Messengers of Peace quarterly newsletter is an initiative of the Asia-Pacific Support Centre of the World Scout Bureau highlighting the projects of National Scout Organizations under MoP Initiative.

Issue No. 16 OCTOBER -DECEMBER 2016

Messengers of Peace

ASIA-PACIFICQUARTERLY NEWSLETTER

Better World Village welcomes huge number of visitors (Story on page 3)

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On behalf of the Regional Deci-sion Committee for Messengers of Peace, it gives me great pleasure to share with you the MoP Bulletin last quarter issue for 2016.

A productive yet challenging year has ended as we gear our efforts closer to Vision 2023, that is, extending Scouting to 100 million young people. This paves our vision of “Creating a Better World”, which could vis-ibly and practically be realized through MoP initiatives.

This quarterly newsletter fea-tures the wonderful opportuni-ties of Scout members to en-gage in purposeful projects and share their stories with a wider audience.

Messengers of Peace is one of the most dynamic initiatives of World Scouting. Since its incep-tion in 2011, APR has played a

Message from MoP APR Decision Committee

pioneering role in its expansion through reinforced promotion at all levels. Today, this program is running in 27 countries in the region.

Networking is an integral part of MoP. Scout.org and other social media are the current platforms that connect mem-bers around the world, share stories and good practices, and inspire each other with positive messages.

The Asia-Pacific Region leads in the implementation of MoP fund with 70 projects. Many NSOs in APR belong to the top 10 countries with the high-est number of service hours, service projects, and network members.

This region initiated the train-ing of NSO MoP coordinators and introduced the MoP Re-gional Team Gatherings in

2013, where NSO coordinators are invited and trained. Three Regional Gatherings have been organized, first in Philippines, 2013; the second in Indonesia, 2014; and the most recent in India, 2016.

One highlight of MoP this year is the recognition of Myanmar Scout as member of WOSM un-der the project “Scouting De-velopment in Myanmar”.

This issue features the Interna-tional Peace Day celebrations, a regular update on service hours and projects, and the MoP Hero Awards.

We wholeheartedly welcome any constructive feedback to make this quarterly newspaper useful and interesting to our readers.

Best Scouting regards,J. Rizal C. PangilinanRegional Director

Peter Blatch Chay Hong Leng J. Rizal C. Pangilinan

The 17th National Jamboree held on 29th December 2016 to 4th January 2017 at Mysuru, Karnataka State opened the Year 2017 echoing the value of unity with the theme “Together for Better Tomorrow”.

Known for being vast in many ways, the India Jamboree gathered around 25,000 people comprised of Scouts, Guides and leaders of The Bharat Scouts & Guides (BS&G) including over 1,000 overseas participants and guests who signed up for the adventure.

At the opening ceremony, flags of the 17th National Jamboree and the BS&G were raised at the arena signaling the official start of the Jamboree. Honourable President of India Sri Pranab Mukherjee graced the ceremony, joined by Governor of Karnataka state Vajubhai Rudab-hai Vala and Chief Minister of Kar-nataka state Siddaramaiah. In his message sent out to BS&G, World Scout Bureau Asia-Pacific Regional Director J. Rizal C. Pangilinan ex-pressed his hope that young people will be inspired more to live out the values of Scouting.

During the Jamboree, one of the busiest areas was the World Scout Village which showcased the WOSM flagship programs: Mes-sengers of Peace (MoP), Scouts of the World Award (SWA), and the World Scout Environment Program

(WSEP). The village was divided into three major areas and the concept was delivered through these following activities: Sharing the Idea – ‘Ale le’ song; What Does Peace Mean to You – Drawing; Patrol System – Networking Game; What is MoP – Life Vest & Platform; Introduction to scout.org; MoP Beat – We are Scouts; Solar Cooking – Solar Cookers; Solar Games – Car, Cockroach, Grasshopper Race; Solar Art – Painting & Sun burning; Solar Gadget - DIY Solar Kits and SWA Tent -- which the participants find them all interesting.

Scouts and Guides with their unit leaders enjoyed completing the activities and learning more about solar energy through Scouts Go Solar initiative. Others were excited knowing more about SWA and MoP Initiatives. Atmosphere at the village was jovial as Scouts were in high spirits in completing every task.

With visits made by some govern-ment leaders at the Jamboree site, leaders hoped that this can cre-ate positive results at local level. Moreover, volunteers were happy welcoming non-Scouts and saw it as an opening to introduce Scouting to them.

During the first day alone, more than 800 Scouts registered at the World Village, and the num-ber went up from 4,000 to 6,000

Scouts and visitors daily on the succeeding days. It took a lot of combined efforts of 100 vol-unteers who were helping each other run the village. Thanks to the dedication of these volunteers composed of Rovers, unit lead-ers and professionals who took turns in supporting the activities, with assistance from Asia-Pacific MoP Coordinator and Director, Development Support & Finance S. Prassanna Shrivastava, coun-try coordinator Ms Lerchanta Ally Seeluangsawat from Thailand, Erwin Samuel Ramli from Indone-sia, BS&G MoP coordinator Krish-naswamy Rammorothy, Madhusu-dan Avala and Pankaj Gupta.

