'Free Being Me' – developing a partnership between Dove Japan and Girl Scouts of Japan The ‘Free Being Me’ project in Japan was launched in September 2014 with the training by WAGGGS' Global Trainers. Japanese Trainers who attended the training implemented training for leaders and programme for girls. About 8,600 girls and leaders have since been involved in the project. Staff from Dove Japan (Unilever Japan Customer Marketing K.K.) visited the first training by WAGGGS' Global Trainers. They inspired the training and understood well the aim and meaning of the programme. This is the starting point of our partnership between Dove Japan and Girl Scouts of Japan (GSJ). Since then, we have been working together to implement the vision of this project. As a part of the collaboration, GSJ is providing opportunities to experience the FBM programme for Dove Japan employees. The participants are all adults including Girl Scout members over 18 years old and Dove Japan employees. This programme provides an opportunity for both members to learn and work together and know each other. The session is a one-time programme and implemented periodically under the theme of 'For my future, what I can do now'. Participants will understand themselves and discover the “new me” through some FBM activities. The Girl Scout education method is innovative for Dove Japan employees. They said the image of Girl Scouting had changed.

This session is facilitated by Trainers of Girl Scouts of Japan and Dove Japan appreciates their high quality skills. It is also a good opportunity for the Trainers to develop their skills providing sessions for non-member adults. When Unilever Japan Customer Marketing K.K. had a newspaper advertisement of Dove products (about 93.4 million circulation), they included the promotion of the Free Being Me Project mentioning that is implemented in partnership with Girl Scouts of Japan. It brought a good promotion opportunity for GSJ. Dove Japan also visited troop meetings and are looking for more ways of cooperation.

Girl Scouts of the Philippines Honors 75 National Young Achievers On the occasion of its 75

th Anniversary, Girl

Scouts of the Philippines (GSP) recognized 75 remarkable Girl Scouts whose lives have been touched, transformed, and empowered through Girl Scouting. The award ceremony was held on 26 May 2015 at the GSP National Headquarters, Manila, Philippines. Despite her busy schedule, Atty. Karen Salvador-Kalaw, Lawyer for National Commission on Indigenous People and an awardee from Northern Luzon Region, still finds time to attend meetings and GSP events. She said, “I wear my GSP uniform with high regard like the way I wear my suit when I am attending court hearings.”

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August 2015

“GSP has offered me one of the greatest gifts that any organization could offer: OPPORTUNITIES,” said Jennifer de Julio, Elementary School Teacher and an awardee from Central Luzon Region. Angelica Sune, Registered Nutritionist-Dietitian and an awardee from Southern Luzon Region said, “My Adolescent Female Health Peer Education experience in Girl Scouting inspired me to pursue a degree in the field of health.” Hyacinth Bangero, Associate Producer of a radio and television network-GMA Western Visayas, an awardee from Visayas Region said that she won’t ever regret choosing to be a Girl Scout, and will forever be indebted to the Movement for having developed her fully as a responsible woman. “Girl Scouting is not just sleeping in a tent and experiencing a campfire. It is more about developing one’s self,” said Capt. Princess Curro, Pilot and Flight Instructor-Alpha Aviation Group Philippines and an awardee from Eastern Mindanao Region. Fharnieza Mohammad, BS Biology Graduate and an awardee from Western Mindanao Region said that Girl Scouting moulded her to be a passionate volunteer who fights for what is right.

Each awardee received a Plaque of Recognition and a commemorative copy of the GSP’s 75 National Young Achievers Book. Girl Scouts of Korea participated in “Unification Fair 2015” Unification Fair 2015, sponsored by the Ministry of Unification, was held in Gwanghwamun Square from 29 to 31 May in cooperation with 164 organizations including local governments, NGOs, and media. Each group prepared various performances, exhibitions, and programs for the people to promote better understanding of the re-unification of South and North Korea.

Girl Scouts of Korea was the only youth NGO showcasing educational programs. We displayed photographs and information about school life and after-school activities in North Korea. We also offered various crossword puzzles and quizes about North Korea. In addition, visitors had hands-on experience making the national flag of South Korea, Taegeukgi, with the hope of peace and unification. Our Association will develop more educational programs to let the young people understand about North Korea and raise awareness of unification to the youth.

Girl Scouts of the Philippines Promotes GSP YouTube Channel Girl Scouts of the Philippines (GSP) re-launched its GSP YouTube Channel featuring a series of new content and short video clips showing the fun, witty, and spontaneous side of the Girl Scouts. Gespie, GSP’s official mascot, is also being featured in her most adorable ways. The GSP YouTube Channel has five concepts to promote Girl Scouting:

“GSpeaks” aims to showcase Girl Scouts and Troop Leaders as opinionated, imaginative, and smart.

“Challenge of the Day” (#COTD) intends to show girls and adults as active, confident, and talented.

