Education, scouts plan for school programme

By LORRAINE JIMAL
STARTING next year, a scouts education programme will be introduced into the education system to promote positive values and principles to the young.
This undertaking is a partnership between the Education Department and Papua New Guinea Scouts Association, with support from the United Nations.
Scouts principles and activities will be included in elementary, primary, secondary, some tertiary level programmes such as Flexible, Open and Distance Education (Fode) and inclusive education to mitigate student’s disciplinary issues and promote moral values.
Chief Scout, Governor-General Sir Bob Dadae, said this at the launch of the PNG Scouts Association’s Behaviour Management Policy and Scouting Programme at Hagara Primary School in Port Moresby yesterday.
Sir Bob is also the association’s patron.

He said through recreational activities, youths would be encouraged to explore and develop their talents, knowledge and skills as well as promoting values of team work, discipline, respect and hard work in order to be better citizens.
He said the scouting movement had been helping young people to develop positive mindsets, and develop intellectually, socially and spiritually.
PNG Scout Association national executive committee chairman Kiddy Keko said with the current issues of violence in the country, especially to women and the vulnerable teaching and reinforcing moral principles and Christian ethics would ensure well rounded individuals in society.
He said having a scouting programme in schools would complement the academic side and ensure integral human development.
Education Minister Jimmy Uguro said having scouting values instilled in students would hopefully make them less likely to be involved in anti-social activities and have other behavioural issues.
“We have to promote good values in our schools so our young people can become better responsible citizens.”