Highlight of the closing ceremony was the awarding of the MoP Award presented by Saudi Arabian Boy Scouts Association International Commissioner Dr. Hamad Abdulrah-man H. Alyahya, with S. Prassanna Shrivastava as WOSM representa-tive to BS&G which was received by BS&G Chief National Commissioner Shri. B.I. Nagarale. The award was first of its kind in the Asia-Pacific given to an NSO. Ministers who graced the closing ceremony were Power Minister D K Shivakumar and Minister for Education in Rajasthan Prof. Vasudeva Devanani and sev-eral other dignitaries. -- Photo credit: The Bharat Scouts & Guides India

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Better World Village welcomes huge number of visitors

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MoP Heroes Award 2016

2016 MoP Hero Awardees

Remarkable Scout leaders from NSOs around the world received the Messengers of Peace Hero Award in November 2016 in Saudi Arabia. This award is a special recognition from the Saudi Arabia government to individual Scouts and NSOs for their outstanding work in contributing to a more peaceful world.

These Scouts and NSOs are true examples of active citizens working for positive changes in their communi-ties. Awardees from all the six regions - Africa, Arab, Asia-Pacific, Eurasia, Europe and Inter-America - were distinguished for their remarkable peace initiatives at local, national and regional levels. Their projects have contributed to raising awareness and

fostering peace culture, social entre-preneurship, environment and emer-gency relief.

Awardees from the Asia-Pacific were:

1. The Bharat Scouts and Guides (India) – for contributions to the devel-opment and growth of the MoP Network in India and for being a source of inspi-ration to the Global Network.

2. Bernando de Leon (Philippines) – for his contribution to the devel-opment of promotional strategies and educational materials to pro-mote MoP in Asia-Pacific Region. 3. Jaenal Muktain (Kang Ze Guro) (Indonesia) – for his “Scout Journey

for Peace” project in Indonesia and for being a source of inspiration for the global network. 4. Tan Sijie (Singapore) – for his con-tribution to MoP and the Better World Framework. 5. Seeleuangsawat Lertchanta Ally (Thailand) – for her contribution to inspire the Rover community in Thailand through Scouts of the World Award, promoting peace, sustainable develop-ment and environmental awareness.

6. Peter Blatch – for his contribution in the implementation of MoP fund, best practices with the Regional Decision Committee, and support to the develop-ment of MoP network in Asia-Pacific.

Mr. Jaenal Muktain (Kang Ze Guro)

(Indonesia)

Mr. Bernando de Leon (Philippines)

Mr. Tan Sijie (Singapore) Mr. Peter Blatch

(Australia)

Ms. Seeleuangsawat Lertchanta Ally

(Thailand)

The Bharat Scouts & Guides (India)

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MoP Peace Day Summary ReportTo celebrate the International Peace Day on 21 September 2016, NSOs have organized various programs and activities for thousands of participants. Below is a summary of statistics received from MoP National Coordinators.

World Scout Seminar for Messengers of Peace

The World Organization of the Scout Movement organized the World Scout Seminar for MoP in Budapest, Hungary on 12-16 October 2016. Many Scout leaders and National MoP Coordinators represented the six regions of Scouting.

The International Centre for Interreligious and Intercultural Dialogue Centre (KAICIID) sup-ported this gathering. KAICIID is

an inter-governmental organiza-tion that promotes inter-religious dialogue to prevent and resolve conflict.

KAICIID was launched in 2012 by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Republic of Austria and the Kingdom of Spain, following the initiative of King Abdullah of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques.

Based on the reports received from Bhutan, Fiji, India, Indonesia, Thailand and Nepal, below is the the statistical report. Total Participants: 8,733 Total Service Hours: 23,866 No of Participants No. of Service HoursPeace Run 6,398 17,702 Tree Planting 1,135 5,184 Youth Speech 1,070 260 Blood Donation 230

Scuba diving 30 720 8,733 23,866

* Statistics will be updated as participating National Scout Organizations continue to submit their reports of their Interntional Day of Peace activities in their respective countries.

The seminar was designed in two parts: Messengers of Peace Initiative and Dialogue for Peace. The Better World framework, MoP Network and MoP Fund were explained, discussed and brainstormed to pave the future development and promotion of MoP Initiative.

Two executives from Asia-Pacific Sup-port Centre participated in the seminar and the MoP Global Planning Meeting.

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Boy Scouts of the Philippines successfully organized the National Scout Venture Camp in Maasin City in southern Philip-pines on 25-30 September 2016. The National Scout Venture Camp is a special outdoor educational and recre-ational event for all Senior Scouts. It was a week-long gathering which aimed to promote active and healthy lifestyle as well as specialized skills through physical fitness and obstacle activities in land, sea and air.

Among different learning modules, one of the most popular was the WOSM Better World Framework. The module explained the role of Scouts as active global citizens through the principles of 21st century leadership skills, youth participation, involvement, engagement and empow-erment. It included the Messengers of Peace (MoP) initiative, the World Scout Environment Programme (WSEP) and the Scouts of the World Award (SWA).