“A Girl Scout is Helpful” wants to contribute useful information to the internet community in the form of tutorials and demonstrate practical applications of Girl Scout knowledge in the modern world.

“She Loves Me, She Loves Me Knot” aims to show knot-tying and its practical application in everyday life.

“Gespie’s Day Out” intends to create fun, loving, and artistic way of accomplishing different tasks.

Watch GSP videos at https://www.youtube.com/c/GIRLSCOUTSOFTHEPHILIPPINES1940 and click like, share, and subscribe. Let us spread the happiness in Girl Scouting and always remember to do a good turn daily!

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August 2015

Participation of Guides in Pakistan Day Parade 23

rd March 2015 is marked as an important

day in the history of Pakistan Girl Guides Association. Girl Guides for the first time participated in the Pakistan Day Parade on 23

rd March, 2015. The parade contingent of

104 Girl Guides represented Guides from all areas of Pakistan including Punjab, Sindh, Baluchistan, Khyber Pakhtoonkhwa, Gilgit Baltistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Islamabad Capital Territory and AKYSBP. During rehearsals the Girl Guide contingent received cash award of Rs. 25,000/- for their outstanding performance. Senator Nuzhat Sadiq, National Commissioner made several visits during parade rehearsals to encourage the Girl Guides. Mrs. Farida Yasmin, Guide Commissioner ICT and Mrs. Sobia Riaz, President ICT Chapter were also a source of encouragement for the parade contingent and the entire team of staff. President of Pakistan, Mr. Mamnoon Hussain and Prime Minister of Pakistan, Mian Nawaz Sharif were the Chief Guests of the occasion. The participation of Girl Guides was very much appreciated by people from all walks of life.

Later on 25th March 2015, Girl Guides along with members attended Bara Khana. President of Pakistan, Mr. Mamnoon Hussain was the Chief Guest. A shield was awarded to Pakistan Girl Guides Association as a token of appreciation. Bangladesh organises a Basic Orientation Course A Basic Orientation Course got underway on 24 April 2015 at Bangladesh Girl Guides Association (BGGA) Headquarters, Dhaka; organized by BGGA in the Conference Room of Guide House. The day-long course was inaugurated by BGGA National Commissioner Syeda Rehana Imam. Welcome address was offered by Training Commissioner Ms. Mahfia Parvin. Seventeen high-level female officials representing Government of Bangladesh

Ministry of Planning, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Education Engineering Directorate, National Academy for Education, Administration and Management (NAEAM), various educational institutions including Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) and Dhaka University, and NGO personalities, took part in the course. The course reflected on Girl Guide’s history, its Vision, Mission, six areas of work, budget and other various aspects. Facilitators were BGGA Treasure Prof. Dr. Yasmin Ahmed, Project Commissioner Ms. Shaheda Hossain Choudhury, and BGGA Dhaka Region Trainers Ms. Hosne Ara Begum and Ms. Samsun Nahar. Participants had a very good training exercise, enjoying the course in festive mood. Certificates were awarded to participants at the end by BGGA National Commissioner Syeda Rehana Imam. Earlier, the same course was organized at Manikganj and Women and Children Affairs Ministry in Dhaka. Girl Scouts of the Philippines Opens National Heritage Center Girl Scouts of the Philippines (GSP) inaugurated the National Heritage Center on 26 May 2015 at the GSP National Headquarters, Manila, Philippines as one of the highlights of its Diamond Jubilee Celebration. This interactive museum gives glory to the history of the GSP. It is also made more appealing to the girls as it provides listening stations, computer games and multimedia functions.

“Our Heritage Center is not only an offering for our 75

th

anniversary, but it is also a preserver of our treasured past and re-bearer

of our continuing mission of GSP. It is a labor

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August 2015

of love, indeed a window of our soul as Girl Scouts,” said Yolanda Hernandez, Chairperson of the National Heritage Center Special Committee.

8th World Autism Awareness Day 2015 with Bangladesh Girl Guides The 8th World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD) 2015 was observed in Chittagong, Bangladesh on 2 and 3 April 2015, under joint arrangement of District Administration and District Social Service Department, Chittagong. NGOs in the port city working with persons with disability cooperated in the celebration. This year’s theme was “Autism Awareness to Activism: a Welcome Message towards Autism Inclusiveness”. A rally and discussion on autism featured in the activities on 2 April. Chittagong Deputy Commissioner Mr Mesbah Uddin led the rally parade through the city streets from Chittagong Shishu Academy to Chittagong Shilpakola Academy. Next followed discussion session in Shilpakola Academy Auditorium. Chaired by Ms. Bandana Das, Deputy Director – Social Service Department, Chittagong, the discussion following the rally was held with a number of special guests. A Seminar was arranged on the following day, under the auspices of FARE (Foundation for Autism Research & Education). Presided over by Chittagong Deputy Commissioner Mr. Mesbah Uddin, the Seminar was graced by Mohammad Abdullah, Chittagong Divisional Commissioner as Chief Guest and Dr. Sharfaraz Choudhury, District Civil Surgeon and Chittagong Bar Association President Advocate Mujibul Haque as Special Guests. Mohammad Zafar Alam, Director - Chittagong Port Authority and Dr. Fahmida Alam Choudhury – Member, National Trust for Admin. Neuro Developmental Disability were also present in the Seminar. Junior Trainer Ms. Dil Monwara Parvin along with twenty Rangers associated with Girl Guides

