Various countries celebrated the International Day of the Girl on October 11, 2012, with events aimed at raising awareness about issues faced by girls. Activities included leadership workshops, presentations on girls' rights, and advocacy against violence and child marriage, while fostering empowerment and community engagement. The events highlighted the importance of education, leadership development, and the role of girl scouting in promoting gender equality and addressing societal challenges.

1. International Day of the Girl 2012
Japan Runs “Girls Impact” Event especially around the age of junior high
school, high school, or university. This form of
To celebrate the International Day of the Girls, violence is not yet recognized as a serious
a ‘Girls Impact’ event was held in Tokyo on 8 issue in Japanese society. However, one in
October 2012. This event was organized by five young women have experienced this type
UNIC, Plan Japan and Girl Scouts of Japan of violence. Though the situation is serious,
(GSJ). An audience of 372 attended the event. this is a great opportunity for Girl Scouts of
Girl Scouts of Japan presented how they Japan to listen and empower girls and young
contribute to girl-related issues and women to make a difference in Japanese
introduced the Stop the Violence campaign, society.
including the current situation of violence in
Japanese society ―‘dating violence’. During this event, Girl Scouts of Japan stood
in front of people, including many young
ladies, and listened to the strong and cheerful
shout of ‘Stop the Violence!’ from the
participants with their right hands held up. On
the same day, the GSJ’s leadership workshop
took place near the event, so girls were able to
visit the workshop participants who welcomed
them by shouting ‘Stop the violence!’ with their
right hands held up. They also participated in
the ‘Girls Impact’ event by watching an online
live telecast.
‘Dating violence’ is the threat or the act of
violence happening between dating partners,
Girl Scouts of Korea Hosts “Girls Lead the Tae-suk Kim, the Vice-Minister of the Ministry
Change” Event of Gender Equality and Family and Dr. Juseon
Byun, former Chairman of Asia Pacific
Girl Scouts of Korea held the Fifth Girl's Day Regional Committee and around 100 Women
under the theme "Girl, Lead the Change!" at and Civil NGOs.
Jamwon Han-river Park, Seoul, on 6 October
2012. The event was attended by 4,000
people including girls, youths, families, and
women across the country. Also present were

2. This annual event used to be held in April but Apart from these activities, other programmes
the Girl Scouts of Korea requested that it be linked to leadership development, career
moved in order to celebrate that UN-declared development, maths classes with teaching
'International Day of the Girl' on 11 October. aids and scientific activities as well as UN
The Girls' day event programme is planned in MDGs were run by partner NGOs and the
line with new issues every year and provides provincial councils so that girls can better
diverse programmes to enable Girl Guides and prepare for their future.
Girl Scouts to develop their fullest potential as
responsible citizens of the world. The Imagine
More campaign introduced by WAGGGS was
adopted at the event and girls considered the
world they want for girls.
National Celebrations in Mongolia The International Day of the Girl was
celebrated at School No. 84 and No.17 in
The National Authority for Children, a Ulaanbaatar with cooperation from GSAM,
Mongolian government agency, encouraged with around 1,000 girls attending the event.
nationwide celebration of the International Day During the celebration at school No. 84,
of the Girl. young leader Bolortuya and GSAM Chief
Commissioner A.Tsevelmaa shared a
presentation on the Girl Guiding and Girl
Scouting movement and explained why the
“International Day of the Girl” was celebrated,
whilst also sharing WAGGGS’ Centenary
highlights. The focus for GSAM in celebrating
this day was on “Preserving Nature”.
At school No. 17, the celebration was
organized by GSAM members in cooperation
The Girl Scout Association of Mongolia with the National Authority for Children.
(GSAM) introduced the concept of the Kh.Baavgai (PhD in Pedagogy), Head of
International Day of the Girl to the Children Children and Family Development Department
and Family Development Department of the of the National Authority for Children, opened
National Authority for Children, the the event day by giving the opening remarks:
government`s implementing agency. They
accepted and encouraged GSAM`s efforts, “Dear beautiful princesses whom we
initiative and proposal to celebrate the compare with flowers! We wish you a happy
International Day of the Girl nationwide every future when you become good women and
year starting 2012. The National Authority for good mothers. Thousands of girls of your age
Children sent a decree to all its branches in in all parts of the world are living with many
the 21 provinces and Ulaanbaatar. They issues such as having limited rights to
developed a guidance note containing education, discrimination because of being
introductions, aims and ideas on how to born as females, becoming victim of human
celebrate the International Day of the Girl at trafficking, violence, hunger, poverty and
schools, communities and at local decision- forcedly getting married at a very young age
making levels. etc.
