Lifeskills for 2,587 Children in South Africa

One of the many privileges I have is watching our young cubs mature, become scouts, and then go on to rovering, the 4^th branch of scouts that KTD196 runs. Initially, we didn’t have rovers, but the kids loved KTD196 program so much, they wouldn’t leave, so we had to start rovers. The Rovers assist us in many ways including sustainability regarding the Scouting program overall.

Currently we are at camp. We have already finished a Tutor Training course, a Skills course and tomorrow we finish a Warrant course (the second level of training for adults to run scouts in their communities). We trained 14participants in the Tutor course and during the Skills and Warrant courses 3 rovers put their new skills into action by being tutors on the next courses.

To watch these young people, make purposeful decisions to give back, to contribute to see others grow is immensely satisfying. That enables KTD196 program to become more sustainable and less dependent on the few staff we employ. We will be able to broaden our footprint and influence more children and then families and then communities.

All of this is because of your support. We utilized your support to hire the venue, catering for the participants and provide transport and also print manuals. None of this was provided for except through your support. You are enabling us to move forward.

We have 14 participants who are on the Warrant course, all of whom run Scout Groups of at least 50 children. That is massive. More and more we are establishing ourselves in the Burgersdorp region through Scouts and SHG. We have some SHG parents on the course which is exciting as we endeavour to reignite the volunteer spirit.

In South Africa, volunteering became a job pathway, and people were paid a stipend, but the true heart of volunteering was replaced with a financial transaction. It has taken years for KTD196 to re-establish the value of volunteerism back into the communities. The Cluster Level Association has certainly helped with this matter.

Anyway, I want to share with you Benji's video of his journey so far. He is journeying towards his Springbok Award (the highest Award in scouting in South Africa) after completing his Leaping Wolf Award (the highest Award in Cubs for South Africa) For more information, please go to our website for his full story.

Thank you for your support, you are vital to the future of our communities.

Blessings upon blessings to you

Louise

Links:

• Benji's Story!
• Why not leave a message for Benji!
• Facebook is a great way to keep up to date!