Message from Sandile Tshabalala, SCOUTS SA Board Chairman
Today, is World Children’s Day, and November is Disability Rights Awareness month, the interconnected advocacy for children and disability rights is centred in our programme design. As a constantly evolving and adapting organisation deeply rooted in South Africa’s changing landscape of child protection; we seek to co-create solutions in communities that advances the rights of children to learn, grow, play and feel safe. More importantly, for children with special needs and disabilities, whom we see at abled to excel if the appropriate support is accessible to them in their environments.
For example, our Scouting method is progressive in coming up with stimulating activities and projects based on the interests of all children such as inclusive games, useful life skills, and services to community. In these activities, where possible, we endeavour to include children living with disabilities, to ensure they have an equal and fair ability to participate in activities that strength their capabilities mentally, physically and spiritually. Scouting does not exclude any child in its programming, we accommodate and facilitate comfortable enjoyment of learning activities undertaken, at a pace that brings everyone into their potential within their effort.
In commemorating World Children’s Day, let us remember that SCOUTS South Africa supports over 32 000 children with access to quality lifelong learning, promoting their safety, and empowering them to participate fully in society. We create safer environments for children with disabilities within our Groups and at schools specialising in education for children with special needs. For many children whose life unfolds behind silence, Scouting is the loud voice of their visibility and an avenue for them to create a pathway for meaningful belonging.
Our flagship Safe from Harm framework and Anti-Bullying Toolkit covers verbal, social, physical and cyber bullying with the intent of making sure that every child involved in Scouting is safe from bullying and harassment which often can impede on their personal and emotional development.
Our aim of Scouting is to contribute to the development of all children and young adults in achieving their full potentials as individuals, and as responsible citizens. As a diverse and vibrant child and youth organisation, our success is measured by our duty to be useful and to help others at all times.
In alignment to the Child Gauge 2025 report that highlights promising practices such as gender-transformative programming, Scouting helps to promote healthier, non-violent relationships in families, schools and communities. The report also identifies opportunities to strengthen systems by providing trauma-informed and family-centred services to prevent the intergenerational transmission of violence. Scouting’s programmes enable families to have quality experiences together which in turn enables better understanding and encourages communication. We work hard each day as an organization to bring all children closer to their dreams despite their limitations and circumstances.