First Lady Margaret Kenyatta has applauded the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts for imparting essential skills to Girls.
The First Lady said since its inception the organisation has helped in mentoring girls to face the challenges with boldness, confidence and courage.
“Over the decades, the Guides has become an innovative program associated with honourable ideas: discipline, diligence, service, and patriotism,” said the First Lady.
The First Lady who is the Patron of the Kenya Girl Guides Association (KGGA) spoke on Friday when she presided over the official opening of the 11th Africa Regional Conference World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts.
She said Girl Guides Association is not just a vehicle for learning values as it also builds solidarity among girls.
“It encourages mentoring and builds role models. It provides spaces for our girls to connect across a wide range of societal barriers, and become friends,” she added.
The First Lady pointed out that many successful women have credited the girl guides movement for contributing to their success, by moulding them into who they are today.
She pointed out that principles learnt by members have enabled them develop essential skills that help in overcoming life challenges.
“As Patron, I have heard stories from old-girls of the Kenya Girl Guides Association as they recall assembling in front of their school flagpole, hosting the flag, standing at attention, singing the anthem and reciting the girl guide pledge: ‘to do our duty to God and country and help other people every day’,” said the First Lady.
Adding, “Many may not have understood the meaning of those words in the beginning, but the principles they learned were something they would grow into for the rest of their lives.”
This is the second time Kenya Girl Guides Association (KGGA) is hosting the Africa conference.
This year’s conference marks the 40th anniversary of the establishment of the WAGGGS Africa Region and it targets to have 2 million membership by the year 2020.
The World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts has member organisations in 146 countries, with 10 million members.
The First Lady observed that the Girl Guide associations provides opportunity for a unique camaraderie built from the adventures of camping, hiking and project work.
She said through these kind of activities young girls learn more about themselves and about life.
“The adventures spark innovation and imagination about how to navigate the changes within and around them,” said the First Lady.
The therefore, thanked the association for creating change-makers who are committed to transforming their immediate societies and the world.
“You continue to channel the boundless, restless energy of youth, towards constructive goals: building a brighter future for everybody,” said the First Lady.
Adding; “You continue to inspire, educate and challenge girls to imagine what the world could be, and dare to create the world of their dreams.”
The WAGGGS Africa Region Chairperson Rose Kioko said the role of girls and young women is crucial in building a strong society hence the need to impart skills which they require.
The WAGGGS World Board Chairperson Nicola Grinstead and Chief Commissioner Kenya Girl Guides Jennifer Karina said as the African chapter marks the 40thanniversary since its establishment, it’s future is assured by recruiting more members.
They commended the First Lady for being a good role model by championing issues for women and girls through her Beyond Zero initiative.
By PSCU.