International Day of the Girl 2012 Japan Runs “Girls Impact” Event To celebrate the International Day of the Girls, a ‘Girls Impact’ event was held in Tokyo on 8 October 2012. This event was organized by UNIC, Plan Japan and Girl Scouts of Japan (GSJ). An audience of 372 attended the event. Girl Scouts of Japan presented how they contribute to girl-related issues and introduced the Stop the Violence campaign, including the current situation of violence in Japanese society ―‘dating violence’.

‘Dating violence’ is the threat or the act of violence happening between dating partners,

especially around the age of junior high school, high school, or university. This form of violence is not yet recognized as a serious issue in Japanese society. However, one in five young women have experienced this type of violence. Though the situation is serious, this is a great opportunity for Girl Scouts of Japan to listen and empower girls and young women to make a difference in Japanese society. During this event, Girl Scouts of Japan stood in front of people, including many young ladies, and listened to the strong and cheerful shout of ‘Stop the Violence!’ from the participants with their right hands held up. On the same day, the GSJ’s leadership workshop took place near the event, so girls were able to visit the workshop participants who welcomed them by shouting ‘Stop the violence!’ with their right hands held up. They also participated in the ‘Girls Impact’ event by watching an online live telecast.

Girl Scouts of Korea Hosts “Girls Lead the Change” Event Girl Scouts of Korea held the Fifth Girl's Day under the theme "Girl, Lead the Change!" at Jamwon Han-river Park, Seoul, on 6 October 2012. The event was attended by 4,000 people including girls, youths, families, and women across the country. Also present were

Tae-suk Kim, the Vice-Minister of the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family and Dr. Juseon Byun, former Chairman of Asia Pacific Regional Committee and around 100 Women and Civil NGOs.

This annual event used to be held in April but the Girl Scouts of Korea requested that it be moved in order to celebrate that UN-declared 'International Day of the Girl' on 11 October. The Girls' day event programme is planned in line with new issues every year and provides diverse programmes to enable Girl Guides and Girl Scouts to develop their fullest potential as responsible citizens of the world. The Imagine More campaign introduced by WAGGGS was adopted at the event and girls considered the world they want for girls.

Apart from these activities, other programmes linked to leadership development, career development, maths classes with teaching aids and scientific activities as well as UN MDGs were run by partner NGOs and the provincial councils so that girls can better prepare for their future.

National Celebrations in Mongolia The National Authority for Children, a Mongolian government agency, encouraged nationwide celebration of the International Day of the Girl.

The Girl Scout Association of Mongolia (GSAM) introduced the concept of the International Day of the Girl to the Children and Family Development Department of the National Authority for Children, the government`s implementing agency. They accepted and encouraged GSAM`s efforts, initiative and proposal to celebrate the International Day of the Girl nationwide every year starting 2012. The National Authority for Children sent a decree to all its branches in the 21 provinces and Ulaanbaatar. They developed a guidance note containing introductions, aims and ideas on how to celebrate the International Day of the Girl at schools, communities and at local decision-making levels. GSAM provided the National Authority for Children with all necessary information about the Day and organized girls’ rights advocacy activities. This is the first time Mongolia celebrated the International Day of the Girl and it was enriching and served as a platform for girls to express their voice.

The International Day of the Girl was celebrated at School No. 84 and No.17 in Ulaanbaatar with cooperation from GSAM, with around 1,000 girls attending the event. During the celebration at school No. 84, young leader Bolortuya and GSAM Chief Commissioner A.Tsevelmaa shared a presentation on the Girl Guiding and Girl Scouting movement and explained why the “International Day of the Girl” was celebrated, whilst also sharing WAGGGS’ Centenary highlights. The focus for GSAM in celebrating this day was on “Preserving Nature”. At school No. 17, the celebration was organized by GSAM members in cooperation with the National Authority for Children. Kh.Baavgai (PhD in Pedagogy), Head of Children and Family Development Department of the National Authority for Children, opened the event day by giving the opening remarks: “Dear beautiful princesses whom we compare with flowers! We wish you a happy future when you become good women and good mothers. Thousands of girls of your age in all parts of the world are living with many issues such as having limited rights to education, discrimination because of being born as females, becoming victim of human trafficking, violence, hunger, poverty and forcedly getting married at a very young age etc. We greatly appreciate this initiative to celebrate the Day of the Girl worldwide with an aim to draw global attention to the issues faced specifically by girls. The Girl Scout Association of Mongolia is giving you an opportunity to know your value and develop not only your external beauty but also internal beauty, so highlight my advice for you to participate in GSAM activities actively. We are

Planning to coordinate with the Girl Scouts Association of Mongolia on this matter in the future. At this exact moment girls all around the world are celebrating this day by establishing a garden under the name of the girls, expressing their voice through their painting, songs and dancing”. During the celebration of the event at School 17, the participating girls drew their thoughts and dreams, made compositions out of pictures from magazines, wrote their feelings, and travelled through desk stations named “Precious Water”, “Beauty saves the world”, “Healthy mind in Healthy Body” and “I can do it”. The Director of School 17, made a closing speech saying that the event was a valuable initiative that gave inspiration for the girls to have optimistic aspirations and goals to become good women in the future. Girl Scouts of the Philippines Share the World they Want

The Girl Scouts of the Philippines (GSP) celebrated the first International Day of the Girl at the GSP Escoda Hall at the National Headquarters, Manila. Sessions on empowerment and other fun activities helped them be aware of the issues that Filipino girls face. A commitment wall where girls posted their wishes on the world they want was also put up. Michelle Alvarez, a young adult volunteer of GSP was named the Ambassador for the International Day of the Girl for the Asia Pacific Region, WAGGGS. Mr Dong Wana, Programme Support Manager of Plan International, Inc., gave an inspirational talk about the Journey to International Day of the Girl 2012 and State of the Girls Today. 130 Junior, Senior and Cadets Girl Scouts, Troop Leaders, Council Executives and staff together with Girl Scouts of the officers and national headquarters staff attended the celebration.

