure their voices are heard. It inspired me to raise awareness of the importance of inclusion and diversity in Scouting and to work towards making the Scout movement more inclusive so that all young people could enjoy the Scouting adventure safely and inclusively.
Shayma
Arab Youth Advisor and Parajamboree Team Member
Scouts cheer during the Arab Parajambore
Copyright
World Scout Bureau

As the event came to a close, the Scouts said their goodbyes, but the memories they made will last a lifetime. They have learned valuable life skills, made new friends, and learned the importance of acceptance and teamwork. The second Inclusive Parajamboree was a celebration of diversity and inclusion, and it showed how Scouting can break down barriers and build bridges between young people from different backgrounds and cultures.