Association des Scouts et Guides du Mali joins as 175th Member of World Scouting
Scouting began to flourish once again and, on 21 April 2021, the various Scout associations came together to sign a unification protocol that formed the Association des Scouts et Guides du Mali. Association des Scouts et Guides du Mali was legally registered on 3 May 2022 as a non-political, non-profit organisation in accordance with Malian law, and with a mission to educate young people according to WOSM's principles.
With support of the World Scout Bureau and WOSM consultants, the Association des Scouts et Guides du Mali has been able to put in place the relevant policies, structures and systems to anchor the future growth and development of the movement in the country.
Mohamed Keita, Chief Commissioner of the Association des Scout et Guides du Mali, expressed his delight for the recognition, saying that, “Mali's highest authorities and leaders see in Scouting the best platform for our youth to make their voices heard for a bright future. They see Scouting as a school of life that can reshape young minds to become active, patriotic, and participative citizens in matters of collective interest.”
Today, the Association des Scouts et Guides du Mali has over 5,000 members across various age sections: Louvetaux/Louvettes 6-12 years, Eclaireurs/Eclaireuses 13-16 years, Routiers/Guides 17+ years and Ainés 20+ years. The membership is spread across different regions of Mali including in its capital Bamako (2048), Kayes (86), Koulikoro (347), Ségou (793), Sikasso (222), Mopti (291), Koutiala (340), San (700), Bougouni (123), Bandiagara (34), and in Tombouctou, Gao, Kidal, Taoudeni, and Menaka (42).
Association des Scouts et Guides du Mali trains and educates young people in the Scouting method, fostering holistic development, providing spiritual guidance, and promoting socio-cultural and educational activities. Some of its current projects include educational camps, charity campaigns, sports activities, environmental protection initiatives and and civic engagement programmes.
Association des Scouts et Guides du Mali demonstrates a solid commitment to building its capacity and bringing Scouting to new communities by tapping into the potential of more than 6.8 million young people aged 10-24 years who live in the country.
Going forward, the World Scout Bureau will continue to work closely with the Association des Scouts et Guides du Mali to support their growth plans through the development of a comprehensive growth strategy, and the offering Scouting to more young people, becoming present in new areas and communities.