GSAM provided the National Authority for We greatly appreciate this initiative to
Children with all necessary information about celebrate the Day of the Girl worldwide with an
the Day and organized girls’ rights advocacy aim to draw global attention to the issues
activities. This is the first time Mongolia faced specifically by girls. The Girl Scout
celebrated the International Day of the Girl and Association of Mongolia is giving you an
it was enriching and served as a platform for opportunity to know your value and develop
girls to express their voice. not only your external beauty but also internal
beauty, so highlight my advice for you to
participate in GSAM activities actively. We are

3. GirlGuiding New Zealand Holds Girl Jam on
Planning to coordinate with the Girl Scouts Child Mortality
Association of Mongolia on this matter in the
future. Girl Guides throughout New Zealand jumped
to celebrate the International Day of the Girl on
At this exact moment girls all around the world 11 October 2012 and raise awareness about
are celebrating this day by establishing a child mortality. The United Nations declared
garden under the name of the girls, expressing 11 October 2012 as the world’s first
their voice through their painting, songs and International Day of the Girl and GirlGuiding
dancing”. New Zealand as part of WAGGGS, raised their
voices to say, ““Together we can save
During the celebration of the event at School children’s’ lives”. This is a key part of the
17, the participating girls drew their thoughts Millennium Development Goals that were
and dreams, made compositions out of agreed by the United Nations Member States
pictures from magazines, wrote their feelings, in New York to combat extreme poverty across
and travelled through desk stations named the world.
“Precious Water”, “Beauty saves the world”,
“Healthy mind in Healthy Body” and “I can do On this celebratory day for girls, GirlGuiding
it”. New Zealand aimed to make a commitment to
the future of children by having fun with Girl
The Director of School 17, made a closing Jam, a quick and easy form of exercise and
speech saying that the event was a valuable movement to the girls’ choice of music. “Girl
initiative that gave inspiration for the girls to Jam aims to raise awareness about child
have optimistic aspirations and goals to poverty and reducing child mortality,” said
become good women in the future. Sonia Faulkner, President, GirlGuiding New
Zealand. “It’s a fantastic opportunity for Girl
Guides of all ages to speak out, educate and
Girl Scouts of the Philippines Share the take action”.
World they Want
Pippins, Brownies, Girl Guides and Rangers
enjoyed Girl Jam anywhere they chose,
whether it was at a park, at a local shopping
centre, at a school, anywhere in fact that was
a safe place. As the Girl Jam was held during
the school holidays, friends, parents,
grandparents and siblings were all invited to
join in the fun. Videos clips of the Girl Jam
The Girl Scouts of the Philippines (GSP) were placed on You Tube through the
celebrated the first International Day of the Girl GirlGuiding New Zealand website
at the GSP Escoda Hall at the National www.girlguidingnz.org.nz.
Headquarters, Manila.
Sessions on empowerment and other fun
activities helped them be aware of the issues
that Filipino girls face. A commitment wall
where girls posted their wishes on the world Thailand Attends UNGEI Event
they want was also put up. Michelle Alvarez, a
young adult volunteer of GSP was named the On the first International Day of the Girl Child,
Ambassador for the International Day of the 11 October 2012 the Girl Guides (Girl Scouts)
Girl for the Asia Pacific Region, WAGGGS. Mr Association of Thailand (GGAT), led by
Dong Wana, Programme Support Manager of President Assoc. Prof. Dr. Wadee Kheourai
Plan International, Inc., gave an inspirational attended an event jointly hosted by UNGEI
talk about the Journey to International Day of (United Nations Girls’ Education Initiative) and
the Girl 2012 and State of the Girls Today. 130 Plan International Thailand to launch the
Junior, Senior and Cadets Girl Scouts, Troop
Leaders, Council Executives and staff together
with Girl Scouts of the officers and national
headquarters staff attended the celebration.

