The document summarizes World Thinking Day celebrations that took place across various countries in the Asia Pacific region in February 2009. It discusses events held by Girl Guide and Girl Scout associations in countries such as Brunei, India, Japan, Malaysia, Pakistan, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Taiwan, and others to raise awareness about diseases like HIV/AIDS, malaria, and dengue. It also provides details about the planning process for the upcoming Asia Pacific Regional Summit to be hosted in the Philippines in November 2009.

1. Preparations underway for 1st Asia Operational Plan and the Global Action
Pacific Summit Theme.
Two young women, Ashiya Saeed of This will also be an opportunity to look
Maldives and Nanae Aida from Japan, back on various experiences, reconcile
have joined the planning team of the those with the realities of today and be
Asia Pacific Regional Summit which will prepared for the future, by considering
be held from 11 to 14 November 2009 in necessary changes and ensuring the
the Philippines. The team gathered in fundamental values are retained. It was
the Philippines last February to plan the under this approach that it was decided
Summit, to merge the Relentless Energy of Asia
Pacific (R.E.A.P.) event with the Asia
The Pacific summit. It is expected that
planning Member Organizations will take home
committee sound ideas and strategies that can
includes: effectively deliver insights to their
June respective associations.
Cameron,
Chairman, One of the highlights of the summit
Normala programme will be the grand celebration
Baharudin, of the 40th Anniversary of the Asia Pacific
Asia Pacific region.
Committee
member, Aisha noted that the hospitality of the
Mengfei Wu, president of Girl Scouts of the
Asia Pacific Philippines was exemplary. She writes:
Regional “I thank the Asia Pacific Regional
Director, Ching Ching Wee-Ong, Asia committee and the summit planning
Pacific Development Executive and committee members for giving me this
Coordinator and Nanae Aida, Ashiya opportunity to be a part of this great
Saeed, Mary Dawson, Gloria Echaluce event. It is certainly a very good
as invited members from Japan, the experience. I acquired a lot of
Maldives, New Zealand, and the knowledge and information within those
Philippines respectively. three days. Most of all, it was a good
eye opener for the Asia Pacific regional
During the summit, it is expected to Conference 2010 in Maldives. I am
harness and implement the best ideas excited and looking forward to the Asia
relevant to the six core areas of Pacific summit in November and I hope
WAGGGS work to include the and pray that the summit will be a great
implementation of the Asia Pacific success.”
18 May 2009~11:12~MM
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2. January 2009
Nanae notes she met such inspirational Guides Association’s headquarters. The
Asia Pacific sisters in Girl Guiding and Association’s training commissioner,
Girl Scouting that are diverse in Dayang Hajah Noraini binti Ibrahim, in
ethnicity, religion, age, and culture, yet her speech, explained that the Thinking
the same in heart. She says: “Thanks to Day’s theme was linked to the new
the experienced team mates, I learned a WAGGGS Global Action theme girls
lot to work on planning events on worldwide say “together we can change
international level and decision-making our world”. It encourages young girls
that are useful not only in Girl Scouting and women to make a commitment to
but also I could use in my career. This change the world around them for the
AP Summit will be the very first one held better as well as confirm WAGGGS’
in our region. I believe that like the commitment to the United Nations
different colours of a kaleidoscope, girls Millennium Development Goals.
and women with different backgrounds
joining this summit will make wonderful Cambodia
shapes and colors together!
Understanding, discussing, sharing our The Girl Guides
past, today and future, and thinking in Association of
individual, country, region, and world Cambodia
level will surely help each one of us (GGAC)
growing stronger as a region, as Member celebrated
Organizations, and as individuals. Come Thinking Day
and join us in the colorful Philippines!” on 22 February in six provinces. In
Phnom Penh there were about 250
members of GGAC, 30 participants from
World Thinking Day NGOs and Ministries along with parents
and participants from the National
celebrations Association of Cambodian Scouts. The
participants have donated US$150 to the
Girl Guides and Girl scouts all over the WAGGGS Thinking Day Fund.
Asia Pacific Region organized activities
under this year’s World Thinking Day India
theme: girls worldwide say “stop the East Mumbai Suburban district of
spread of AIDS, malaria and other Maharashtra state Bharat Scouts and
diseases”. You can find a summary of Guides (India) celebrated World Thinking
some of the stories here. day along with over 700 Guides and
Congratulations and many thanks to all Scouts. They had camp craft, essay
the associations for raising money for writing, drawing and campfire
World Thinking Day. interschool competitions. The elimination
rounds were held on 7 February and the
Brunei finals took place on 22 February. All the
office bearers, leaders and local
Her Royal Highness Princess Hajah supporters actively participated in the
Masna, President of Brunei Darussalam activities.
Girl Guides Association attended their
A session was
Thinking Day celebrations. The
also run on
association held a Thinking Day quiz
AIDS
which focused on the understanding and
awareness
knowledge of contagious diseases.
with activities
Several primary schools’ Brownie packs
from the
took part in the event. Her Royal
WAGGGS HIV
Highness Princess Hajah Masna
and AIDS Training Toolkit, followed by a
presented certificates of participation
slide show. Participants departed with
and prizes to the quiz’s participants. To
two red ribbons each, one for
commemorate the day, a Rambutan tree
themselves and the other one to give it
was planted in the compound of the Girl
to their friends or family after.
2