program, Chittagong, extended volunteers service in the Seminar on behalf of BGGA Chittagong Region. National Summer Camp for Senior Guides Pakistan Girl Guides Association organized several camps on the theme of “Free Being Me”. In this regard PGGA National Headquarters organized a National Summer Camp for Senior Guides from 10

th to 16

th June,

2015 at Ghora Gali Campsite, Murree. 45 Senior Guides and Leaders participated in the Camp. Free Being Me activities were part of the camp program. A whole camp day was focused on the Free Being Me activities. Shamsa Kashif and Khawar Ehsan facilitated these activities. During the session Guides learned about the image myth and experienced the activities from the pack of senior section (age 11 to 14). Guides enjoyed the Free Being Me activities a lot. Later they expressed that after experiencing these activities they feel more confident about them and can concentrate more on their studies and ambitions. Making the world go round – financial awareness of New Zealand Brownies Money makes the world go around and Brownies aged between seven and nine from throughout New Zealand have started learning more about money with the introduction of a new Money Badge. Key activities within Money, Money, Money Fun include asking the girls to talk to their families about how much it costs to run their home, writing a shopping list and visiting the supermarket and how money adds up if they donate a small amount to charity on a regular basis. “We want to encourage Brownies to start down the road of being more aware about money and learning about saving and budgeting. We want our girls to be savvy and confident. And learning more about the financial side of life can only contribute to that” says Yvette Bowers, Brownie Portfolio Programme Holder.

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August 2015

All the activities are age appropriate with several based around the cost of buying clothes such as seeing how cheaply outfits can be bought at a second-hand clothes store and also browsing through clothing catalogues to find three outfits on a limited budget. Guides also learn about money and have the opportunity to earn a Money Sense badge with their unit. The girls complete six activities including comparing mobile phone plans, making a large Unit collage that shows the difference between needs and wants and identifying the top 10 things girls their age have and thinking about what it would be like if you didn’t have them. This Guide Unit badge is part of the Exploration Challenge programme and is an optional achievement as girls explore their world and communities. When you think of explorers of old, you can’t help feeling admiration for their daring, sense of adventure and huge achievements. The Guide programme tries to channel that feeling to take the girls on an exploration of their own.

Tree Plantation Program by Bangladesh Girl Guides As part of World Environment Day (WED; generally celebrated on 5 June each year) Bangladesh Girl Guides Association (BGGA) Dhaka City Area undertook various programs of observance befitting the day’s intent throughout the month of June. On 5 June (the actual WED) BGGA Dhaka City Region Rangers planted trees of various category and quality on the road adjacent to Kuril Bishwa Highway Fly-Over, Gulshan, Dhaka; and thereby, fulfilled the Tree Plantation agenda suiting the day’s theme of environmental conservation. Taking place on 1 June BGGA City Rangers had support and cooperation in the exercise from Samsun Nahar Green Project. BGGA City Region Commissioner Ms. Amina Khatun and Coordinator and other Officials from Samsun Nahar Agriculture Farm participated in the tree plantation noted above.

On 11 June fruit-bearing and herbal seeds were sown in the premises of Alatun-Nessa Higher Secondary School, Badda, Gulshan, Dhaka. Principal of the Institution, BGGA City Region Commissioner and BGGA District Commissioner Ms. Rafia Choudhury were present. A colourful rally was also organized on 18 June raising awareness on the need and purpose of tree planting and being aware of the nature around us. Initiating from Civil Aviation High School, the rally proceeded through Bir Shreshtho Jahangir Gate, Falcon Point, old Airport Colony and got back to the same School. About 150 seedlings of different species were handed over to Bottomly Home High School, Tejgaon, on the occasion for plantation in the area. As many as 1,000 BGGA Yellow Birds, Guides, Guiders, Guide-members as well as Regional Treasurer Ms. Asma Akhter and the Trainers led by City Region Commissioner Ms. Amina Khatun took part in the Rally.