4. ‘Because I am a Girl Campaign’ focusing on one must acknowledge as existing; and
girls’ rights to education. UNGEI’s Joint something has to be done to give equal
Statement for East Asia and Pacific and South education opportunity to them.”
Asia Region was a call to End Child Marriage,
to which education can be one of the The event was presided over by a Minister
solutions. from the Office of the Prime Minister, H.E.
Nalinee Taveesin, who touched on the
There was an exhibition on Thai women, who government’s policy for boys and girls to have
were interviewed on ‘What education means to equal opportunities to enrol in school.
them?’ comprising successful women from However, in real life due to poverty and the
different walks of life as well as the less- lack of legal status, girls drop out of school
privileged, mostly hill tribe, stateless girls and and do not pursue their education after grade
young women, who have left school due to 12. All the participants were asked the
pregnancy. According to Maja Cubarrubia, question ‘Do you believe every girl has the
Country Director for Plan: “Although we see right to education?’ and if yes, to raise their
success in girls and women who received hands to show support, to which every
education, there is the other side of the coin participant raised their hand.
Scouting in the world and the launch of the
International Day of the Girl Declared International Day of the Girl.
Nationwide in Tonga
The Pathway/Roadmap for the Girl/Child from
Tonga has been busy over the last few 2012-2013 has included feedback on Tumbl'r.
months. Since 11 September 2012, they have Forming the
followed closely the International Day of the Roadmap was judged
Girl and the Tumbl'r Launch. On 12 October, and prizes for 1st,
the Day was declared nationwide with a very 2nd and 3rd were
powerful and empowering message from the given out on 19
Hon. Minister of Education and Training (the November when their
only woman Minister in the Cabinet). The Girl new training centre
Guides Association of the Kingdom of Tonga was officially handed
did the 'curtain raiser' for the Agricultural over by the
Show, attended by their Majesties, Cabinet Government of Japan
Ministers, MPs and many distinguished and officially opened
guests. The girls sang 'Reduce, re-use; by a grandchild of the
recycle and “This little Guiding Light of mine”. Royal Patron on her
behalf. This will also
This was followed by three television mark the 60th Anniversary of Girl Guiding and
awareness programmes of 30 minutes each, Girl Scouting in Tonga, and all the Cabinet
sponsored by the Ministry of Education and Ministers, MPs, school principals and related
Training. Their Board decided to re-run the Girl stakeholders were invited. Schools sent in
Guides Association of the Kingdom of Tonga’s their representatives which totalled more than
programmes. 100.
On Remembrance Sunday, 11 November, Girl
Guides and Girl Scouts attended a church
service where the lessons and hymns were
read by Girl Guide and Girl Scouts members
and the girls sang songs with compliments
such as 'Their Majesties kept smiling as the
children sang'. Their Royal Patron sent one of
her grandchildren on her behalf to lay the
wreath at the Cenotaph. The Girl Guides and
Girl Scouts’ wreath, in the shape of the Trefoil,
was laid to mark the third and final year of the
100th Anniversary of Girl Guiding and Girl

5. travelled to the Cook Islands to provide their
services to the members in the Girl Guides
Association Cook Islands (GGACI) from 28
September to 12 October 2012. They were
hosted by GGACI which provided all
accommodation, meals, transport to and from
Bangladesh Holds 35th National Council the airport, farewell gifts and other
and Election contributions.
The 35th National Council and the Election of In 2011 the programme was initiated by three
Bangladesh young leaders from New Zealand and
Girl Guides Australia. It was the beginning of the GOLD
Association programme in the Cook Islands, where they
(BGGA) were witnessed the celebration of the 83rd year of
held in the Girl Guiding and Girl Scouting on Cook Islands
Girl Day.
Guide/Girl
Scouts This was the first time GGACI was a recipient
auditorium in of such a unique and exciting programme.