3. January 2009
Around 400 Scouts and Guides, Bunnies, out handmade red ribbons. They also
Cubs and Bulbuls from schools across received media coverage. Troop 21 of
Karnataka took part in various events on Saitama Council held a workshop on
Thinking Day. The day-long programme HIV/AIDS. They used illustrations to
consisted in activities such as drawing encourage the participants to have a
and painting on the theme ‘Nature and better understanding of HIV/AIDS. Troop
Healthy Living’, a quiz on Scouting and 10 and 3 of Yamaguchi Council did a
Guiding and many other games. joint play based on their knowledge of
HIV/AIDS and Malaria. For the World
Approximately 365 Scouts and Guides Thinking Day Fund, they studied the cost
and 20 Rangers of National Integration to prevent Malaria beforehand and they
Camp attended celebrations at the collected funds to reach the required
National Youth Complex, Gadpuri, India. amount.
Special guests included Smt. Pusplata
Jain and Shri L.M. Jain, National Malaysia
Commissioner. Shri B.K. Bahuguna,
Director Bharat Scouts and Guides and Girl Guides Association Malaysia decided
the International Commissioner of to take a step further in celebrating
Australia were also present. The World Thinking Day 2009 by launching
participants presented a colourful the HIV/AIDS Awareness Project. More
cultural programme and enjoyed a than 300 Guiders and guests attended
speech contest on the Thinking Day the official launch of the project at The
theme. Royal Lake Club at Taman Tasik
Perdana, Kuala Lumpur. Datin Zalillah
During the event Thinking Day was bte Mohd Taib, Chief Commissioner of
written on the ground in sand decorated Girl Guides Association of Malaysia was
in different colours and guests and there to witness the launch by the
participants placed lit candles on it. A Honorable Datuk M. Saravanan, Deputy
banner of 100 years of Scouting was Minister of Federal Territory, Malaysia.
placed and signed by special guests. Shri
L.M. Jain, National Commissioner In this project, Girl Guides Association
addressed all participants and noted that Malaysia (PPPM) have collaborated with
only Scouts and Guides can spread the the Pink Triangle Foundation, a non-
message of peace throughout India. The government, non-profit and community
theme of the centenary is ‘Peace and based organization that specially caters,
Solidarity’. supports and cares for people who are at
high risk of contracting HIV/AIDS. The
Japan Pink Triangle Foundation is also
supported by the Malaysian AIDS
Girl Scouts of Council and the Malaysian Ministry of
Japan Health. A series of training programmes
conducted an will be conducted for the Girl Guides.
advocacy
campaign on “The main objective of this joint venture
HIV/AIDS, is to increase awareness on HIV and
Malaria and AIDS among members of PPPM. We
other want to train a pool of young women so
diseases. that they can be more proactive in
Various programmes were run handling global issues and things
throughout Japan. These included relating to young women,” the
Shizuoka Council, where seven troops in Association’s Chief Commissioner Datin
Mishima and Tagata District had a Zalillah bte Mohd Taib said during the
campaign on the same day. They campaign launch.
worked in cooperation with a local
railway company. They appealed on the More than 1,500 Girl Guides and leaders
importance of fighting against HIV/AIDS took part in a five-kilometre walk
and Malaria at various stations, handing
3

4. January 2009
through Seremban, Malaysia on 21 event. The Prime Minister’s wife, who
February 2009. was the guest of honour at the Penang
celebration, was accompanied by the
The aim of association’s Chief Commissioner Datin
the walk Zalillah Mohd Taib and Penang Girl
was to raise Guides Association (PGGA) President
awareness Datin Seri Su Hashim on the ride. There
among the were also 20 Girl Guides on bicycles and
community 15 leaders on trishaws accompanying
on issues the jeep to meet the girls. The
related to Association is attempting to enter the
HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases. Malaysian Book of Records for the
The State Girl Guides Association patron longest human chain through the line-
Raja Datin Seri Salbiah Tengku up, which stretched along Jalan Mesjid
Nujumudin also attended the event. The Negeri, Scotland Road, Macalister Road,
girls were flagged off by the Chief Peel Avenue, Pangkor Road, Jalan Sultan
Minister of Negeri Sembilan from his Ahmad Shah and Farquhar Street.
official residence and the President of
the Association who walked together At the closing ceremony of the
with the girls from all over the state celebration the RM3,000 collected by the
carrying placards and banners on the Penang Girl Guides through a walkathon
theme. were handed over to two welfare
organizations - Pure Lotus Hospice of
Throughout the 7 kilometre journey, Compassion and the Handicapped
participants stopped and talked to Children’s Association in Bukit Mertajam.
bystanders, handing out pamphlets on Datin Seri Jeanne Abdullah also handed
the prevention of HIV/AIDS, malaria and over a donation of aluminium can-ring
dengue. The girls’ voices were heard and tabs collected by the association to the
they made a great impact based on the Prostheses Foundation of H.R.H.
theme. The event was made possible
through support from the state Health Over 2,000 Girl Guides from 200 schools
Department, which provided some of the in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, also came
materials for distribution. together for an annual meeting at the
Taman Desa Water Park. The aim of the
The walk event was to foster closer ties among
ended with an Guides from different backgrounds as
exhibition on well as to promote inter-school relations.
HIV/AIDS and The Girl Guides had a wonderful time
other splashing. The event also helped the
diseases at Association to raise its profile with
the state Girl articles appearing in the press.
Guides
headquarters in Seremban. The Pakistan
association raised approximately
RM600.00 for Thinking Day. The Guides
of ICT
More than 2,500 Girl Guides, Rangers branch,
and Brownies from schools in Penang, Pakistan,
Malaysia observed Thinking Day with a held a
very special “line-up”. They lined the 8 funfair to
kilometre route of a jeep ride which took mark World
Girl Guides Association of Malaysia Thinking Day. Samina Shahid Rafi,
President Datin Seri Jeanne Abdullah President of Pakistan Girl Guides
from Convent Green Lane (CGL) to St Association ICT Branch attended the
Xavier’s Institution (SXI) during the event and the National Commissioner
Penang state-level celebration of the Pakistan Girl Guides Association, Mrs.
4

