Law on the way to expand Scouting

Law on the way to expand Scouting

By Ei Thae Thae Naing   |   Sunday, 10 November 2013

Scouting is set to continue its comeback in Myanmar as the government plans to apply the scouting law now being prepared. The English-language version of the law has been completed and the Myanmar-language version is in progress.

Though Scouting was re-established here in November 2012, the law will ensure the legal framework is in place to ensure its future growth, those involved say.

"This draft has been in the making since May, and we've now discussed it with the World Organisation of Scout Movements' Asia Pacific Region," said U Maung Maung Win, the general secretary of the Myanmar Scout Interim Committee.

The re-establishment of Scouting in Myanmar after a long absence began last year with the training of 98 Scout leaders from 18 schools throughout the country.

"Now that the Scouts are based in schools, anyone who is interested can participate," said U Maung Maung Win.

Syd Castillo, director of the youth program for the Scout movement's Asia Pacific region, told The Myanmar Times that Scouting advocates individual and community responsibility.

"The goal is to re-establish Scouting in Myanmar. Scouting teaches responsible citizenship, which is beneficial for all young people," he said.

David Cossart, assistant chief commissioner for adult training and development of Scouts Australia, said he was impressed by President U Thein Sein's enthusiasm for the return of Scouting.

"We will help the boys and girls in Myanmar to become better citizens, of their country and internationally as well," he said.

As of March this year, there were about 1000 Scouts in Myanmar.

Source: http://www.news.myanmaronlinecentre.com/2013/11/11/law-on-the-way-to-expand-scouting/