New Baily Road Dhaka from 12 to 15 October They allocated some days for the GOLD Team
2012. The programme was presided over by to experience culture and tradition with girls
Marjina Haque, former regional commissioner from the Brownies, Girl Guides, Rangers and
of the Rajshahi region. In total there were 184 Leaders. The GOLD Team also shared their
Councillors from eight Girl Guide regions training skills to girls and leaders.
present. They elected 23 members for the
National Executive Committee for the year They did activities such as: participating in a
2012 - 2015. Sayeda Rehana Imam was candle ceremony each morning to mark this
elected as the National Commissioner and special programme into the Cook Islands;
Professor Yesmin Ahmed was elected as the learning local basket weaving and other
Treasurer. After the election, the elected weavings; participate in sewing fresh flower
members took their oath. The oath programme garlands; Learning the skills on embroidery for
was conducted by Marjina Haque, Chairman cushion covers; Doing coconut husking
of the council. activities; Learning the different ways of
sarong tying; Participating in island dancing
The election committee consisted of five lessons; Participating in a Duke of Edinburgh
members from different regions. Begum Award programme on Expedition with girls on
Kawsar Nasrin, Senior Assistant Secretary, mountain hiking; Courtesy visits to a handful of
Ministry of Education of the Bangladesh government and private sectors; Attending
Government was present during the local church services in the Cook Islands
programme as an external observer. Christian Church and the Catholic church.
The annual report (December 2011 - October During their visit they also took part in
2012) of the Bangladesh Girl Guides International Day of the Girl celebrations on 11
Association was presented during the council. October 2012. The programme began with a
Beside this report they also presented different short devotion in the morning conducted by
Sub-Committee reports, audit reports of the young women from a local Girl Guide
eight regions, proposed budget for the year company, Titikaveka Girl Guide Company. The
2012-2013 and the appointment of the audit eight member team was from Girlguiding New
firm was also actioned. World quota, World Zealand, team leader Nicola Roux de Buison,
Thinking Day fees, among others were also Jackie Crawford, Serena Smalley and Angela
set during this council. Stockman. The Girl Guides Australia
Incorporated team was composed of leader
Fiona Miller, Jaimmi Hayhoe, Emma Sheard
GOLD Team Visits Cook Islands and Kathryn Martin. The Titikaveka Girl Guide
Company hosted the team for an island
A journey was made to the Cook Islands by breakfast and lighting, blowing and cutting of a
eight enthusiastic leaders from Girlguiding special cake for this celebration.
New Zealand and Girl Guides Australia
Incorporated in partnership with the Guiding To add an island flavour, the Girl Guides
Overseas Link for Development (GOLD). They Association Cook Islands (GGACI) honoured
5

6. the GOLD Team by planting two gardenia close cooperation, understanding and Girl
plants to mark the day in the compound where Guiding spirit/sisterhood among members and
they were accommodated for two weeks. Tree friends of GGAM. “We need to live by our Girl
planting is a significant ceremony for any Guides’ motto that is `Be Prepared’ to face the
visiting group or occasion. This marked the dynamic change in the world around us.
event and the 100 Years of changing lives Therefore, it is imperative that every Guider
programme in the Cook Islands. Local girls and member strive their best to equip
shared their island knowledge on coconut themselves with the latest skills and
husking, cutting and crating the coconut. The knowledge for any challenges”, she said.
GOLD Team were given a taste of the fresh
coconut juice and white meat of the coconut. Guest-of-honour Normala Baharudin, Vice
Chairman of the Asia Pacific Regional
Committee, praised and thanked the recipients
YBhg Datin Seri Zalillah Mohd Taib, Jeyadhevi
Subramaniam and Lucy Lee for their
contributions to the association. “I hope the
achievements by these three ladies will inspire
others especially the young ones in emulating
their contributions and volunteerism. Their
support to the association is really
appreciated. The effort and commitment by
leaders in utilising their resources, talents and
influences effectively is of utmost importance
To conclude the event, the GOLD team was to develop girls and young women into
invited to a traditional ceremony hosted by the responsible and capable world citizen”, she
House of Ariki. They hope to continue this in said before presenting the awards.
2013 to improve relations with others in the
Girl Guiding and Girl Scouting world. They They each received a Sri Kandi gold brooch,
would like to send congratulations to every girl trophy and certificate. Normala also
in the movement around the Asia Pacific congratulated the association on the 95th
Region for taking a challenge in their life to anniversary of Girl Guiding and Girl Scouting
become an excellent girl in the society. in the country.