5. January 2009
Farhana Azim was the Chief Guest. She Singapore
noted the main focus was to raise Singapore
awareness on Malaria, HIV/AIDS and held their
other contagious diseases, and to Thinking
highlight that prevention was the best Day
way to avoid such diseases. celebration
on 21
Participants were also reminded of the February at
importance of keeping the environment the Singapore Indoor Stadium.
clean and washing hands before eating. Their Patron, Mrs S R Nathan, and their
Senior and junior Guides from various President, Mrs Joy Balakrishnan together
schools and colleges of ICT branch with 7,000 past and present members,
arranged activity stalls at the funfair. Girl Guides and adult Leaders from
Awareness stalls were also arranged by Australia, UK, USA, Taiwan and Malaysia
National TB Control and Prime Minister joined in the celebrations. Girl Guides
Programme to Control Hepatitis to raise Singapore (GGS) showed their support
students’ awareness regarding these for the inaugural Youth Olympic Games
diseases and to inform them about by introducing the Singapore 2010 YOG
preventive measures. Interest Patch – a new initiative by GGS
to encourage its members to participate
Pakistan Girl and contribute to the success of
Guides Singapore 2010.
Association’s
Sindh Branch– Girl Guides Singapore also unveiled its
Ismaili District revamped website. The site,
organized a www.girlguides.org.sg is designed in
one day direct response to GGS’ survey into what
residential their members really want. Visitors to
camp to the site will find the new look to be more
celebrate Thinking Day with 140 senior friendly, interactive and full of helpful
Guides and leaders. The theme was information.
divided into three sub camps and each
one had a very interactive session on Solomon Islands
the issue of Malaria, HIV/AIDS and
breast cancer. The interactive sessions Approximately 200 members attended
were conducted by the expert speakers Thinking Day Celebrations organized by
from Aga Khan Health Services, Solomon Islands Girl Guides Association.
Pakistan. A session on advocacy was They collected around US$500.00 for the
also conducted with the help of WAGGGS Thinking Day Fund.
WAGGGS Advocacy toolkit.
Taiwan
Later senior Guides prepared short Taiwan Girl
awareness sessions on the three Scouts held
themes, which were very well enjoyed various
by the participants and inculcated the activities
spirit of learning by sharing amongst the focusing on
young girls. The entire day was the World
celebrated by thinking about millions of Thinking Day
girls and young women who suffer from Theme 2009.
the diseases and what these senior Troop #50 of
Guides can do to save the world from Kaohsiung City Council sold handmade
the diseases. The day was also filled cookies for Thinking Day. Brownies wore
with fun as girls were engaged in red ribbons and distributed leaflets to
cooking and other fun activities. buyers and passers-by to promote the
concept of HIV/AIDS prevention.
5

6. January 2009
Troop #115 of Taipei City Council played leaders say’ held in August 2008 at
“eliminate mosquitoes” game and Togakushi Girl Scout Centre, to develop
discussed environmental protection and themselves as a leader as well as a Girl
cleaning. Scout, to build a wider network within
young leaders and to identify their role
Many troops also conducted the “Money, facing 90th Anniversary of Girl Scouts of
money, money” survey which helped Japan.
girls to identify what money means to
them. The first event in 2008 was planned by
young leaders who attended WAGGGS'
seminars.
WAGGGS’ goals Pakistan runs seminar on “Guides
face Challenges of life”.
Goal 1 – Leadership
More than 150
Development rural and urban
Girl Guides
Japan runs trainer qualification from different
companies
From 10 to attended a
12 January one-day
2009, Girl seminar on 24 February 2009. The
Scouts of participants presented role–plays and
Japan held a dramatization of existing attitudes and
Trainer practices amongst the different sections
Qualification of the society affecting family life, health
session in issues and growing uncertainty in
Tokyo. Eighteen people from ten economic situation due to inflation and
Councils from all over Japan participated unemployment.
in the session and shared an exciting
time. All the participants gained a The Girl Guides projected the strength
deeper understanding on Girl Scouting they get from the values of Girl Guiding,
and their educational programme while depicted in the Promise and Laws and
they raised awareness on the meaning how these bring about a positive change
to work as a trainer. They also in the girls in facing all challenges of life.
reaffirmed that it was important to
develop better leaders. Pakistan runs camp for women’s
empowerment
Girl Scouts of Japan introduced a new
Trainer system in April to provide more Ten girls from five different colleges of
opportunities to be qualified as a trainer Lahore worked with a group of 30 young
and develop Japanese Girl Scouting. girls and women of Karbath in a service
camp from 24 to 31 December 2008.
Young Leaders' Forum held by Japan The objective was to identify the areas
for which a self–sustained project could
More than 80 be launched to address ‘Improvement in
Japanese Mother and Child Health’ and enhancing
young leaders ‘Family Income’.
gathered in
Shizuoka from The participants through door-to-door
20 to 22 March contact and activity-based interaction
2009 at the with 30 to 40 mothers and adolescent
Young Leaders' girls, were able to select two projects
Forum. They share what they learned which they could carry out with the
and thought at the first Young Leaders' locally supported leadership and senior
Gathering named ‘Japanese young Guides.
6