BP Quest in Singapore Eighty four Girl Guides and Girl Scouts from eight countries competed in the BP Quest in Singapore from 22 to 24 June 2015. The Quest, which is open to members of the Asia Pacific Region, promotes the knowledge and spirit of International Girl Guiding/Girl Scouting. Participants were tested on their knowledge on WAGGGS and the United Nations, Girl Guiding/Girl Scouting in the Asia Pacific Region, Girl Guiding in Singapore and knowledge in Girl Guiding/Girl Scouting skills e.g. first aid, knots, outdoor cooking, fauna and flora and ASEAN. The Quest which was organised by the International Committee of Girl Guides Singapore was made up of five outdoor and indoor challenges. For the first time, the participants did not compete as a Guide Unit or country as they were all mixed and each team consists of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts of different nationalities.

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August 2015

The Urban Challenge brought the participants to the Civic District where they performed various tasks and gained more knowledge of the places visited. The International Challenge provided opportunities for the participants to savour snacks, play games, make crafts, watch dances and wear traditional outfits of different countries. To gain a deeper knowledge about the rich and unique cultures in Singapore, the international participants were taken to Little India and Kampong Glam for a Learning Journey after the Quest. As part of the hospitality programme, the participants were given a treat in the form of spending the whole day at Universal Studios Singapore.

It was a full week of programmes and activities with lots of fun. The international participants visited various places of attraction, sampled the gastronomic delights of

Singapore, experience the multi-racial cultures of Singapore, and much more. They went home with a truly unforgettable experience and made many new friends. New Zealand Brownies learn Sign Language Did you know that alongside English and Maori, New Zealand Sign Language (NZSL) is one of the three official languages in New Zealand? Brownies from Karori West in Wellington, New Zealand led by Hannah Newell, were lucky enough to be visited by some inspirational members of the deaf community who gave up their time to teach the girls what it’s like to be deaf and how being deaf impacts on their everyday lives – from watching TV with sub-titles to using a light/vibrating alarm to wake up in the morning. Throughout the evening, the Brownies also learnt about the valuable role of an interpreter who translated sign language into spoken English so everyone could understand what was going on. Sara, Lisa, Bridget and Zoe taught the Brownies how to get a deaf person’s attention and how to communicate with people who are deaf. The girls played active games to help them learn how to sign the alphabet and

numbers up to ten. By the end of the night all the girls could easily have a conversation with each other using sign language. The girls, along with some Guides and Rangers, have now taken their new skills in New Zealand Sign Language to appear signing their Promise and Law in a YouTube clip. The clip features on GirlGuiding New Zealand’s website www.girlguidingnz.org.nz/whats-happening/news/sign-of-the-times. “Everyone should learn sign language because then they can communicate with deaf people and deaf people won't feel left out,” says Mia (8) from Karori West Brownies. “I liked it because I liked the peace and quiet. It’s usually noisy at Brownies!” says Emily (7), another Brownie from the Unit. Patrol Leaders’ Training Course in Bangladesh A three-day Patrol Leaders’ Training Course dated in April 2015 was organized at Narayanganj Government Girls High School. Thirty-three 1

st and 2

nd category Leaders

associated with Narayanganj Government Girls High School and Morgan Girls High School took part in the training course. The course was inaugurated by Ms. Rebeka Sultana, Head Mistress of Narayanganj Government Girls High School who is concurrently the District Guide Commissioner. School Teachers, local BGGA Secretaries as well as Morgan Girls High School Head-mistress and local Commissioner Ms. Merry Hossain attended the course. The course was conducted on the basis of Training Scheme Syllabus as part of Girl Guides Education Program. Such course elements as day camp and hiking generated much enthusiasm amongst the participating Guides. Cooking Proficiency Badge test was taken by Guiders Ms. Bilquis Begum and Ms. Mahmuda Begum. The Guides relished much pleasure taking part in such exercises as World Thinking Day game and WTD box preparation.

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August 2015

District Guide Commissioner and Head Mistress of Narayanganj Government Girls High School Ms. Rebeka Sultana distributed post-course certificates amongst the participants. Guider Ms. Jesmine Akhter and Youth Leader Ms. Farzana Sultana assisted in over-all management of the course.

National Conference for Leaders of Girls, in Pakistan Pakistan Girl Guides Association National Headquarters brought Melbourne to Pakistan by replicating AP Conference for Leaders of Girls held at Melbourne, Australia in December, 2014. The National Conference for the Leaders of Girls took place from 31

st May

to 5th June, 2015. Senator Nuzhat Sadiq was

the Chief Guest. Senator Hidayatallah and Mrs. Mishal Malik were the Guests of Honor. Guiders, Leaders and trainers from all chapters of Pakistan Girl Guides Association attended. Mrs. Tahira Ahmed, Mrs. Shamsa Kashif and Syeda Khawar Ehsan (participants of AP Conference for Leaders of Girls) were the facilitators. They replicated all sessions of AP Conference for the participants of National Conference as it was their action plan after attending the conference at Australia.