Girl Guides Srikandi Award for Three
Women of Substance Pakistan Runs Project on Peace Promotion
Pakistan Girl Guides Association AKYSBP
Around 220 members and friends of Girl
Branch’s Rehmani Garden Senior Girl Guides
Guides Association Malaysia (GGAM)
Company initiated a year-long project for the
attended the Srikandi Award and Girl Guides
“Promotion of Peace” in July.
The project is threefold and caters to three
major objectives.
The first objective is
to promote internal
peace through
meditative practices
so that the target
audience can learn
about ways to relax
Association Malaysia 95th Anniversary Night
the mind and
dinner on 23 November 2012 to honour three
achieve peace
ladies who contributed to the association. The
internally. The second component aims to
event was held at the association
expose youth of the community to various
headquarters, Wisma Pandu Puteri, Jalan
cultures locally and in other countries so they
Pantai Baharu, Kuala Lumpur.
may be acquainted to multiculturalism and
values of tolerance that are so relevant and
YBhg Datin Seri Zalillah Mohd Taib, GGAM important for the society. The final component
Chief Commissioner in her welcoming speech focuses on raising awareness on the pertinent
said that the success achieved in the 95 years issues of human rights focusing on women
of Girl Guiding in Malaysia was due to the and children’s rights in society.

7. The camp activities included a cooking
In this regard, the Rehmani Garden Senior challenge, poster making on environment,
Girl Guides arranged a poetry writing camping and Winnie roast (banana, corn, and
competition on the theme of “a world without marshmallow) partying, boating, biking,
violence” for the Girl Guides and Girl Scouts of playing games, and visiting Baguio City’s
four localities. The aim of the activity was to market, mall, parks and some historical
think and reflect on the growing violence in the places. The Girl Guides visited Mary
world and how it affects people. The activity Immaculate Conception School in Baguio to
encourages young girls to express their present Damansara School’s “Save the
thoughts through creative expression. An art Endangered Species Project” and at the same
competition was also organized for Junior Girl time they learned other environmental issues
Guides of the four localities on the theme “The that our country is currently experiencing.
World We Want for Ourselves”. The objective
of this was for these young girls to start Thailand Runs Life Skill and Service
noticing the environment around them, to get Training Camp
them to think of the aspects of the society that
make them uneasy and which they feel can be Girl Guides (Girl Scouts) Association of
improved so that we may have a peaceful Thailand organized a ‘Life Skill and Service
society. Girl Guides and Junior Girl Guides Training Camp’ from 16 to 18 November 2012
participated in these activities and many for 70 Girl Guides and Girl Scouts from Cha-
entries were received which reflected how am Khunying Neungburi school in the
deeply and creatively youth thinks about Prachuapkhirikan Province. The programme
various aspects and problems of the society entailed Girl Guides and Girl Scouts to travel
and the wider world. to Bangkok by train, wishing Their Majesty the
King and Queen good health in Girl Guides
The Philippines Runs Malaysian Girl and Girl Scouts uniform as a group, setting up
Guides Camp for Environmental Campaign tents, learning to use a cooking pot, sewing
cloth bags to give as gift when visiting the
Emergency Home, an NGO which provides
shelter to girls and young women with
unwanted pregnancies as well as battered
wives to learn about their plight and provide
comfort to victims of sexual abuse and
violence.
Boonyanuj Leukla noted “I was so excited
about this camp and had to learn to adapt
The Girl Scouts of the Philippines ran a three- myself to many new things like learning to
day Friendship Adventure Camp for more than cook where the toughest part was learning to
30 Girl Guides from Bukit Damansara Primary light the fire. We also had fun activities with
School, one of Malaysia’s top performing games and songs, visited the Emergency
schools, at the Ating Tahanan National Home to give the bag I sewed as well as
Programme and Training Centre in Baguio learning about the girls and women facing
City, Philippines from 18 to 22 November family problems. I also had a chance to hold a
2012. The Malaysian Ministry of Education neglected baby, which made me yearn to stay
approved and funded the activity which aimed back”.
to promote environmental concerns and foster
cultural and friendship exchange.