7. January 2009
These were: that has become an indispensable part
a) Health Centre to be managed in the of youth development.
house of a village woman and services of
qualified medical and paramedical staff Dr. Marietta L. Tumaneng, Schools
through a young leader whose mother is Division Superintendent and GSP Council
working in the relevant department. President-Cagayan Chapter, prepared a
b) A skills Development Centre in a series of activities for the campers
private home to be managed by a local geared to mould and strengthen their
trainer, girl employed against funds values and become strong individuals.
generated from nominal training fees
from participants. Equipment to be Update on workshop and camp run
provided by the Punjab Literacy by Taiwan
Resource Centre.
On 14
Pakistan reconstructs Guide House February
Muzaferabad 2009 Girl
Scouts of
Girls of Muzaferabad got their Guide Taiwan held
House back. The construction work of the Annual
the State Guide House at Muzaferabad Trainers
has been completed and the building has Advanced
been handed over to the Azad Jammu Workshop 2009 with the participation of
Kashmir Branch of Pakistan Girl Guides 80 trainers from across Taiwan. The
Association. Guide House activities were workshop covered a variety of topics
initiated on 12 December 2008. including WAGGGS Global Action Theme,
the UN Millennium Development Goals
The Guide House was completely as well as World Thinking Day 2009
destroyed during the Earthquake in 2005 focusing on HIV/AIDS and other
and the activities had been carried out in diseases which influence children
tents since that date. extensively. Through learning and
sharing, all participants built a good
The State Guide House was rebuilt at a understanding of HIV/AIDS and also
cost of Rupees. 2,424,000. The approval developed methods on promoting
for the construction was granted by the Thinking Day fundraising for supporting
National Relief Cell and the amount was WAGGGS health projects. Ms. Lin, Hsu-
contributed by the Guides of Jen, Adviser of Taipei City Council was
Balochistan, Sindh, Punjab, NWFP, ICT, invited to give a presentation to share
AJK, Northern Areas and Member her perspectives which inspired
Organizations of WAGGGS. participants to have active and positive
attitude towards life. During the session
4,000 young girls join 49th Girl of sub district gathering, trainers
Scouts Philippines encampment developed their sub district working
plans and initiated regular meetings for
More than 4,000 young campers further cooperation and idea
participated in the four-day camping exchanging.
activities in observance of the 49th Girl
Scout of the Philippines Provincial Girl Scouts of
Encampment held at Brgy. Bayo, Iguig, Taiwan also
Cagayan recently. held a two-
day Juvenile
Governor Alvaro 'Bong' Antonio, inspired Leadership
the campers to be one in body and one Camp from 21
voice to mould the youth towards the to 22 January
development of the society. In his at Girl Scouts
message read by his daughter and Center.
Executive Assistant Criselda Antonio, Ninety Brownies and elementary school
Gov. Antonio said GSP is an institution students attended this camp.
7

8. January 2009
Programmes focused on capability 2008 at Nam Xuang Lake in Vientiane.
building and international vision The objectives of this activity were to
development. The tests of two provide knowledge of the importance
Proficiency Badge works of collection and and value of water, to learn the process
hostess were also carried out to of how to preserve water and to develop
encourage participants to share their awareness in protecting the value of
interests and learn from others. water for living things. A total of 27 girls
Community Exploration was arranged on and 19 leaders and IV staff participated
the second day with support from local in this activity.
governmental units. By taking part in
the camp, participants developed their There was also a Girl Guide and Boy
leadership skills and became more Scout reunion night on 21 December
confident and independent. 2008. Twenty-five former Girl Guides
and Boy Scouts attended this reunion in
Girl Guides of Thailand lend a Vientiane meeting up for the first time
helping hand since 1955. The night was filled with joy,
laughter and singing.
From
September to
December Goal 2 – Strong and
2008 the Girl
Guides Growing Member
Association of Organizations
Thailand
(GGAT) took
part in Malaysia launches mineral water
International Volunteers (IV)-Japan’s
new project entitled ‘Empowerment of On 7 November 2008 Girl
Education Activities for Secondary Guides Association of
School Girls’. Thirty high school girls and Malaysia’s (GGAM) mineral
10 leaders participated in the First Aid water was launched by
training programme on 11 October 2008 their Deputy President,
with the support of a trainer from GGAT. Her Royal Highness
The training included basic first aid, Tengku Puan Pahang,
dressing, bandaging, CPR, and how to Tunku Hajjah Azizah
treat insect bites. Aminah Maimunah
Iskandariah binti Almutawakkil Alallah
The Chairman of training, head of Sultan Iskandar at a fundraising dinner.
Guiding activities and some other
trainers also ran a life skills training for This mineral water project is the
27 girls aged 14-21 on 19 December brainchild of their Chief Commissioner,
2008. These groups of girls came to Datin Zalillah Mohd. Taib and is under
train for four months at the IV-Japan the care of Commissioner for Finance
vocational training centre on areas such and Fundraising and her committee.
as cooking, hairdressing and dress-
making and were able to go back to This is the first time GGAM launched its
their local community and earn a living. own mineral water. The objectives of
The activities included knowing oneself, this project are:
decision-making, time management, • To generate income for GGAM on a
team-work and leadership training. IV- long term basis
Japan also provided training on other • To bring income to GGAM’s branches
subjects such as drug abuse, rope works • To upgrade the image of GGAM as
and handicrafts, etc. well as to promote GGAM through the
sales of the mineral water
Another activity implemented was on the
topic of environmental conservation: The sales of the first batch of mineral
‘Water is Life’, held on 20 December water have already made a profit for
8