GirlGuiding New Zealand Holds Girl Jam on Child Mortality Girl Guides throughout New Zealand jumped to celebrate the International Day of the Girl on 11 October 2012 and raise awareness about child mortality. The United Nations declared 11 October 2012 as the world’s first International Day of the Girl and GirlGuiding New Zealand as part of WAGGGS, raised their voices to say, ““Together we can save children’s’ lives”. This is a key part of the Millennium Development Goals that were agreed by the United Nations Member States in New York to combat extreme poverty across the world. On this celebratory day for girls, GirlGuiding New Zealand aimed to make a commitment to the future of children by having fun with Girl Jam, a quick and easy form of exercise and movement to the girls’ choice of music. “Girl Jam aims to raise awareness about child poverty and reducing child mortality,” said Sonia Faulkner, President, GirlGuiding New Zealand. “It’s a fantastic opportunity for Girl Guides of all ages to speak out, educate and take action”. Pippins, Brownies, Girl Guides and Rangers enjoyed Girl Jam anywhere they chose, whether it was at a park, at a local shopping centre, at a school, anywhere in fact that was a safe place. As the Girl Jam was held during the school holidays, friends, parents, grandparents and siblings were all invited to join in the fun. Videos clips of the Girl Jam were placed on You Tube through the GirlGuiding New Zealand website www.girlguidingnz.org.nz. Thailand Attends UNGEI Event On the first International Day of the Girl Child, 11 October 2012 the Girl Guides (Girl Scouts) Association of Thailand (GGAT), led by President Assoc. Prof. Dr. Wadee Kheourai attended an event jointly hosted by UNGEI (United Nations Girls’ Education Initiative) and Plan International Thailand to launch the

‘Because I am a Girl Campaign’ focusing on girls’ rights to education. UNGEI’s Joint Statement for East Asia and Pacific and South Asia Region was a call to End Child Marriage, to which education can be one of the solutions. There was an exhibition on Thai women, who were interviewed on ‘What education means to them?’ comprising successful women from different walks of life as well as the less-privileged, mostly hill tribe, stateless girls and young women, who have left school due to pregnancy. According to Maja Cubarrubia, Country Director for Plan: “Although we see success in girls and women who received education, there is the other side of the coin

one must acknowledge as existing; and something has to be done to give equal education opportunity to them.” The event was presided over by a Minister from the Office of the Prime Minister, H.E. Nalinee Taveesin, who touched on the government’s policy for boys and girls to have equal opportunities to enrol in school. However, in real life due to poverty and the lack of legal status, girls drop out of school and do not pursue their education after grade 12. All the participants were asked the question ‘Do you believe every girl has the right to education?’ and if yes, to raise their hands to show support, to which every participant raised their hand.

International Day of the Girl Declared Nationwide in Tonga Tonga has been busy over the last few months. Since 11 September 2012, they have followed closely the International Day of the Girl and the Tumbl'r Launch. On 12 October, the Day was declared nationwide with a very powerful and empowering message from the Hon. Minister of Education and Training (the only woman Minister in the Cabinet). The Girl Guides Association of the Kingdom of Tonga did the 'curtain raiser' for the Agricultural Show, attended by their Majesties, Cabinet Ministers, MPs and many distinguished guests. The girls sang 'Reduce, re-use; recycle and “This little Guiding Light of mine”. This was followed by three television awareness programmes of 30 minutes each, sponsored by the Ministry of Education and Training. Their Board decided to re-run the Girl Guides Association of the Kingdom of Tonga’s programmes. On Remembrance Sunday, 11 November, Girl Guides and Girl Scouts attended a church service where the lessons and hymns were read by Girl Guide and Girl Scouts members and the girls sang songs with compliments such as 'Their Majesties kept smiling as the children sang'. Their Royal Patron sent one of her grandchildren on her behalf to lay the wreath at the Cenotaph. The Girl Guides and Girl Scouts’ wreath, in the shape of the Trefoil, was laid to mark the third and final year of the 100th Anniversary of Girl Guiding and Girl

Scouting in the world and the launch of the International Day of the Girl. The Pathway/Roadmap for the Girl/Child from 2012-2013 has included feedback on Tumbl'r.

Forming the Roadmap was judged and prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd were given out on 19 November when their new training centre was officially handed over by the Government of Japan and officially opened by a grandchild of the Royal Patron on her behalf. This will also

mark the 60th Anniversary of Girl Guiding and Girl Scouting in Tonga, and all the Cabinet Ministers, MPs, school principals and related stakeholders were invited. Schools sent in their representatives which totalled more than 100.

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Bangladesh Holds 35th National Council and Election The 35th National Council and the Election of Bangladesh Girl Guides Association (BGGA) were held in the Girl Guide/Girl Scouts auditorium in New Baily Road Dhaka from 12 to 15 October 2012. The programme was presided over by Marjina Haque, former regional commissioner of the Rajshahi region. In total there were 184 Councillors from eight Girl Guide regions present. They elected 23 members for the National Executive Committee for the year 2012 - 2015. Sayeda Rehana Imam was elected as the National Commissioner and Professor Yesmin Ahmed was elected as the Treasurer. After the election, the elected members took their oath. The oath programme was conducted by Marjina Haque, Chairman of the council. The election committee consisted of five members from different regions. Begum Kawsar Nasrin, Senior Assistant Secretary, Ministry of Education of the Bangladesh Government was present during the programme as an external observer. The annual report (December 2011 - October 2012) of the Bangladesh Girl Guides Association was presented during the council. Beside this report they also presented different Sub-Committee reports, audit reports of the eight regions, proposed budget for the year 2012-2013 and the appointment of the audit firm was also actioned. World quota, World Thinking Day fees, among others were also set during this council. GOLD Team Visits Cook Islands A journey was made to the Cook Islands by eight enthusiastic leaders from Girlguiding New Zealand and Girl Guides Australia Incorporated in partnership with the Guiding Overseas Link for Development (GOLD). They