7

8. Nepal Scouts Hold Scout Rally
On 24 November 2012 a Scout Rally was
organized by the Nepal Scouts National
Headquarters on the occasion of 100 years of
WAGGGS and 60 years of Nepal Scouts. The
WLDP in Tokyo
WAGGGS and the Girl Scouts of Japan
hosted a WAGGGS Leadership Development
Programme (WLDP) at the National Olympics
Memorial Youth Centre in Tokyo, Japan from 2
to 7 October 2012.This event brought together
participating districts in the rally were
42 participants from 21 countries, including 18
Bhaktapur, Kathmandu, and Lalitpur districts.
participants from Japan.
1,700 Boy and Girl Scouts participated in the
Rally.
Makiko Kato, one of the Japanese
participants, commented, "It was the first time
The Rally was started and inaugurated from
for me to participate in WAGGGS events and I
the Central Sports Stadium 'Dasharath
learned what is leadership and gained tips to
Rangashala' to the central parts of Kathmandu
be a good leader through some activities. The
City up to the Nepal Scouts National
most interesting workshop for me is the
Headquarters. Mr. Baikuntha Manandhar,
Powerful Question, a leadership skills session.
Marathon Gold Medallist, also a previous
This workshop taught me the way to ask
Scout, inaugurated the Rally from Dasharath
questions which encourage and move people
Rangashala.
forward. I am working harder by bringing this
skill into daily life. Also it was my first time to
When the rally reached the National
spend seven days with Girl Scouts and Girl
Headquarters of Nepal Scouts, a
Guides from other countries. Through the
formal programme was conducted.
international nights and Japanese nights, we
Ms. Pushpalata Bhattarai, Joint Chief
learnt more about each country and culture.
Commissioner of Nepal Scouts chaired the
WLDP brought me to a new world and new
programme. Prof. Dr. Shiva Kumar Rai,
friends from all over the world!"
Member of National Planning Commission of
Nepal was invited as the Chief Guest for the
Girl Guides Association of Malaysia and
programme. The Secretary and
Walt Disney Award for Brownie
Undersecretary of the Ministry of Youth and
Sports (line ministry of Nepal Scouts) also
The inaugural Phineas and Ferb Isabella
attended the programme.
Award by Walt Disney Channel and Girl
Guides Association of
Ms. Ram Badan Joshi, Coordinator of Scout
Malaysia was presented
Rally 2012 and Chairperson of the Advisory
during the recent
Committee of Nepal Scouts gave a welcome
Karnival Pandu Puteri
speech mentioning the importance 100 years
Tunas at the Bukit
of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts and the
Merah Laketown Resort,
diamond jubilee of Nepal Scouts. The
Perak. This was in
representatives from the three districts spoke
recognition of one of the
about the centenary and 60-year celebration
girls who made Phineas
activities from their respective districts. The
and Ferb’s adventures possible - Fireside Girl
chief guest highlighted the importance of
Troop Leader, Isabella Garcia Shapiro. Young
scouting in Nepal in the present situation when
winners aged 10 to 12 years old showed
the country is going through political instability.
remarkable leadership as Pandu Puteri Tunas
Company Leaders (Ketua Pasukan Pandu
A message from the Low Lih Jeng, Chairman,
Puteri Tunas). They are confident with a go-
Asia Pacific Regional Committee, WAGGGS
getter attitude, tenacious with a let’s-give-it-
was read during the ceremony. The Scouts
our-best-shot perseverance, cheerful and
were excited to attend the rally and many of
optimistic. More importantly, they are good
them recommended that this kind of big event
friends to their company members.
should take place more often in future.

9. introduced the reef knot that is so useful in
Pakistan Runs Cadet Girl Guide Training daily life. Every Girl Guide and Girl Scout
knows how to tie a reef knot, so when they
Pakistan Girl saw how surprised the television personalities
Guides were at how useful a reef knot is, they felt
Association anew that "Girl Guide and Girl Scout skills that
National they learn naturally are all far more useful than
Headquarters they ever imagined." Girl Scouts of Japan
organized a uploaded a video of the rope work from the
training for television programme onto Facebook.
Cadet Girl
Guides from 27 to 31 August 2012. 60
students of the Government College for Girl Scouts of Korea Sign Memorandum of
Elementary Teachers, belonging to different Understanding with 2013 Special Olympics
areas of the country attended the training.