9. January 2009
GGAM both at national level and within
the branches. The method used in During the four-day visit, participants
selling the water ensures that all parties visited the Yongxing Relief Community
enjoy profit while maintaining the lowest at Mianyang, an orphanage in Zitong
price for the product. First of all, GGAM County, Beichuan Secondary School,
will purchase the mineral water from the Leigu Town Lower-secondary School,
selected supplier and proceed with and the Beichuan Hope School.
selling the products to branches with Members distributed 3,300 jackets,
minimal but satisfactory profit. The 2,000 quilts, more than 6,000 knitted
branches will then sell to its members at scarves, 460 trousers, 10 sets reference
an affordable price. books, and boxes of stationery. Another
2,500 jackets and 500 quilts were
GGAM’s mineral water is now entering prepared for them before the Chinese
its third phase. At the moment, the New Year.
mineral water is not opened to the mass
market or public. However, there is an An exchange
ongoing effort in acquiring major programme
companies and supermarkets to market was also
the water. arranged for
Girl Guides
GGAM encourages its members to and students
consider the mineral water as their in Beichuan
beverage of choice whether at home, at Secondary
work or at play, in the hope that GGAM’s School and
mineral water will soon become a widely Leigu Town Lower-secondary School.
consumed product among members and Although the programme was brief, Girl
consumers alike. Guides felt that the students were
tough, optimistic, vigorous, contented –
elements that girls from Hong Kong
Members of Hong Kong Girl Guides should learn.
Association hold visit to Sichuan
earthquake affected area In addition to this service project, the
Association also committed a donation to
In response to a bridge project in Sichuan which is
the earthquake expected to be completed by the end of
in Sichuan the August 2009. Twenty-five Girl Guides
Hong Kong Girl will be recruited to participate in the
Guides construction work.
Association
organized a New Board elected for Japan
charity concert in August 2008. They
raised about 2 million HK Dollars to New Board members of Girl Scouts of
support the affected regions and the Japan were elected for the period 2009-
victims. Girl Guides were also 2011. The new President will be Teruko
encouraged to make knitted scarves and Wada, who served as a vice-President
to collect stationery for the victims. from 2006-2008. New vice-Presidents
will be Reiko Koga and Junko Syuzui.
A service project in Sichuan was Minori Yuda was elected as the new
subsequently organized from 20 to 23 International Commissioner.
December 2008 with more than 100
participants including 70 Girl Guides, 18 There were 11 new Board Members in
Guiders and adult leaders, and 14 non- total, one of whom was in her twenties
uniformed members. A supporting team and three members were in their
with vice-President, Sir David Akers- thirties. The new President and new
Jones GBM JP, and Chief Commissioner, International Commissioner are both in
Mrs Delia Pei BBS JP, also joined the their thirties and younger than those
visiting group. who have previously served in these
9

10. January 2009
positions at GSJ. The new Board shows The trainings began in the later part of
great diversity and will start their work the year and the policy proved
in May 2009. successful as membership of Junior
Guides increased by 1,231, Girl Guides
Pakistan holds Executive Committee by 1,394, and senior Guides by 823 and
and Annual Council Meeting Guiders by 213.
Pakistan Girl Guides Association’s Philippines Training Centre
Executive Committee and Annual Council celebrates golden anniversary
meetings were held on 27 and 28
February 2009 respectively, at National The 50th anniversary of Ating Tahanan,
Headquarters Islamabad. Delegations the national programme and training
from all seven branches of Pakistan Girl centre of the Girl Scouts of the
Guides Association (PGGA) participated Philippines (GSP) in Baguio City, is a
in the meetings. Estimated budget for celebration of a success story of
the year 2009-10 was approved during partnership between the Girls Scouts
the executive committee meeting. and the Baguio community.
In Sub-Committee meetings, members This was the brief yet meaningful
analyzed the progress of different statement of GSP Communication
departments of the PGGA and forwarded Chairman Amelita Dayrit-Go following
their suggestions to the Executive the announcement of the Golden
Committee and annual Council Anniversary Adventure on 17=20
respectively. In these meetings February 2009 to mark the occasion.
recommendations and decisions of the More than 130 delegates from all regions
sub-committees were thoroughly of the country arrived for the
discussed and policy decisions were celebration.
made about Constitution, Training,
Programme, Publications, Public The four-day activity included pine tree
Relations, young Leaders/senior Guides and flower planting, interactive bamboo
and International Guiding. The national instrument workshop, fellowship night
Training Plan for the year 2009 was also featuring the rendition of the song
approved. “Halina sa Ating Tahanan”, masquerade,
eco-cultural visits, team building
Mrs. Nuzhat Aamir, the International activities, International Friendship
Commissioner of Pakistan Girl Guides Exchange and DX (Infex) Contest, World
Association presented the International Thinking Day Ceremony and adventure
Annual Report of the Association. At the challenges.
closing ceremony shields and awards
were conferred upon the Guides and One of the highlights of the event was
Guide Companies showing outstanding the historical exhibits and video
performance presentation featuring the evolution of
Ating Tahanan.
Pakistan Sindh Branch membership
increase GSP National President Mrs Teresita
Choa is grateful to the people of Baguio
The membership of Pakistan Girl Guides particularly to Mayor Reinaldo Bautista
Association Sindh Branch increased by Jr. for continuously supporting GSP
3,661 Guides and Guiders in 2008. endeavours to help the community.
The Sindh Executive Committee in 2008 Choa is also the Chairman of Friends of
resolved to give free of cost trefoil Ating Tahanan, an auxiliary arm which
badges, programme cards and provides assistance, contacts and funds
handbooks to Guiders and Guides of for the programmes and maintenance of
rural areas and small towns, to the Girl Scout training centre. Baguio
encourage more girls to join the Girl Scout Council President Amparo
Movement. Rimas and Esther Alvarado, Ating
Tahanan Director said Ating Tahanan will
10