travelled to the Cook Islands to provide their services to the members in the Girl Guides Association Cook Islands (GGACI) from 28 September to 12 October 2012. They were hosted by GGACI which provided all accommodation, meals, transport to and from the airport, farewell gifts and other contributions. In 2011 the programme was initiated by three young leaders from New Zealand and Australia. It was the beginning of the GOLD programme in the Cook Islands, where they witnessed the celebration of the 83rd year of Girl Guiding and Girl Scouting on Cook Islands Day. This was the first time GGACI was a recipient of such a unique and exciting programme. They allocated some days for the GOLD Team to experience culture and tradition with girls from the Brownies, Girl Guides, Rangers and Leaders. The GOLD Team also shared their training skills to girls and leaders. They did activities such as: participating in a candle ceremony each morning to mark this special programme into the Cook Islands; learning local basket weaving and other weavings; participate in sewing fresh flower garlands; Learning the skills on embroidery for cushion covers; Doing coconut husking activities; Learning the different ways of sarong tying; Participating in island dancing lessons; Participating in a Duke of Edinburgh Award programme on Expedition with girls on mountain hiking; Courtesy visits to a handful of government and private sectors; Attending local church services in the Cook Islands Christian Church and the Catholic church. During their visit they also took part in International Day of the Girl celebrations on 11 October 2012. The programme began with a short devotion in the morning conducted by young women from a local Girl Guide company, Titikaveka Girl Guide Company. The eight member team was from Girlguiding New Zealand, team leader Nicola Roux de Buison, Jackie Crawford, Serena Smalley and Angela Stockman. The Girl Guides Australia Incorporated team was composed of leader Fiona Miller, Jaimmi Hayhoe, Emma Sheard and Kathryn Martin. The Titikaveka Girl Guide Company hosted the team for an island breakfast and lighting, blowing and cutting of a special cake for this celebration. To add an island flavour, the Girl Guides Association Cook Islands (GGACI) honoured

the GOLD Team by planting two gardenia plants to mark the day in the compound where they were accommodated for two weeks. Tree planting is a significant ceremony for any visiting group or occasion. This marked the event and the 100 Years of changing lives programme in the Cook Islands. Local girls shared their island knowledge on coconut husking, cutting and crating the coconut. The GOLD Team were given a taste of the fresh coconut juice and white meat of the coconut.

To conclude the event, the GOLD team was invited to a traditional ceremony hosted by the House of Ariki. They hope to continue this in 2013 to improve relations with others in the Girl Guiding and Girl Scouting world. They would like to send congratulations to every girl in the movement around the Asia Pacific Region for taking a challenge in their life to become an excellent girl in the society. Girl Guides Srikandi Award for Three Women of Substance Around 220 members and friends of Girl Guides Association Malaysia (GGAM) attended the Srikandi Award and Girl Guides

Association Malaysia 95th Anniversary Night dinner on 23 November 2012 to honour three ladies who contributed to the association. The event was held at the association headquarters, Wisma Pandu Puteri, Jalan Pantai Baharu, Kuala Lumpur. YBhg Datin Seri Zalillah Mohd Taib, GGAM Chief Commissioner in her welcoming speech said that the success achieved in the 95 years of Girl Guiding in Malaysia was due to the

close cooperation, understanding and Girl Guiding spirit/sisterhood among members and friends of GGAM. “We need to live by our Girl Guides’ motto that is `Be Prepared’ to face the dynamic change in the world around us. Therefore, it is imperative that every Guider and member strive their best to equip themselves with the latest skills and knowledge for any challenges”, she said. Guest-of-honour Normala Baharudin, Vice Chairman of the Asia Pacific Regional Committee, praised and thanked the recipients YBhg Datin Seri Zalillah Mohd Taib, Jeyadhevi Subramaniam and Lucy Lee for their contributions to the association. “I hope the achievements by these three ladies will inspire others especially the young ones in emulating their contributions and volunteerism. Their support to the association is really appreciated. The effort and commitment by leaders in utilising their resources, talents and influences effectively is of utmost importance to develop girls and young women into responsible and capable world citizen”, she said before presenting the awards. They each received a Sri Kandi gold brooch, trophy and certificate. Normala also congratulated the association on the 95th anniversary of Girl Guiding and Girl Scouting in the country.

Pakistan Runs Project on Peace Promotion Pakistan Girl Guides Association AKYSBP Branch’s Rehmani Garden Senior Girl Guides Company initiated a year-long project for the “Promotion of Peace” in July. The project is threefold and caters to three

major objectives. The first objective is to promote internal peace through meditative practices so that the target audience can learn about ways to relax the mind and achieve peace

internally. The second component aims to expose youth of the community to various cultures locally and in other countries so they may be acquainted to multiculturalism and values of tolerance that are so relevant and important for the society. The final component focuses on raising awareness on the pertinent issues of human rights focusing on women and children’s rights in society.

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In this regard, the Rehmani Garden Senior Girl Guides arranged a poetry writing competition on the theme of “a world without violence” for the Girl Guides and Girl Scouts of four localities. The aim of the activity was to think and reflect on the growing violence in the world and how it affects people. The activity encourages young girls to express their thoughts through creative expression. An art competition was also organized for Junior Girl Guides of the four localities on the theme “The World We Want for Ourselves”. The objective of this was for these young girls to start noticing the environment around them, to get them to think of the aspects of the society that make them uneasy and which they feel can be improved so that we may have a peaceful society. Girl Guides and Junior Girl Guides participated in these activities and many entries were received which reflected how deeply and creatively youth thinks about various aspects and problems of the society and the wider world. The Philippines Runs Malaysian Girl Guides Camp for Environmental Campaign

The Girl Scouts of the Philippines ran a three-day Friendship Adventure Camp for more than 30 Girl Guides from Bukit Damansara Primary School, one of Malaysia’s top performing schools, at the Ating Tahanan National Programme and Training Centre in Baguio City, Philippines from 18 to 22 November 2012. The Malaysian Ministry of Education approved and funded the activity which aimed to promote environmental concerns and foster cultural and friendship exchange.

