FINDING THEIR OWN WAY - SCOUTS IN AFRICA
The Scouts have been our steady partner ever since we created the Umckaloabo Foundation. The Scout Center in Mpumalanga in northeastern South Africa was the first major construction project the Foundation implemented as of 2010. In the meantime, it has become everything it was designed to be: the true heart and soul of the Scouts’ work.
This Center is where they come together for regional, national and international courses and meetings. And from here, group leaders and multipliers communicate principles, messages and knowledge via the region’s Scout groups and communities at events such as the annual campaign.
The Umckaloabo Foundation supports the Scouts’ annual campaigns in Mpumalanga, each of which focuses on a particular topic — ranging from health to cultural awareness all the way to violence against women and girls — and addresses that topic in age-appropriate activities. At the same time, these events always help create a shared set of values.
SCOUT CENTER – THE SCOUTS' HOME BASE
Like the Foundation itself, the Scout Center will soon be celebrating its 15th anniversary. The way the Scouts appreciate their “home base” is evident not only in the dynamic way the building is used and filled with life. It can also be seen by the exceptionally good condition of the Scout Center: young people here have remarkable experiences and take good care of the facilities.
We have known many of the Scouts active in Mpumalanga for years. Over and over we see how young people take control of their lives despite challenges in their early lives and how they benefit from the very values that the Scouts model for them.
BEING A ROLE MODEL
The best example of this is the head of Scouts South Africa, Khonzaphi Mdaka. He grew up in a very poor family, went to school, became a Scout early on and fought his way through the obstacles of life. Serving as the Chief Scout in addition to his family and job obligations is a challenge, but he sees the relevance of this work. He acts as a role model and beacon of hope for many children and young adults.
SCOUTS – BEYOND BORDERS
Creating Scout troops in Malawi is an especially successful example of how people can learn from each other in a manner that transcends national borders. After the decision was made in 2021 to establish Scout troops in Malawi, a dynamic back-and-forth took place between experienced South African Scouts and dedicated Scouts-to-be in Malawi. Some of the troop leaders even came to Germany to learn from years of Scout knowledge.
The Umckaloabo Foundation financially supported expanding the Scout network in Malawi to train masters and organize activities for young people. Despite economic difficulties, we were successful: in the meantime there are almost 2,000 active Scouts in Malawi.
In Lusaka, the capital of Zambia, there are also the first Scout troops forming at schools we have helped build. We support the groups’ expansion here as well.
PLANT A TREE – GROW WITH A TREE
One team-building measure which has many positive effects and truly bears fruit in every sense of the word is our campaign to plant fruit trees at schools. The Scouts teach the school children practical skills, explain ecological and agricultural contexts, and benefit from the fruit harvest which makes the meals at the schools healthier and more diverse. At the same time, the children learn more about teamwork and community. So far we have successfully planted nearly 20,000 fruit trees.