Every 13th of March, we celebrate African Scouting Day, established in 1995 by the African Union (then OAU), in recognition of the immense contribution of scouting to the development of the continent. This day is not just a simple commemoration; it is a vibrant call to African youth, governments, and development partners to recognize, strengthen, and support scouting as a school of leadership, responsible citizenship, and social transformation.
Scouting in Africa involves over 8 million engaged young people, supported by more than 620,000 adult volunteers, spread across every corner of the continent, working with humility and determination for a better world. In remote villages, in the heart of bustling metropolises, on lands marked by conflict, or in areas undergoing economic transformation, African scouting remains a beacon of hope, a path of righteousness, a melting pot of strong and universal values.
A youth standing up for a better future
Africa is today the continent of youth, with more than 70% of its population under the age of 30. This youth is a force, but also a challenge: unemployment, migration, violence, loss of bearings… In the face of these realities, scouting offers a model of concrete engagement, based on action, discipline, solidarity, and resilience.
Young scouts in Africa are not spectators of change: they are its architects. Everywhere, they are engaged in the fight against climate change, the consolidation of peace, the promotion of education, and the protection of the most vulnerable. They carry the pragmatic idealism of Baden-Powell, adapting their mission to current challenges, while remaining faithful to the motto: “Be prepared.”
Recognition to be translated into action
The African Union, by establishing this day, acknowledges the impact of scouting. But recognition is not enough: action must follow. We call on States, institutions, technical and financial partners, religious authorities, and community leaders:
- Invest in scouting, because a trained scout is a leader for tomorrow.
- Make scouting a strategic partner in education, citizenship, and sustainable development policies.
- Facilitate access to resources, because scouting should never be a luxury but an opportunity offered to every child, regardless of their background.
African scouting, a pillar of continental renaissance
Scouting in Africa is not just a youth movement. It is a philosophy of action, a school of courage and self-overcoming, an essential contribution to the reconstruction of our societies on foundations of responsibility, ethics, and service.
As Vice President for Africa of the International Catholic Conference of Scouting (ICCS), I witness every day the transformative impact of scouting on our youth. Our scouts are artisans of reconciliation in fragile contexts, promoters of comprehensive education that combines faith, action, and reflection. They embody responsible leadership, like the servant Christ, placing the common good at the heart of their commitment.
On this African Scouting Day, let us be proud of our roots, embrace our mission, and face together the challenges of the continent. African scouts, brothers and sisters in ideals, let us raise high the flame of hope and remind the world that scouting is an undeniable force in building a better future.
Scouting is more than a movement; it is a mission!
Together, we are ready!
Dr. Gouwendmanegré Oscar ZOEHINGA
Vice President – Africa Region
International Catholic Conference of Scouting (ICCS)