The camp activities included a cooking challenge, poster making on environment, camping and Winnie roast (banana, corn, and marshmallow) partying, boating, biking, playing games, and visiting Baguio City’s market, mall, parks and some historical places. The Girl Guides visited Mary Immaculate Conception School in Baguio to present Damansara School’s “Save the Endangered Species Project” and at the same time they learned other environmental issues that our country is currently experiencing. Thailand Runs Life Skill and Service Training Camp Girl Guides (Girl Scouts) Association of Thailand organized a ‘Life Skill and Service Training Camp’ from 16 to 18 November 2012 for 70 Girl Guides and Girl Scouts from Cha-am Khunying Neungburi school in the Prachuapkhirikan Province. The programme entailed Girl Guides and Girl Scouts to travel to Bangkok by train, wishing Their Majesty the King and Queen good health in Girl Guides and Girl Scouts uniform as a group, setting up tents, learning to use a cooking pot, sewing cloth bags to give as gift when visiting the Emergency Home, an NGO which provides shelter to girls and young women with unwanted pregnancies as well as battered wives to learn about their plight and provide comfort to victims of sexual abuse and violence. Boonyanuj Leukla noted “I was so excited about this camp and had to learn to adapt myself to many new things like learning to cook where the toughest part was learning to light the fire. We also had fun activities with games and songs, visited the Emergency Home to give the bag I sewed as well as learning about the girls and women facing family problems. I also had a chance to hold a neglected baby, which made me yearn to stay back”.

WLDP in Tokyo WAGGGS and the Girl Scouts of Japan hosted a WAGGGS Leadership Development Programme (WLDP) at the National Olympics Memorial Youth Centre in Tokyo, Japan from 2 to 7 October 2012.This event brought together 42 participants from 21 countries, including 18 participants from Japan. Makiko Kato, one of the Japanese participants, commented, "It was the first time for me to participate in WAGGGS events and I learned what is leadership and gained tips to be a good leader through some activities. The most interesting workshop for me is the Powerful Question, a leadership skills session. This workshop taught me the way to ask questions which encourage and move people forward. I am working harder by bringing this skill into daily life. Also it was my first time to spend seven days with Girl Scouts and Girl Guides from other countries. Through the international nights and Japanese nights, we learnt more about each country and culture. WLDP brought me to a new world and new friends from all over the world!" Girl Guides Association of Malaysia and Walt Disney Award for Brownie The inaugural Phineas and Ferb Isabella Award by Walt Disney Channel and Girl Guides Association of Malaysia was presented during the recent Karnival Pandu Puteri Tunas at the Bukit Merah Laketown Resort, Perak. This was in recognition of one of the girls who made Phineas and Ferb’s adventures possible - Fireside Girl Troop Leader, Isabella Garcia Shapiro. Young winners aged 10 to 12 years old showed remarkable leadership as Pandu Puteri Tunas Company Leaders (Ketua Pasukan Pandu Puteri Tunas). They are confident with a go-getter attitude, tenacious with a let’s-give-it-our-best-shot perseverance, cheerful and optimistic. More importantly, they are good friends to their company members.

Nepal Scouts Hold Scout Rally On 24 November 2012 a Scout Rally was organized by the Nepal Scouts National Headquarters on the occasion of 100 years of WAGGGS and 60 years of Nepal Scouts. The

participating districts in the rally were Bhaktapur, Kathmandu, and Lalitpur districts. 1,700 Boy and Girl Scouts participated in the Rally. The Rally was started and inaugurated from the Central Sports Stadium 'Dasharath Rangashala' to the central parts of Kathmandu City up to the Nepal Scouts National Headquarters. Mr. Baikuntha Manandhar, Marathon Gold Medallist, also a previous Scout, inaugurated the Rally from Dasharath Rangashala. When the rally reached the National Headquarters of Nepal Scouts, a formal programme was conducted. Ms. Pushpalata Bhattarai, Joint Chief Commissioner of Nepal Scouts chaired the programme. Prof. Dr. Shiva Kumar Rai, Member of National Planning Commission of Nepal was invited as the Chief Guest for the programme. The Secretary and Undersecretary of the Ministry of Youth and Sports (line ministry of Nepal Scouts) also attended the programme. Ms. Ram Badan Joshi, Coordinator of Scout Rally 2012 and Chairperson of the Advisory Committee of Nepal Scouts gave a welcome speech mentioning the importance 100 years of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts and the diamond jubilee of Nepal Scouts. The representatives from the three districts spoke about the centenary and 60-year celebration activities from their respective districts. The chief guest highlighted the importance of scouting in Nepal in the present situation when the country is going through political instability. A message from the Low Lih Jeng, Chairman, Asia Pacific Regional Committee, WAGGGS was read during the ceremony. The Scouts were excited to attend the rally and many of them recommended that this kind of big event should take place more often in future.

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Pakistan Runs Cadet Girl Guide Training Pakistan Girl Guides Association National Headquarters organized a training for Cadet Girl Guides from 27 to 31 August 2012. 60 students of the Government College for Elementary Teachers, belonging to different areas of the country attended the training. Facilitators passed the knowledge to the participants in various interesting ways. Mrs. Tahira Ahmad, Mrs. Shamsa Kashif, Syeda Khawar Ehsan, Ms. Zaheen Shafque and Mrs. Arjumand Shamim were among the facilitators. Sessions on the Introduction of Girl Guiding, Formation of Girl Guide companies, Components of the Girl Guide programme, History of Girl Guiding, National and International Girl Guide Celebrations and International Girl Guiding were the main features of the workshop. On 30 August 2012 a Day Camp was organized. Participants learnt to make different gadgets with the help of knots and set up shelters. On 31 August 2012 participants took an oath and were enrolled as Cadet Girl Guides by Mrs. Tahira Ahmad, National Secretary, Pakistan Girl Guides Association. Later in the day the closing ceremony was held. Mrs. Farhana Azim, National Commissioner, Pakistan Girl Guides Association was the Chief Guest. In her address, she emphasized the importance of teachers in society and motivated them to learn for moving forward in life. She also distributed certificates to the participants. Girl Scouts of Japan Appearances in Popular TV Programmes Girl Scouts of Japan, who are known for being good at knots, were featured on NHK's popular morning programme 'Asa-ichi' where they

introduced the reef knot that is so useful in daily life. Every Girl Guide and Girl Scout knows how to tie a reef knot, so when they saw how surprised the television personalities were at how useful a reef knot is, they felt anew that "Girl Guide and Girl Scout skills that they learn naturally are all far more useful than they ever imagined." Girl Scouts of Japan uploaded a video of the rope work from the television programme onto Facebook. Girl Scouts of Korea Sign Memorandum of Understanding with 2013 Special Olympics