11. January 2009
seek to further improve and make it a 2008 was the fourth year and final year
world-class centre someday. for Peace Pack Project II, which started
in 2005. Many congratulations to Japan
for this successful project.
Goal 3 - The Voice of
Girls and Young Malaysia launches HIV/Aids
Campaign
Women
In line with the Thinking Day theme ‘We
Australia runs clean up campaign can stop the spread of AIDS, malaria
and other diseases’, the Girl Guides
THE 2nd Mona Vale Girl Guides were Association of Malaysia has launched a
among thousands of volunteers cleaning HIV/Aids awareness campaign in
their local area as part of ‘Clean Up collaboration with the PT Foundation. A
Australia Day’. The Guides and their series of training programmes will be
families focussed their attention on the conducted for the Girl Guides. The
Basin at Mona Vale, having previously Association plans to train a pool of
cleaned an area at Bayview. young women so that they can be more
proactive in handling global issues
Japan raises relief money for related to young women. The training
Australia programme will be held at the Grand
Continental Hotel from 19 to 21 March
Girl Scouts of Japan raised 1,434.94AUD 2009.
as relief money for Girl Guides Australia
Incorporated. This money was raised to Maldives Girl Guides in need of
support the Girl Guides who were building and funding support
victims of the bushfire and floods in
Victoria and Northern Queensland. Mariam Waheeda, Chief Commissioner of
Maldives Girl Guide Association has said
Peace Pack Project II run by Japan the Association desperately needs
funding to implement the association’s
From 14 various programmes.
to 20
March, Speaking at the 2008 Annual General
the fourth Assembly, she also expressed an urgent
delegation need for a suitable building to run the
of the Association and provide training to Girl
Peace Guides. She said that due to lack of such
Pack space, various programmes were on
project halt. She noted the biggest obstacle to
visited Myanmar refugee camps in Maldivian Girl Guides taking part in
Thailand. They delivered Peace Packs various overseas programmes was a lack
sent by Japanese Girl Scouts. In each of adequate funding.
Peace Pack, it was included a message
from Japan. The Chief Commissioner highlighted the
environmental protection programme as
They also had a time to exchange with a huge success. She also noted that 609
refugees where they met many children. members participated in various
The delegation brought back a wonderful programmes conducted during the past
souvenir. They set up “Dream Post” at year.
camp which was a mailbox that refugee
children can send their letters to During the Annual General meeting
Japanese friends. They received warrants, long service awards, Asia
countless letters. The delegation plans to Pacific Badge and certificates were
deliver the letters to Girl Scouts from all distributed to Guiders and
over Japan when they return to Japan. Commissioners for their service to the
11

12. January 2009
Movement. At the meeting, Permanent Pakistan participates in tree
Secretary of Ministry of Health and planting campaign
Family Ms. Mazeena Jameel spoke on
ways they can protect children from More than 400 senior Guides and 250
sexual abuse. The annual report and Girl Guides from Pakistan participated in
budget report were read out. The guest a public tree plantation on 11 February
of honour at the meeting was first lady, 2009 to protect the environment. The
Chief Guide Laila Ali who was a Guide. event was organized by the Capital
She was the first patron to wear the Development Authority Islamabad
uniform. (Pakistan) at Islamabad Express
Highway. Mrs. Fehmida Mirza, the
Pakistan celebrates World TB Day Honorable Speaker National Assembly
was the chief guest on the occasion.
Pakistan Girl Guide Association ICT
branch celebrated World Tuberculosis Pakistan takes part in International
(TB) Day on 18 March 2009. The Women’s Day
Ministry of Health under its National TB
Control Programme (NTP) organized an International
advocacy event with youth and key Women’s Day
stakeholders with the collaboration of was
Pakistan Girl Guides Association at celebrated on
National Arts Gallery. The theme of the 6 March 2009
programme was “contributing together at Serena
to Control TB” and “TB say Najat Hotel
Noujawanu kay sath”. Islamabad (Pakistan). Various NGOs
organized stalls with information,
During the event Guides participated in posters, photographs, handicrafts etc.
different activities and won the quiz Pakistan Girl Guides Association, ICT
competition. Minister of Health, Mir Aijaz branch organized its awareness stall on
Jakhrani was the chief guest of the Girl Guiding.
event. Trainers and staff of PGGA shared
information with visitors regarding their
He said Guiding work.
“engaging
young people Lawmakers act to keep Girl Scouts
made this state-owned in the Philippines
day even
more The Girl Scouts of the Philippines (GSP),
important as after 68 years of existence, has been
youth are the declared as a government owned and
future of our country and can play a controlled corporation, whose main
pivotal role in the fight against TB.” He purpose is to inculcate “patriotism and
also appreciated the efforts of young nationalism” in youth. The House
volunteers for putting their efforts in the committee on government enterprises
World TB Day activities. Shields and and privatization approved for floor
certificates were awarded to the winners deliberation the bill, seeking to institute
and participants. the GSP Charter and stop its
privatization. The bill is now up for
This programme was very informative plenary debate to hear those who want
and Pakistan Girl Guides Association will to push for the privatization of the GSP
continue to share the knowledge with because the House panel has already
different institutions in collaboration with rejected its privatization.
the National TB Control Programme.
The bill provides that all donations made
to the GSP shall be exempt from donor’s
tax and shall be deducted from the gross
income of the donor for income tax
12