Philippines Diamond Jubilee Songwriting Contest Showcases Girl Scout Talents In celebration of Girl Scouts of the Philippine’s 75th Anniversary, the Girl Scouts of the Philippines (GSP) launched the Diamond Jubilee Songwriting Contest to bring out the creative skills in music of girls and adult leaders, and to highlight the Movement’s part in the development of every Filipino girl and young woman.

The contest also aimed to give recognition to some of the best emerging songwriters in the GSP, help develop their talent, and prepare them to pursue their craft and passion. Nine entries were submitted from all over the Philippines. Natividad Biliran, a Barangay Committee Member from Calbayog Council, Visayas Region bagged the First Place for her prize-winning composition “Together We Can.” It was first played during the GSP 75th Anniversary celebration on 26 May 2015 at the GSP Pilar Hidalgo Lim Auditorium in Manila. Senior Girl Scout Anessa Tiburon from Agusan Council, Eastern Mindanao Region landed on Second Place with her youthful and beautiful composition “We Are the Stars.” Troop Leader Mary Grace Maulion from Zamboanga City Council, Western Mindanao Region grabbed the Third Place with her soulful song composition “GSP’s Call.” Winners received cash prizes, crystal trophies, Certificates of Participation and special button pins. GSP believes that this contest presented the winners with the opportunity to have their songs heard and their talents enriched as the winning songs will be used and promoted in various GSP events and activities.

Take a walk ... in New Zealand The opportunity to be outdoors should not be missed at any time and a fun-filled activity was planned for Term One 2015 to challenge New Zealand girls of all ages. GirlGuiding New Zealand members jumped at the chance to take part in The Virtual Great Walker competition with the Department of Conservation. The winning group could win a tailor-made Great Walks experience for up to 40 people, including flights, courtesy of Air New Zealand, sponsor of the Great Walks.

8

August 2015

Each unit, district or region could select a “great walk” from the Department of Conservation website that they would like to learn more about. The nine great walks were the Abel Tasman Coast Track, Heaphy Track, Kepler Walk, Lake Waikaremoana, Milford Track, Rakiura Track, Routeburn Track, Tongariro Northern Circuit and the Whanganui Journey. The girls could set weekly targets and match how far they planned to walk along their chosen great walk by using local streets, parks, beaches or sports fields to measure how many kilometres they actually walked. Throughout the walks, the girls did activities based around biodiversity, history, recreation, culture and conservation and then put together a presentation about what they learned including why they picked the walk, what they learned about conservation and three interesting things they discovered on their local walks.

Inspiring young women in New Zealand What started off as a chat about how to inspire young women led a group of leaders in New Zealand’s Wellington region to invite an amazing line-up of female leaders to a special event for Rangers and leaders named 1N5PIRE. “We wanted to give girls the opportunity to learn about leadership, to learn how successful women can be and inspire them to aspire to be anyone they want to be,” said Megan Blenkarne, chair of the organising committee. All the speakers were chosen for their involvement as female leaders and were hand-picked by the organising committee. The Hon. Annette King, who has been a member of the

Labour Party since 1972 and first entered Parliament in 1984 spoke about her observations of the ways in which leadership by women had changed over time and why it is so important for women to grasp those leadership roles. Leadership in Guiding was the focus of Dianne Belk, Founding Chair of the Juliette Gordon Low Society which promotes fundraising for the Girl Scouts of Western Ohio, to help ensure that Girl Scouting will be available to future generations of girls. Her story of her experiences as a young girl in Guiding struck a chord with participants and reinforced the incredibly positive impact Guiding can have on girls and young women, even in adverse circumstances. Sarah Gibbs is well-known as the co-founder of New Zealand company Trilogy which she successfully sold to Ecoya Ltd (now Trilogy International Ltd) in 2010. Sarah ran a highly entertaining session, speaking about entrepreneurship and sharing some great stories about her work within Trilogy, one of New Zealand’s biggest success stories. A key ingredient to the success of 1N5PIRE was a panel discussion with four top-notch Kiwi women talking about their leadership journeys and answering a range of questions from the participants. “We were really pleased with how the event ran. Giving women within GirlGuiding NZ a chance to hear and see the speakers as well as being able to ask questions and be involved in a discussion about women and leadership, was a fantastic opportunity for all the participants,” said Megan Blenkarne. Bars Training for Senior Guides in Pakistan Pakistan Girl Guides Association Punjab Branch organized Summer Bars Training Program for Senior Guides from 2

nd to 16

th

June 2015 at Lahore. 65 Senior Guides from different colleges of the Punjab attended. Resource Persons from Akhuwat Interest Free Microfinance, Smile School of Motoring, Rescue 1122, Child Advocacy Network and Pakistan Red Crescent Society took sessions on Empowerment of Women, Nation Building