Girl Scouts of Korea took part in a Memorandum of Understanding Signing Ceremony with the 2013 Pyeongchang Special Olympics Winter Games World Competition Organization Committee in July 2012 to support the Olympics. 300 Girl Scouts participated in D-100 celebration event “Together We Walk” on 21 October 2012 and Girl Scout officials will participate in the “Special Scarf Project” to knit the scarves. The knitted scarves will be donated to the athletes during the Opening Ceremony of the Olympics. The Special Olympics World Winter Games PyeongChang 2013, an international sporting event where people with intellectual disabilities from all around the world participate, will take place from 29 January 2013 to 5 February 2013 at PyeongChang, Korea. The Philippines Participates in Jamboree-On-The-Air (JOTA)/Jamboree-On-The-Internet (JOTI) The Girl Scouts of the Philippines participated in the 55th Jamboree-on-the-Air (JOTA) and 16th Jamboree-on-the-Internet (JOTI) on 20 October 2012. The event was conducted by

the Boy Scouts of the Philippines in coordination with the Philippine Amateur Radio Association (PARA). JOTA and JOTI are held annually every third Saturday of October. Through this activity, Junior, Senior and Cadet Girl Guides and Girl Scouts have the opportunity to communicate with other Girl Guides and Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts in the country and abroad through the ham radio and the Internet. Susan R Locsin, Girl Scouts of the Philippines 2nd National Vice President, gave an inspirational message. Girl Guides and Girl Scouts and Troop Leaders from the Caloocan City and Pasay City Councils participated in the event. Royal Visit to the Solomon Islands Maia Ramsden of the Solomon Islands Girl Guides Association (SIGGA) writes on the Royal visit to her island: “When the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge arrived here it was exceedingly exciting. I am very interested in the royal families of the past and present but more because they are an age-old family who has been all over the world than because I think they should be in a position of great power. It was a great privilege to be part of the royal guard of honour with the other Solomon Islands Girl Guides and Girl Scouts even in the unfortunate weather. I am slightly disappointed that I did not get to shake their hands like my brother and sister. All in all it was a wonderful experience that I thoroughly enjoyed.” Thailand Girl Guide Selected to Support the Asian Peace and Reconciliation Council (APRC) Thamonwan Na Nakara (Praewa), a young Board Committee member of the Girl Guides (Girl Scouts) Association of Thailand was selected to be the personal liaison of the former Prime Minister of Malaysia, Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi at the Asian Peace and Reconciliation Council (APRC) preparatory meeting.

The meeting was held in Bangkok from 3 to 5 September 2012 to create a network of influential diplomats and experienced experts to promote peace and reconciliation in the Asian region using a confidential diplomatic approach. The founding members of APRC, which will have a Secretariat in Bangkok, included many former Prime Ministers from across Asia. HRH Maha Chakri Sirindhorn of Thailand also attended and met participants of the APRC. It was a significant lifetime experience during which Praewa learned a lot of new things since it was completely different from other valuable opportunities she has had. Praewa writes :

“I am very glad that I got to talk with the former Prime Minister of Malaysia about my Girl Guiding and Girl Scouting experiences in Thailand and at WAGGGS international events I have attended and I shared the work of WAGGGS with him. He seemed very interested and surprised, and asked a lot of questions about Girl Guiding and Girl Scouting! I was so thrilled! I also mentioned that I have lovely Malaysian Sister Girl Guides in his country too! Self-confidence, self-esteem, leadership and decision-making are some of the valuable skills I have developed from participating in Girl Guiding and Girl Scouting activities, which helped me a lot in working at this event. It also helps open more doors of opportunities for me. Thank you WAGGGS! Thank you Girl Guiding and Girl Scouting! I am very proud to be a Girl Guide and Girl Scout!”

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Korea Runs Fundraising Campaign in Support of Girl Victims Suffering from Sexual Violence

Girl Scouts of Korea together with the HappyBean Foundation, embarked on a Fundraising Campaign in support of girl victims suffering from sexual violence. The HappyBean Foundation is working for the public good as a non-profit foundation of Naver which is Korea's largest portal site. On 6 October Girl Scouts of Korea had a Memorandum of Understanding Signing Ceremony with HappyBean Foundation during the Fifth Girls’ Day event and started the Campaign by making a piggy bank to raise funds. Juyeon Park, a Junior Girl Scout who took part in the Campaign, said "I hope to make the perfect world for girls, especially for the girl victims of sexual violence, by participating in this meaningful campaign." This campaign has been conducted on the web as well as offline from 11 October 2012 in commemoration of 'The 1st UN International Day of the Girl' to 11 December 2012 by making a piggy bank or donating 'Bean' (a donation item of HappyBean) through the HappyBean website. In addition, Girl Guides and Girl Scouts posted messages and photos of donation activities on a 'Members Club' which is a web community of HappyBean. Through this Campaign, Girl Scouts of Korea hopes to help girls change the world themselves and this campaign will be continued under various themes for girls and young women.

Pakistan Runs Income Generation Skills Trainings In September 2012 the Pakistan Girl Guides Association organized two trainings on income generation skills in District Shekhupura and Lahore Cantt in which 30 Senior Guides participated. They learnt how to make handmade baskets, greeting cards, decoration pieces and how to cook different food items at home. At the end they exhibited stalls in their educational institutions and generated money by selling these items. Senior Girl Guides from Lahore taught the community women to make envelopes from newspaper, they also provided newspapers to the women to make envelopes for sale to upgrade their economic situation.

Enthusiasm and Teamwork Grows Girl Guiding in a district of New Zealand

Girl Guiding is flourishing in the Cromwell/Lakes area of Central Otago in the lower South Island, thanks to the enthusiasm and team work of a group of 23 leaders.