The WSEP sub-module was designed as special part of the WOSM Better World Framework Module, specifically supported by the Asia Pacific Support Centre, and provided links to partners such as Scouts Go Solar and Liter of Light.

The camp awarded the World Scout Envi-ronment Badge to 292 Senior Scouts after completing a series of projects including the WSEP aims and objectives.

Boy Scouts of the Philippines’ partnership with Liter of Light Philippines and Green-peace Southeast Asia led to the success of Scouts Go Solar and the donation of GD solar lighting system and solar lamps to 100 less fortunate families in commu-nities near the campsite.

Special WSEP Module for the National Scout Venture

Scout Blood Donation in Hong Kong

Scouts in Hong Kong organized a blood dona-tion activity where 110 units of blood were collected at the “Scout Blood Donation Day” on 8 August 2016.

For many years, Scouts have collaborated with the Hong Kong Red Cross to raise aware-ness of blood donation. Younger members – Cub Scouts and Grass-hoppers – participated in their own way by joining the “Invitation Card Coloring Contest” with the theme “Give Blood, Save Life”. Around 3,000 entries were received.

Blood Donation Campaign by Sri Lanka Scout Association

Island Rovers of Moratuwa – Piliyandala District of Sri Lanka Scout Association set a blood donation campaign in partnership with the Golden Hands Charity & National Blood Transfusion Service.

This one-day event on 20 November had around 70 blood donors.

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Scouts tribute to the King of Thailand

MoP NSO Coordinator for National Scout Organisation of Thailand (NSOT) Poldej Worachat gathered Scouts from Rajadhivas school to pay tribute to the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand. They extended a helping hand to the elderly and handicapped people through wheelchair service at the Grand Palace in Thailand.

In Bhutan, 45 Scouts and leaders rendered services in various forms during the “Moenlem Chenmo” or World Mega Devotion for peace.

The Chief Abbot of Bhutan, Je Khenpo, presided the event from 16-21 November 2016. Scouts did many services such as cleaning, crowd control, and meal distribution.

World Mega Devotion for Peace in Bhutan

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Brighton Venturers is one of the best performing community-based Scouting units in Manila Council of Boy Scouts of the Philippines. For 25 years, it has been teaching Scouts the value of fellowship, leadership and training.

During its regular outfit meeting, Brighton Scouts presented their World Scout Environment Pro-gramme requirement on water ex-ploring. The Scouts walked around the vicinity of Brighton HQ to take pictures of water sources. The pic-tures were presented to Scouts to identify the water issues in nearby areas and its good as well as un-healthy impact on the community.

Water Exploring by Venturers

MoP Start Up & Networking in Mongolia The Scout Association of Mongolia (SAM) organized a four-day training and planning workshop on 14-18 November 2016 for 30 Rover Scouts and leaders who are active in troops, groups, aimag and district. MoP leaders from Boy Scouts of Philippines and The Bharat Scouts and Guides/India served as resource persons.

Training centered on understanding the Messengers of Peace, drafting a start-up plan, networking and project proposal writing.

For any information or for submitting your MOP initiatives, please contact Asia-Pacific Support Centre

Tel: (+63 2) 818 0984/ 817 1675 Fax: (+63 2) 819 0093 Website: www.scout.org/asia-pacific Email: asia-pacific@scout.org Facebook: Scouting in Asia-Pacific Region

Log-in to scout.org. Create your profile. Share your stories.

MOP Regional Team

REGIONAL DECISION COMMITTEE

Peter Blatch Chay Hong LengJ. Rizal C. Pangilinan

REGIONAL SUPPORT TEAM

J. Rizal C. PangilinanRegional Director S Prassanna ShrivastavaDirector, Development Support & Finance

Luz TarayDirector, Communications and Strategy Uzair KamalDevelopment Support Manager

Nancy P. LadoresAssistant, Development Support

MoP NATIONAL COORDINATORS

Australia: Johnathan Raymond Morey Bangladesh: Mohammad Atiquzzaman Bhutan: Nawang Gyaltshen Brunei Darussalam: Liyana Binti Haji Salleh Cambodia: Chek LIM Scouts of China: Sherman Sheng, Hsiao-Ming Fiji: Kailash Vimal Pillay Hong Kong: Peggy TAM Siu-lan India: Krishnaswamy R. Indonesia: Venny Indri Christiyanti Japan: Reiko Suzuki Korea: Kim Su Yeon Kiribati: Mataiti Bwebwe

Malaysia: Amir Hamzah bin Aman Maldives: Ibrahim Rasheed Myanmar:

Mongolia: Uyanga Erdenebulgan Nepal: Ram Prasad Bhattarai New Zealand: Michael Jeffrey Pakistan: Zahid Mahboob PNG: Vagi Clergy Waru Vagi Philippines: Carmelo B. Francia Singapore: Tan Sijie Sri Lanka: Prabath Kularathne Thailand: H.E. Dr. Poldej Worachat Macau: Tang Chon Meng, Jacky Scout Polynesia: Raiarii Benjamin Tama

S Prassanna Shrivastava Director, Development Support & Finance

REGIONAL OFFICE COORDINATOR