13. January 2009
purposes. It also prohibits the illegal beautiful life we have, and if we are
manufacture, sale, distribution and use careless, our lives will become like this
of the Girls Scouts’ uniforms and butterfly that can no longer fly.
paraphernalia.
Sri Lanka runs breastfeeding week
Sri Lanka launches HIV/AIDS
Booklet From 15 to 19
September
In October 2007, four senior Guides had 2008 Sri Lanka
the opportunity to attend the 4th Asia Girl Guides
Pacific Conference on Reproductive and Association
Sexual Health and Rights (APCRSH) held organized a
in Hyderabad, India. It was an exciting, Breast Feeding
educational experience which broadened Week as part of
their outlook in many areas. their educational programme for rural
women. They selected an Uva Province
Some of the topics discussed were area to conduct the programme. Gifts
sexual behaviour among the young: risk were collected such as nearly new baby
and protective factors, achieving sexual clothes from our Girl Guide friends.
reproductive health and rights, young
people in difficult situations. The A total of 52 pregnant mothers
sessions were based on several surveys participated in the first Programme
conducted by the countries in the Asia entitled “Pregnant Mother’s Day” on 18
Pacific Region. The methods used to October 2008 in Hindagla Estate. The
collect data and different approaches Girl Guides prepared lunch for these
were discussed. This enabled the women. Another 84 participants
participants to understand the situations attended the second programme entitled
in the other countries. They also “Breast Feeding Mother’s Day” on 19
highlighted the importance of September 2008. The second
understanding sexual health and programme was funded by Unilever Ltd
HIV/AIDS. They also had the opportunity Company. This year Family Planning
to meet people from different countries. Association came and carried out a
They had the privilege of meeting Dr. session on relaxation for Breast Feeding
Sujatha Samarakoon, a leading Mother’s as well as for Pregnant
venereologist from Sri Lanka. Dr Mothers.
Samarakoon requested that they write a
booklet on HIV/AIDS for the youth in Seminar on Development of Girl
their country. Guiding and Girl Scouting in the 21st
Century run by Taiwan
On their return, they decided to share
the knowledge gained at the conference Girl Scouts
and started work on the book “Sundara of Taiwan
Jeevithayak” with the help of Ms. was
Uthpala De Zoysa. privileged to
welcome
Areas covered include what HIV/AIDS is, Members of
the reality of the myths and beliefs in Asia Pacific
getting the virus, how they can prevent Committee
getting HIV and how to prevent it from to Seminar on Development of Girl
spreading. Guiding and Girl Scouting in the 21st
Century in conjunction with the 40th
The book cover is in colour with Asia Pacific Committee Meeting held in
butterflies and shows the beauty of life, Taipei, Taiwan from 28 March to 1 April.
vibrant and care free. On the second
page “... eya araksha karaganima obe The Seminar, attended by members of
vagakimai” has a butterfly with a Asia PacificCommittee, local Chief
damaged wing. If we do not value the Commissioners, Board Members,
13

14. January 2009
trainers and special guest Yocko Odaira, developed. Eight members have been
Chairman of Friends of Asia Pacific nominated for the Provincial Steering
WAGGGS, provided GST with a Committee for the Asia Pacific Region,
wonderful opportunity to have direct one member to be decided. The next
input into the development of Girl CONGO meeting will be held in Vienna
Guiding/Girl Scouting. They also shared between 16-21 November 2009 (exact
with and learn from the Members of Asia date to be decided).
Pacific Committee about Asia Pacific
Operational Plan 2009-2011 as well as The Board Meeting was held in parallel
issues that girls and young women are with the launching of the Asia Regional
facing today. Committee. Approximately 25
participants from various international
WAGGGS represented at CONGO NGOs attended the meeting. This is the
Board Meeting first time that CONGO hosted outside
the three centres of New York, Geneva,
Ms. Valaikorn Phromyothi (Nuj), and Austria. During the Board Meeting
WAGGGS ECOSOC Liaison Person discussions were held and it concluded
(WELP), represented WAGGGS at the with a great success for the
CONGO Board Meeting and Launch of establishment of the Asia Regional
CONGO’s Asia Regional Committee Committee.
hosted at the Asian Institute of
Technology (AIT), Bangkok from 23 to
25 February 2009. World Centres
The Conference of Non-Governmental
update
Organizations in Consultative
WAGGGS Advocacy Seminar on
Relationship with the United Nations
Women’s issues at Sangam
(CoNGO) is an independent,
Sangam hosted
international, non-profit membership
the advocacy
association of non-government
seminar from 3 to
organizations (NGOs), that facilitates the
9 March 2009
participation of NGOs in United Nations
encompassing
debates and decisions. It was founded in
International
1948 and is active at the major UN
women’s day.
centres of New York, Geneva, and
Participants from
Vienna. Its major objective is to ensure
India, Sweden, Maldives, Zimbabwe and
the presence of NGOs in exchanges
Argentina, developed skills in advocacy
among the world’s governments and
while gaining knowledge and experience
United Nations agencies on issues of
of a global issues which women and girls
global concern.
face today. They visited Sangam’s
community partners “Maher”, which
The launching of
means mother’s home, to learn about
CONGO’s Asia
the work being done in rural India, and
Regional
share their own experiences with
Committee was
participants from other regions of the
held at Asian
world. The topic was used as a
Institute of
foundation for understanding WAGGGS’
Technology (AIT)
three key advocacy words – educate, do,
in Bangkok on 25 February. This has
speak. They created an advocacy plan
enhanced CONGO to be a global rooted
for work with their Member Organization
in all regions representing voices of
back home.
people and civil societies.
The Launch of CONGO Asia Regional
Committee placed importance on
WAGGGS as WAGGGS is committed to
seeing exchange programmes being
14