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August 2015

and Good Civilization, First Aid, Early Child Marriages and Community Development. Sessions on personal grooming, effects of cosmetics on skin and health, cleanliness of kitchen and making different dishes, vocational skills were also part of the program. Provincial Commissioner Mrs. Nafisa Sikandar Malhi appreciated the participant’s active participation during Summer Bar Training program and distributed the certificates among them. Girl Scouts of the Philippines Recognizes Convention and Triennial Awardees Girl Scouts of the Philippines (GSP) honours individuals who have made national and/or international contributions relevant to the advancement of the Girl Scout Movement. At the 23

rd National Council Convention held on

29 May 2015 in Iloilo City, Philippines, three outstanding volunteer have been presented the convention award while nine others were given special citations. “These awards are recognition of your hard work, sincerity, and passion in serving GSP in both your personal and institutional capacities, despite trials and challenges,” said GSP National President Dr. Salud Bagalso in her message. Recipients of the National Council Convention Awards were the following: Maria Nina Baylon Arce for selflessly providing and sharing her expertise and service as an architect. Architect Arce was a Young Achiever Awardee during the Golden Jubilee Celebration of the GSP and a Juliette Low Scholar of the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS) in 1975. She offered pro bono services to the GSP and also to several churches and religious organizations. She designed the Pope Francis Center for the Poor in Palo, Leyte, Philippines. Dr. Paz Diaz for constantly sharing her expertise in new media technology, communications, finance, and research and development. Dr. Diaz was the first Girl Director of the Senior Planning Board Camp in 1958, and the GSP’s first girl-delegate to the Juliette Low Friendship Session in 1960. She

prepared concept papers, conducted and wrote nationwide researches on the GSP, and for WAGGGS-Asia Pacific Region on activities and membership in Tonga, Fiji, and Papua New Guinea. She also served as editor of the Revised Five-Age Level Girl Scout Handbooks and Troop Leaders Manuals. Linda Mison for forming the GSP Scouts Ham Radio Enthusiasts for Service (GSP SHARES) and continuously supporting it. Mrs. Mison joined the 1

st National Singing Camp in 1955

and attended the Centenary World Camp in Canada in 1957. She was the founder and served as coordinator and trainer of the Ham Radio Club of the GSP, now later called GSP SHARES. Under her leadership, GSP SHARES grew, becoming an active institutional member of the Philippine Amateur Radio Association. Nine Triennial Citation Awardees namely Governor Arthur Defensor, Sr. of Iloilo; Governor Amado Espino, Jr. of Pangasinan; Anita Jamero; Ruth Jarantilla; Delia Lasco; Sefalina Peralta; Dr. Henry Sojor; Dr. Fe Violeta Taring; and Atty. Luisa Villegas were also recognized for their significant contribution to the mission GSP. National Summer Camp for Staff and Trainers in Pakistan Pakistan Girl Guides Association National Headquarters organized National Summer Camp for staff and trainers from 17

th to

23rd

May, 2015 at Ghora Gali Campsite, Murree. 30 trainers and staff members belonging to all chapters of PGGA participated. Mrs. Tahira Ahmed was the camp Convener and Mrs. Shazia Khuram was the Camp Commander. During the camp participants experienced different activities regarding camping like knotting, lashing, tent pitching, gadget making, etc. They learned trail signs and enjoyed a hike in the woods. In the session “fun in games” they experienced different games and activities. A closing ceremony was organized on 22

nd

May, 2015. Senator Nuzhat Sadiq, National

10

August 2015

Commissioner PGGA was the Chief Guest. She distributed certificates among the participants.

Girl Scouts of the Philippines Elects National Officers The National Officers of the Girl Scouts of the Philippines (GSP) for Triennium 2015-2018 were elected on 30 May 2015 at the Diversion 21 Hotel, Iloilo City, Philippines. They were sworn into office by Congressman Arthur Defensor, Jr. of Iloilo 3rd District, during the GSP 75

th Anniversary Celebration at the Casa

Real de Iloilo. The newly elected National Officers are Susan Locsin, National President; Dr. Cristina Lim Yuson, 1st Vice President; Dr. Paz Diaz, 2nd Vice President; Dr. Josefina Parentela, National Secretary; Yolanda Hernandez, National Treasurer; Atty. Eugenia Fernandez, Asst. National Secretary; Marissu Bugante, Asst. National Treasurer and Dr. Salud Bagalso, International Commissioner.

“I am deeply touched and humbled by your confidence in selecting me as National President of the GSP, this is not my victory alone, but equally yours and ours, as well,” said Susan Locsin, in her acceptance speech. “People see us, follow us, and change,” said Mrs. Locsin believing that GSP leaders can influence through leading by example and by fostering linkages with agencies and institutions that share a common vision with GSP.