“We are operating with waiting lists or at full capacity in Wakatipu and Cromwell Pippin, Brownie and Cromwell Ranger Units,” says District Co-ordinator and Cromwell Brownie Leader Patricia Hilton. “The key reason we are flourishing is the extremely motivated positive leaders who work together to make really exciting programmes for the girls in all units. I believe that in providing programmes that are challenging and fun, you will always have girls keen to be involved regardless of age.” Patricia said the lack of a permanent Girl Guiding hall is a blessing, rather than a hindrance to the region’s success. “We don’t have to spend time fundraising for venues so

all our energy goes on making sure we have exciting programmes for all our girls. Our philosophy is that we should be out in the community as much as possible.” After only four years, Patricia is excited about the future and happy about the opportunities provided by the tightly-run units in her district. “We are flourishing here and it’s amazing that we’ve only been up and running for four years. It’s a testament to the commitment and enthusiasm of our leaders. They run great units, are really positive and have lots of fun. The parent leaders don’t receive discounted membership for their daughters so they are there because they enjoy it and that makes such a difference to our girls and the time they have while they’re with us,” said Patricia. Refugees encouraged to join GirlGuiding New Zealand An innovative project in Manawatu to encourage girls from refugee families to join GirlGuiding New Zealand continues to grow. A task force has been set up to assist Refugee Integration Project leader Sue Arnold and the local Refugee Services to provide further support for the girls and their families. “Our Refugee Integration Project aims to embrace diversity and end the isolation some of these girls feel when they arrive in a strange country. All our girls benefit by experiencing and interacting with girls of a different culture, which expands their horizons and encourages understanding,” says Sue. Girl Guiding is a safe way for these girls to be involved in the Palmerston North community and immerse themselves in New Zealand life and to try new things and achieve new challenges,” she says. The task force will focus on issues related to getting girls between unit meetings and their homes and meeting with Refugee Services and community leaders to develop strategies for further promotion and successful integration and retention of girls in the units. Future plans include setting up a uniform and resource pool to provide access to these for girls who are regularly attending Girl Guiding

unit activities and to provide training for unit leaders. “As one of GirlGuiding New Zealand’s goals is to encourage and support diversity within their membership and local communities, training information is being developed to better understand the needs of refugee girls and their families and increase skills to assist their integration into the New Zealand way of life,” said Sue. A further initiative for the Refugee Integration Project is to provide the opportunity for girls, their families and community leaders to have a go at Girl Guiding activities, to showcase the types of activities that girls are involved in “so they feel more relaxed and comfortable when beginning their Girl Guiding life at unit meetings”.

Special Summer Camp for children in areas affected by the Great East Earthquake

Girl Scouts of Japan invited elementary and junior high school pupils from Iwate, Miyagi and Fukushima, the three

prefectures hit by the Great East Japan Earthquake in March 2011, to a three-day camp. The camp was financed by donations from Girl Guides and Girl Scouts in Japan and overseas. They used the National Hanayama Youth Outdoor Learning Centre in Miyagi and planned activities that would cultivate disaster prevention skills and instil a zest for living in the rich natural environment. The children cooperated with each other and deepened their friendship. All the activities were conducted in groups with Rangers or student leaders acting as leaders. The Rangers showed excellent organizational skills and the participants enjoyed three fun days in safety in the company of group leaders. The participants went home after the camp saying that they wanted to come again next year. In

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response to their wish, Girl Scouts of Japan are planning to hold the summer camp again next year. Girl Scouts of the Philippines Honours Founder The Josefa Llanes Escoda Hall was dedicated

on 20 September at the Girl Scouts of the Philippines (GSP) national headquarters on Padre

Faura, Manila. On this day, the Girl Scouts of the Philippines honoured its founder, Josefa Llanes Escoda, on her 114th birth anniversary. Escoda was a suffragist and an advocate for women's rights. Escoda Day's theme this year was "Remembering Our Great Founder." A heroine of World War II, Escoda is known for her sacrifices in helping Filipino soldiers endure the difficulties of prison life. She was last seen on 6 January 1945, in Manila, where she died in a concentration camp. GSP observes Josefa Llanes Escoda Day each year on 20 September with fitting celebrations nationwide by virtue of Presidential Proclamation 1214. GSP members contribute to the Josefa Llanes Escoda Memorial Fund, which supports travel expenses of Girl Scouts and Troop Leaders who attend international events representing the GSP. Singapore Represented at Green Seminar Jing Fang from Girl Guides Singapore (GGS) attended a seminar at Sangam in March 2012. She writes on her experience here: “In March 2012, I was given the opportunity to attend a one week seminar, “Young Women Leading for a Greener Future”. The week-long seminar was held at Sangam from 14 to 20 March. It was indeed an amazing experience as 39 young women from 34 countries came together working towards a common goal. All sessions were designed to help young women better understand the environmental issues that were faced globally. Through the series of activities during the seminar, we were required to submit a development action plan for our own country, thus the plans for Brownies to be more environmentally involved – National Brownie Revel 2012.

Girl Guides Singapore works closely with the National Environment Agency (NEA) with regards to educating the young about environmental issues faced locally. We have programmes established for our Brownies - Resource Conservation Badge and Public Health Badge. These two badges are the champion badges that Brownies will attend upon completion of the five merit badges. Besides workshops, there were a series of competitions, related to the environment, as well as sharing sessions with the Guiders and public on their activities. For instance, our Brownies were given the opportunity to share at the Clean and Green Singapore Schools’

Carnival about the two WAGGGS badges to the guest of honours present and the public. Many were impressed by the programmes and were also given an opportunity for hands-on activities on-site. Addressing both local and global environmental issues, the “Hand Pledge” idea was adapted. During the workshops, we collected the pledges from our Brownies. At our Guiders’ Seminar, we collected pledges from the Guiders as the theme was about environmental sustainability. All the pledges collected were displayed during our International Camp. Participants at the International Camp were also asked to make their pledge for the environment. Being a busy yet fulfilling year, the ‘finale’ was our National Brownie Revel held on 10 November 2012. The revel was themed “We can Save our Planet”. NEA partnered GGS for this event as they sponsored gifts for the goodie bags, the mascots that were related to the two NEA Champion Badges and Operation M.A.C.E, an online gaming portal designed to address dengue related issues. Apart from our usual competitions set aside for Brownies, we included competitions for both Brownies and their family members. We hope to see them involved as their support will mean a lot to our Brownies. Beside competitions, there were booths activities open to all for participation. Competitions and booth activities used