15. January 2009
Funded seminar opportunities at Health care professionals and others
Sangam with an interest in the field will share
skills and knowledge with Sangam’s
Sangam has received some funds community partners. In addition,
through the World Foundation (USA) to participants will learn about the ancient
assist young women from around the legacy of Indian medicine and modern
world to attend seminars and community facilities through visits to holistic healing
action events at the World Centre during centres and neighbourhood hospitals.
2009. Take this opportunity to enjoy the
diversity of Pune and exploring cultural
Scholarships cover the event fee and sites and colourful markets.
travel grants cover travel costs (up to
£800) related to attending an event. Applicants apply directly to Sangam and
These funds are designated to serve must have the support of their
underrepresented Member Organizations respective National Organization. Travel
in each region. funds are reimbursable to the National
Organization, not to individual
Scholarship eligible events include: participants.
Discover Your Potential III (10 For general information and the
days), from 7 to 16 August; Learn scholarship application form about
how gender, wealth and language Sangam please visit Sangam’s website:
influence education in India as you www.sangamworldcentre.org
participate in a community action project
with local schools. Visit a variety of
schools and educational NGOs to New resources
experience the challenges of educating
India’s millions of children who speak 18
online
different official languages. Discover how
school-based Guiding and Scouting The Centenary
works in India, share international Celebration Day
educational resources that WAGGGS Activity pack and
offers, while also exploring Indian the Global Action
culture through spirituality and the arts. Theme Badge
curriculum are
WAGGGS Advocacy Seminar II: now available to
WLDP (7 days), from 13 to 18 download from
September; Develop skills in advocacy the WAGGGS
while gaining knowledge and experience website.
of a global issue which faces women and
girls today in India. Visit our community The Centenary
partners to learn about the work being Celebration
done in India, and share your own activity pack is
experiences with participants from other the first of three,
regions of the world. Use the topic as a one each year, which will provide ideas
foundation for understanding WAGGGS’ for different age groups to celebrate the
three key advocacy words – educate, do, centenary. This one includes activities
speak. Create an advocacy plan to put and suggestions on how to incorporate
into place and prepare to work with your the ‘Plant’ theme in the celebrations of
Member Organization back home. 10 April 2010.
Discover Your Potential IV (10 Download our new Centenary
days), from 21 to 30 November; Celebration activity pack and start
Work with local social organizations on a planning for 10 April 2010! Let us know
community action project aiming to how you plan to celebrate by emailing
provide medical care and health centenary@wagggsworld.org
education to disadvantaged people.
15

16. January 2009
GAT badge curriculum
The GAT Badge curriculum is an activity Asia Pacific focus
pack created to help children and young
people learn about the Millennium
Announcements
Development Goals (MDGs) then take
action on the issues that affect them and New President of Korean National
their communities. Containing over 100 Council of Women
activities set across three levels (Basic,
Advanced and Specialist), Member Dr. JungSook Kim,
Organizations are encouraged to choose National President,
specific activities for each MDG. Girl Scouts of Korea
has been elected as
The GAT MO Guidelines are designed to the 17th President
support Member Organizations’ work as of Korean National
they plan the implementation of the Council of Women
Global Action Theme. which takes an
active part in the
work to elevate the social status of
Friends of Asia women. The inauguration was held on
16 February 2009 at Korea Press Centre
Pacific WAGGGS where more than 500 people came to
congratulate the new President and her
Gathering held in Malaysia coordinating team of KNCW.
A Gathering Dr. JungSook Kim noted: “I would
of Friends deeply appreciate all the people here
of Asia and devote myself to promote the social
Pacific status of women in Korea as well as to
WAGGS be the voice of girls and young women”.
(Malaysia)
was held International Scout and Guide
from 26 Fellowship Gathering, Malaysia
February to 1 March 2009 at Kuantan,
Malaysia. This was an excellently The International Scout and Guide
organized, informative and friendly Fellowship, made up of Trefoil, Baden-
occasion. Amongst the Friends attending Powell and St Georges Guilds around the
there were a number that experienced world, are holding a Regional Gathering
Guiding for their first time. The group in Malaysia from 16 to 21 July 2009.
consisted of 70 Malaysians, 11 Koreans This gathering is being held to foster
and two Australians. The programme new and improve existing networks in
included batik painting, visiting silk the Region, to review projects and areas
weaving, a cooking school and an of support that we could contribute to, in
orphanage, as well as a special partnership with WAGGGS.
Membership Ceremony and Dinner at The event is opened to other interested
the Royal Palace. Trefoil Guilds and WAGGGS members
who are not part of the ISGF with a view
Future events being planned are to strengthening even more the
Australia (a dinner on 3 September) and resources that can be made available to
the Philippines (an event around 14 WAGGGS Asia Pacific Region. Spouses
November to share in the celebration of and partners are welcome. A half day of
40 years of Asia Pacific Region). These meetings will be held then the remainder
events always inspire new memberships of the time is for activities and
or membership upgrades, thus providing networking. Come and see what they
increased funds to assist the work of the are about.
Asia Pacific Region.
Visit www.freewebs.com/fofsag/aprgathe
ring2009.htm or www.isgf.org
16