ISGF AsPac Region honours WAGGGS members The International Scout and Guide Fellowship (ISGF) is a long-term funding partner of WAGGGS. The ISGF Asia Pacific (AsPac) Region recently held its 14

th Gathering in Bangalore,

India. The event was held from 12-17 September 2015. At the gathering, ISGF AsPac Region honoured some members and partners for their contribution. Among those honoured during the gathering were Chair of the WAGGGS Asia Pacific Regional Committee, Low Lih Jeng and WAGGGS Asia Pacific Region Development Executive, Grace Tam. Other WAGGGS members honoured are Nicola Grinsted, Chair of World Board, Ching Ching Wee-Ong, Regional Director for Asia Pacific Region and Jen Barron, World Centre Manager of Sangam. Their awards will be presented at another occasion as they were unable to attend this event. Jeng was honoured for her contributions to promote and support young women in adopting challenging life skills to survive all over the Region and also being an Adult Guide in true spirit.

Grace received the honours for her contributions to make young women to become self reliant and face the challenges, especially in projects like “Free Being Me” and “Stop the Violence” all over the Region and also being an Adult Guide in true spirit.

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August 2015

During the event, Jeng and Grace also delivered two presentations to introduce the work of WAGGGS, Asia Pacific Region and Sangam World Centre. The presentations generated much interest from the participants. ISGF has always been a supportive partner of the Asia Pacific Region, WAGGGS. In the past few years, the Region and our Member Organizations have received several funding from ISGF for projects and training. Among things made possible by ISGF’s support are training for trainers in Fiji, Malaysia and Thailand; training for new leaders in Mongolia; WAGGGS Leadership Development Programme in Japan which benefitted young women from four Regions and a computer literacy project in Bangladesh. During their short visit to Bangalore, Jeng and Grace also had the opportunity to meet leaders and youth members of Bharat Scouts and Guides (BSG) India and join them in some activities. There was also a meeting with members of the Guide section of BSG of Karnataka State to discuss matters related to the development of the Guide section. New and Upgrading Members for FAPW Malaysia The Friends of Asia Pacific WAGGGS (FAPW) Malaysia held its 3rd General Assembly on 4 October 2015 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The meeting started with a dance performance by local Crystal FAPW members. This group of dancers have performed in many places around the world and won many awards. The meeting was also an avenue to elect new Working Group members of FAPW Malaysia for the next three years. All members were given the chance to nominate their candidates and then everyone were given chance to vote from the candidate list. Chempaka Emalin Pahamin was re-elected as Chair of the Working Group alongside with six Working Group members. She further appoints two more persons into the Working Group. The Honorary Secretary and Honorary Treasurer were also reappointed. The highlight of the meeting was the membership ceremony for new and upgrading members. There was a total of ten new members and two upgrading members. There were two new Crystal members, nine new Silver members, one new Diamond member

and two members upgrading from Crystal to Silver. Among the new members is a guider who signed up almost her whole family into FAPW. Kimberly Lo from Sandakan, Sabah and her mother contributed as Silver members while her two and five year old daughters were signed up as Crystal members. It is amazing to have three generations of a family joining FAPW at the same time! FAPW Malaysia is also proud to have one of their very first Crystal members who had turned 18 years old and upgraded herself to Silver membership. Aqilah Deenah Mohammad Oryza signed up as Crystal member when the category was first launched in 2012. Crystal membership category caters for children below 18 years old and membership will cease if the member does not upgrade to at least the Silver category upon reaching 18 years old. The entry level of membership for adults start at the Silver level with a donation of GBP80 per individual. FAPW Malaysia thanked everyone for their continuous support as members of FAPW and to the fundraising efforts for the Asia Pacific Region. Chempaka Emalin Pahamin, Chair of FAPW Malaysia said "Plans are underway to increase membership at all levels for FAPW Malaysia, especially during our event planned for next year".

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August 2015

World Centres Sangam Join us in December! We have spaces in our events December 2015 and you don’t want to miss out! Book your place today! Click here for more information: http://bit.ly/sangamdec

Become a Tare! Participate in our Community Programme at Sangam World Centre and join our family as a Tare (which means ‘star’ in Hindi)! Enjoy working with our Community Partners while exploring India! Start your Community Programme story today by watching this video: http://bit.ly/1sjpKTs

CONDOLENCES Asia Pacific Region has sent letters to the families and Member Organizations of the following women in recognition of their contribution to the Asia Pacific Region. Ms Mary Hill, Girl Guides Australia. Ms Hill was the Chair of the Asia Pacific Region from 1984 – 1987. Attorney Susan N. De Los Reyes, Girl Scouts of the Philippines. Atty De Los Reyes was a

member of the Asia Pacific Resource Pool and Global ATLD Resource Pool. Ms Doris N. Riehm, Girl Scouts of the USA. Ms Riehm was a significant donor to the Asia Pacific Region.