recycled materials so as to relate better to our theme. The knowledge gained, ideas exchanged and strategies to approach allowed me to make a difference and influence many others to do the same for the environment. Spreading our advocacy and helping one another in reaching our common goal, girls worldwide say, “Together we can save our planet.” Thailand Continues Work from Girls World Forum In July 2012 Pinyada Thongrom and Napassorn Wattanasiri, both 18 years old, from the Girl Guides (Girl Scouts) Association of Thailand attended the Girls’ World Forum (GWF) 2012 in Chicago, USA. Upon their return they have been empowered with leadership skills and were confident to organize the ‘Ride a Bicycle Project’ with two different target groups. Ride a Bicycle Project is a ‘Take Action Project’ from the GWF 2012 focusing on UN Millennium Development Goal 7 – Ensure environmental sustainability. The aim of the project is to gather girls and boys from Mahidol University to raise their awareness of conserving the environment, save on fossil fuel, reduce carbon emission and improve air quality. On 1 November 2012 they began a sustainable transport excursion starting off from Mahidol University, Salaya, Nakhon Pathom Province to the nearby area. A total of 15 girls and boys participated in the project. “I am very pleased and proud of myself to be able to carry out this project. Thanks a lot to WAGGGS and the Girl Guides (Girl Scouts) Association of Thailand for empowering me with the leadership skill.” AP Region International Day of the Girl Ambassador attends UN High Level Panel Event

Michelle Alvarez of the Girl Scouts of the Philippines and Asia Pacific Region Ambassador for the International Day of the

Girl, was selected to attend the UN High Level Panel Meeting with the Young People in London, United Kingdom on 2 November 2012. Michelle, together with three other Girl Guides from the UK and Nigeria shared their experiences in the youth meeting with the high-level panel on the post-2015 agenda. They were part of the 23-strong delegation of young people from different parts of the world that met the high-level panel appointed by the UN Secretary General to develop and submit a report on post-2015 development framework.

Michelle writes about her experience:

I envision a world where every girl and young woman has access to her rights. This is the world I want beyond 2015, and to be able to share my vision to the decision-makers is an opportunity of a lifetime.

Attending the UN High Level Panel Meeting Youth session revealed to me how powerful it is to gather together and speak out so that youth’s unheard voices can reach more people. I think it is a significant event for me and the young people I represent. Being in one room with eminent persons around the world, listening to them as they also share their vision for the youth, and representing the 3.5 billion youth worldwide is overwhelming but it really happened!

The post-2015 development agenda must ensure the inclusion of a focus on the role of young people in achieving human development goals. And as Graca Machel articulated in our roundtable discussion, there should not be segmentation; rather a holistic approach in including innovations should be realized. Young people today are drivers of many economies; our positive energy and idealism are making us great catalysts for change. We are not a problem but a solution. As a young person who is passionate for change, I am making sure that this is just the beginning of speaking out for my generation. The outcomes yielded in this event must continue to break barriers to fully realize our goals to be included in the development process.

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The experience of representing WAGGGS at a UN event is something I did not imagine, but it was a favoured experience. I am so blessed to be there, and the unswerving support of Girl Scouts of the Philippines, Asia Pacific Region and WAGGGS made it a memorable moment in my Girl Scouting life!

World Centres Are You Ready to Be the Change? Our first ever “Be the Change” event, centred around Millennium Development Goal 6, was a great success. There is still space left in our next “Be the Change” event for MDG 3: “Empowering Girls and Women”. On 3 to 9 March 2013, Girl Guides and Girl Scouts from around the world will come together to learn to be the change they want to see in the world. Participants will learn how Sangam's Community Partners are affecting change in Pune and create advocacy or community leadership plans to take home. To book your space now, email guestservices@sangamworldcentre.org or check out http://www.sangamworldcentre.org/en/programmes/events/bethechange to see our future “Be the Change” events. Sangam's Community Programme Have you ever wanted to volunteer for a great organization and really make a difference, but do not have twelve weeks to spare? Then Sangam has just the thing for you! In addition to our twelve-week Community Programme, we now have a shorter four-week Programme. Participants in the four-week Programme will jump right into their volunteer experience with one of Sangam's many community partners. You will be paired with a twelve-week participant and immerse yourself in Indian culture and tradition, while staying at Sangam World Centre. For more information on the Programme or scholarship opportunities, visit http://www.sangamworldcentre.org/en/programmes/cp01 or contact crm@sangamworldcentre.org.

Asia Pacific Region Scholarship In 2012 Sangam was delighted to welcome five Amy Bush Bursary participants from the Asia Pacific Region. They participated in our Community Programme, Gifts for Change and “Be The Change” events. If you would like to take advantage of this scholarship, only available to the Asia Pacific region, please contact wcm@sangamworldcentre.org. Get Connected with Sangam World Centre There are tons of ways to stay connected with Sangam. Check us out at facebook.com/SangamWorldCentre to see daily updates about our current and upcoming events. Click over to youtube.com/SangamWorldCentre to see videos of our participants, staff, and volunteers in action. And of course SangamWorldCentre.org has all of the information about our programmes, events, scholarships, and so much more. Party Time at Sangam! Every year Sangam gets older, but the party gets bigger! October 2013 will be our 47th birthday, and we've already started planning for our 50th birthday in 2016. We have more than one surprise in store for our golden birthday, so reserve your spot today! Contact guestservices@sangamworldcentre.org for more information. Volunteering at Our Chalet

The Autumn season has seen the return of past volunteers and staff. This year, due to the extensive renovations to the kitchen, we decided to open up the volunteering posts to past

staff and volunteers. We were very happy to

SANGAM CORNER

OUR CHALET CORNER

welcome back Sarah Rees (previous Deputy World Centre Manager) and Anna Maxted from Perth. Although not a previous volunteer here, Anna spent two weeks helping us pack up the kitchen and store rooms for the renovation. Here is what Anna has to say about her time here:

Walking Week

Following popular demand we brought back the Walking Week. Back in 1969 the first Walking Week was held and through the 70’s and 80’s it was one of the most popular Our Chalet events. The week saw participant aged from 18 to 72 walk together, challenge each other and become good friends. Each day the participants chose the level of hikes that they would like to challenge themselves with the next day (they had four to choose from and two hikes went ahead) so there really was

something for everyone. Interested in reading all about the week? Check out Gina’s blog (Girl Guide leader from Barbados) and read all about her adventure in the Swiss Alps: http://www.ourchalet.ch/en/news/22055.

If you are interested in Walking Week we are now open for Walking Week 2013 bookings! Check out our flyer for the event.

