Local scouts help to launch development strategy

A COUPLE of Northside scouts recently helped to launch their national organisation’s plans for the future.

Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Frances Fitzgerald and scouts from Skerries, Bayside and Castleknock launched Scouting Ireland’s Vision 2020 Strategy for the future development of the association.

Vision 2020 outlines a roadmap for Scouting Ireland’s development so that it continues to educate and empower young people to realise their full potential, and foster active citizenship among young people, helping to create the leaders of tomorrow.

Speaking at the launch, Minister Fitzgerald said she recognised the extreme pressures on young people today and was committed to putting in place the structures to support Ireland’s children and families.

“We need to support our young people so that they can grow to become healthy young adults, equipped to cope with modern life,

? she stated.

“Scouting Ireland is an example of how a volunteer-led organisation can play an instrumental role in this regard.

“The educational model developed by Scouting Ireland is focused on providing opportunities for peer-to-peer engagement, self-directed learning and leadership.

“It is a model which works and accounts for the phenomenal growth in scouting in recent years.

?

Minister Fitzgerald said she was very pleased to launch the Vision 2020 Strategy.

“It is a roadmap for the continued growth and development of the organisation and will ensure it continues to support young people throughout the island of Ireland,

? she added.

Michael John Shinnick, Chief Scout, said:

“With 36,000 young people in scouting from age six to age 26, Scouting Ireland plays an important role in enabling and empowering young people.

“It provides them with the key skills for life and the tools to deal with many of the challenges impacting them today such as bullying, self-esteem and confidence.

“Through structured activities, teamwork and engaging programmes, Scouting Ireland addresses these issues in a positive way, providing support to our young people as they navigate the critical pre-teen and teenage years.

?

Mr Shinnick said Vision 2020 is the culmination of over 12 months’ work within Scouting Ireland.

“It will ensure that as an organisation we are fit for purpose and continue to focus our efforts and resources to deliver on the needs and expectations of our young people and of the 10,000 adult volunteers who are central to Scouting Ireland,

? he added.