Ms Mary Ella Hill OAM (Australia) 19 July 1924 - 5 September 2015

Born in Devonport, Tasmania, Mary’s involvement in Guiding began when, aged seven, she joined Brownies, then in 1935 moved up to 2

nd

Devonport Guides. In 1939, as a boarder in Launceston, she joined the St Aidan’s Company with Miss Gwen Hesketh as Captain. After gaining her Training Diploma, Mary travelled to Malaya to teach in Kuala Lumpur at a Catholic school with 2000 girls, and to run a Guide Company, including forming a Junior Leader Company. With Malaya still coping with terrorism, camping was more difficult than at home. Mary usually needed armed guards to support her. In addition she undertook trainings for adults. During her second year in Malaya, Mary was invited to become a World Trainer in newly-independent Nigeria. On her way she visited Lebanon, Jordan, Palestine, Egypt and Sudan. For fifteen months she trained both Guiding women and the future leaders of the country. Mostly she had to use an interpreter. The World Bureau provided her with a VW Kombi van and a driver. The driver was very caring; on occasions sleeping outside her bedroom door to make sure she was safe. When working on a revised Guide program, Mary sought ideas from the Guides and Brownies. She was quite surprised that, given the conditions they lived in, they still wanted camping included in the program. Mary then travelled through Europe to work at the World Bureau in London, at the same time studying at university there. During this time she visited Lady Baden Powell several times. At the 1981 World Conference in France she was elected a member of the Asia Pacific Region Committee. This required her to travel very regularly throughout the Asia Pacific

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August 2015

Region. She made all the arrangements for herself and for trainers travelling to other countries. Mary’s Committee responsibilities included New Zealand and Fiji. At the 1984 World Conference in New York, Mary was elected Asia Pacific chairman, which required continuous travel both in the Region and to WAGGGS Headquarters. In 1985 she attended the 75

th anniversary of

Girl Guides and Girl Scouts in Taiwan. She was an honoured guest, being escorted by Miss Wang, the Chief Commissioner and First Lady of Taiwan. At this time Israel was part of the Asia Pacific Region of WAGGGS, so Mary was able to stay at a kibbutz on the Golan Heights. In 1986 in India she met Rajiv Gandhi, then President of India, at an International Jamboree attended by 20,000 Guides and Scouts. Like Princess Anne he was particularly interested in all Mary had to tell him. Mary’s term finished at the World Conference in Kenya in 1987. She was then appointed a WAGGGS Honorary Life Associate. In 1992 she travelled to the Cook Islands to assess them for World Membership. Throughout, and after, Mary’s international Guiding experiences, she remained a committed volunteer to Guiding in Tasmania. In 1982 Girl Guides Tasmania awarded Mary the Emu Award for excellent service in various appointments. In 1984 she was one of only two Tasmanians to receive the Silver Fish, the highest honour in Guiding worldwide. (The only other person was Mary’s former Captain, Miss Gwen Hesketh!) In 1996 her work in leadership training within Guiding in Australia and overseas, and in education, was recognised with an OAM, and in 2007 her name was placed on the Tasmanian Honour Roll of Women.

Edited Tribute to Mary Hill by Dorothy Rosemann

Attorney Susan N. De Los Reyes (Philippines)

August 12, 2015 Girl Scouts of the Philippines and Asia Pacific Region were deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Attorney Susan N. De Los Reyes’ at the age of 67.

Atty. De Los Reyes was a “prized” volunteer of the Movement. She was a visionary leader who would stop at nothing to give the best for the GSP and its people. Yolanda C. Hernandez, National Treasurer, described Atty. De Los Reyes as joyful, down-to-earth, thoughtful, affectionate and caring GSP volunteer as she reminisced about their times together. Penny K. Salazar, GSP staff, Atty. Susan’s fellow Zamboangeña and relative, expressed her gratitude to the GSP on behalf of their family. “Thank you for your love for my auntie, she loved GSP very much. She touched our hearts and inspired us. Let’s remember her as a very jolly and loving person,” she said. Susan was a member of the AP Resource Pool that conducted training for Bangladesh Girl Guides Association in recent years, and also a member of the Global Adult Training, Learning and Development Resource Pool.

Doris N. Riehm (USA) 1920 – 2015

She promised to make it to 95 years and she kept her promise. Although this world lost the woman on August 20, 2105, Doris’ spirit and legacy live on for everyone who knew her and was touched by her tireless, selfless service and generosity. Doris became a member of the World Board of the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts. She served as Chair from 1993 to 1996. Her service to the international movement led to her becoming a founding member of the Olave Baden-Powell Society. Doris was also a very strong support of the AP Region, and donated generously to the Region throughout the years whenever we had an event. For more information on Doris’ contribution to WAGGGS and GSUSA, please refer to this link https://www.wagggs.org/en/news/memory-doris-n-riehm/