Friends Week: 80th Birthday Event

To officially celebrate the 80th Birthday we held a Friends of Our Chalet event in September. This event saw 23 people from the USA, UK, Canada and Germany come together. A few of the group were past staff, many of the group were old friends but everyone left at the end of the week as firm friends. The week started with a celebration with the local community – friends and neighbours attending together with our event participants. Fritz Inniger (a friend who has been connected to Our Chalet since he was a boy) started the celebration with a history presentation. Later we listened to the beautiful sounds of the Alpine horns and joined various activities from birthday games for children to Japanese origami craft. There was plenty of food for everyone to enjoy, from homemade goodies (made by the volunteers) to a beautifully made cake (by the local bakery). Although the main celebration was over, the Friends Week had just begun, the participants enjoyed an action packed week in the autumn sunshine: the weather was very good to them!

Aussie Group!

At the end of September a group of 15 Girl Guides, Rangers and Leaders from 5th Brighton Girl Guides, Melbourne came to Our Chalet for a week of adventure. After travelling to UK and France, Switzerland was next on their list before they headed home and back to school. The group had an adventurous week:

Living in the middle of Switzerland was fantastic. It was very, well, Swiss. Chocolate, cheese, cow bells, you get the gist. With cows living on-site I soon got used to their chiming bells! But I loved how it was so global. Even though I was living in Switzerland I was working with people from all over the world (Sarah (Australia), Leah (UK), Emi (Japan) and Carly and Heather (USA). And I had a lot of fun. I got to go hiking and rock climbing while I was on programme which was very cool, we had a fantastic staff day out and on my days off I did a bit of sightseeing in Switzerland. Being at the Chalet got me thinking more about Girl Guiding and Girl Scouting and WAGGGS. I now have a better understanding of how global Girl Guiding and Girl Scouting is and how far you can go with it, so I am starting to think how I can go further into Girl Guiding when I get home, and I am very excited for my next trip to the Chalet.’

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they headed to the adventure park, to Engstligenfalls, the woodcarvers as well as visits to Interlaken and Jungfrau. The group were introduced to Geocaching (an international game of hide and seek with GPS’s) and took every opportunity to find them during their stay!

‘I have been amazingly lucky to travel at my age; I have truly been inspired by my visit to Our Chalet. I plan to come and volunteer in the future’ Australian group member.

Up and coming events:

Join a Winter Week Winter weeks run from 23 December 2012 to 23 February 2013, starting every Sunday! Winter Adventure Week includes six nights’ accommodation, all meals, day and evening programme and costs only CHF 600. Winter Ski Week includes six nights’ accommodation, all meals, ski pass and evening programme for only CHF 690 (Youth) and CHF 720 (Adults).

Easter Event 2013

Easter Event from the 25 March to 31 March 2013 is an opportunity to come to Our Chalet and experience the magic of the oldest world centre. Here you can explore the spectacular Swiss Alps and challenge yourself through a variety of outdoor activities. You will have the opportunity to savour Swiss culture, learn about a variety of Easter traditions and discover what it means to be a member of WAGGGS, while making new friends in an international Girl Guiding and Girl Scouting environment. For more information see our information pack.

Walking Week Walking Week is an international event for individuals and groups over 18 of age who enjoy outdoor activities especially walking and hiking. Rangers and Rovers, adult leaders, members of Friends of Our Chalet groups and others. If walking and exploring the luscious nature, meeting new friends, challenging yourself and finding peace is an idea of your perfect holiday then this event is for you. Book your place today by emailing info@ourchalet.ch.

Friends of Asia Pacific WAGGGS

Juseon Byun PhD Awarded “Dato” Status Juseon Byun PhD, former Chairman, Friends of Asia Pacific WAGGGS, and presently President of Korea council of Children’s Organizations was honoured “Dato” status from the King of Pahang, Malaysia last 24 October 2012. Malaysia is a country of constitutional monarchy, and the King, “HM Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah” of Pahang, Malaysia is granting “Dato” honourship to those who have devoted their thoughts to the society and the country. It is a very rare occasion to have a foreign person, or woman to receive this honour. She is the first woman awardee of Dato in Korea. The ceremony was held in Kuantan Pahang, Malaysia by His Majesty. Juseon Byun has devoted herself to develop the leadership of young girls and women in the Girl Scouts of Korea. She was the first Chairman of the Asia Pacific Regional Committee from Korea. Additionally she has enhanced the prestige of Korea by establishing Friends of Asia Pacific WAGGGS,

and Peace Campaign throughout her term. She has also devoted herself to fulfil the agreement of the Children’s Rights by the U.N, to establish the Children’s Rights systematically, she has put all of her efforts to make this possible.

World Thinking Day 2013

World Thinking Day 2013 Focus Countries and Theme Announced

The twin themes of child mortality and maternal health, and the focus countries Republic of Ireland, Jordan, Malawi, Pakistan and Venezuela

have been confirmed for World Thinking Day 2013.

On 22 February 2013, Girl Guides and Girl Scouts worldwide will come together to learn about and take action on the themes of “together we can save children’s lives” and “every mother’s life and health is precious”, based on Millennium Development Goals (MDG) 4 and 5.

Our five focus countries, representing the five WAGGGS Regions, will receive grants from the World Thinking Day Fund which they will put towards action projects based on MDG 4 and/or 5 in their countries.

Find out much more about the theme and focus countries for 2013 by downloading the latest World Thinking Day newsletter. You can pre-order your World Thinking Day 2013 badges and pins from the WAGGGS online shop: http://www.wagggs-shop.org/

Download the World Thinking Day newsletter now: http://www.worldthinkingday.org/en/resources/document/view/23433

World Thinking Day is an important fundraising day that ensures the Girl Guiding and Girl Scouting Movement can continue to grow and prosper – so why not start thinking about how

your Girl Guides or Girl Scouts group can contribute to the World Thinking Day Fund.

Congratulations to South Korea’s First Female President We would like to extend our heartfelt congratulations to Her Excellency Ms. Park Geun-hye who has made history by winning South Korea's presidential election. Ms. Park Geun-He is a staunch supporter of the Girl Scouts of Korea, having held the position of Honorary President in the 1970s. Without a doubt, her election is a shining example of excellent women leadership and we hope for her continued support to Girl Guiding and Girl Scouting not only within Korea, but also around the Asia Pacific Region.