Facilitators passed the knowledge to the
participants in various interesting ways. Mrs.
Tahira Ahmad, Mrs. Shamsa Kashif, Syeda
Khawar Ehsan, Ms. Zaheen Shafque and Mrs.
Arjumand Shamim were among the facilitators.
Sessions on the Introduction of Girl Guiding,
Formation of Girl Guide companies,
Components of the Girl Guide programme,
History of Girl Guiding, National and Girl Scouts of Korea took part in a
International Girl Guide Celebrations and Memorandum of Understanding Signing
International Girl Guiding were the main Ceremony with the 2013 Pyeongchang
features of the workshop. Special Olympics Winter Games World
Competition Organization Committee in July
On 30 August 2012 a Day Camp was 2012 to support the Olympics.
organized. Participants learnt to make different
gadgets with the help of knots and set up 300 Girl Scouts participated in D-100
shelters. On 31 August 2012 participants took celebration event “Together We Walk” on 21
an oath and were enrolled as Cadet Girl October 2012 and Girl Scout officials will
Guides by Mrs. Tahira Ahmad, National participate in the “Special Scarf Project” to knit
Secretary, Pakistan Girl Guides Association. the scarves. The knitted scarves will be
Later in the day the closing ceremony was donated to the athletes during the Opening
held. Mrs. Farhana Azim, National Ceremony of the Olympics.
Commissioner, Pakistan Girl Guides
Association was the Chief Guest. In her The Special Olympics World Winter Games
address, she emphasized the importance of PyeongChang 2013, an international sporting
teachers in society and motivated them to event where people with intellectual disabilities
learn for moving forward in life. She also from all around the world participate, will take
distributed certificates to the participants. place from 29 January 2013 to 5 February
2013 at PyeongChang, Korea.
The Philippines Participates in Jamboree-
On-The-Air (JOTA)/Jamboree-On-The-
Internet (JOTI)
The Girl
Scouts of the
Philippines
participated in
Girl Scouts of Japan Appearances in the 55th
Popular TV Programmes Jamboree-on-
the-Air (JOTA)
Girl Scouts of Japan, who are known for being and 16th
good at knots, were featured on NHK's popular Jamboree-on-the-Internet (JOTI) on 20
morning programme 'Asa-ichi' where they October 2012. The event was conducted by
9

10. the Boy Scouts of the Philippines in The meeting was held in Bangkok from 3 to 5
coordination with the Philippine Amateur Radio September 2012 to create a network of
Association (PARA). JOTA and JOTI are held influential diplomats and experienced experts
annually every third Saturday of October. to promote peace and reconciliation in the
Through this activity, Junior, Senior and Cadet Asian region using a confidential diplomatic
Girl Guides and Girl Scouts have the approach. The founding members of APRC,
opportunity to communicate with other Girl which will have a Secretariat in Bangkok,
Guides and Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts in the included many former Prime Ministers from
country and abroad through the ham radio and across Asia. HRH Maha Chakri Sirindhorn of
the Internet. Susan R Locsin, Girl Scouts of Thailand also attended and met participants of
nd
the Philippines 2 National Vice President, the APRC.
gave an inspirational message. Girl Guides
and Girl Scouts and Troop Leaders from the It was a significant lifetime experience during
Caloocan City and Pasay City Councils which Praewa learned a lot of new things
participated in the event. since it was completely different from other
valuable opportunities she has had.
Royal Visit to the Solomon Islands
Praewa writes :
Maia Ramsden of the Solomon Islands Girl
Guides Association (SIGGA) writes on the
Royal visit to her island: “I am very glad that I got to talk with
the former Prime Minister of
“When the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge Malaysia about my Girl Guiding and
arrived here it was exceedingly exciting. I am Girl Scouting experiences in
very interested in the royal families of the past Thailand and at WAGGGS
and present but more because they are an international events I have attended
age-old family who has been all over the world and I shared the work of WAGGGS
than because I think they should be in a with him. He seemed very
position of great power. It was a great interested and surprised, and asked
privilege to be part of the royal guard of a lot of questions about Girl Guiding
honour with the other Solomon Islands Girl and Girl Scouting! I was so thrilled!
Guides and Girl Scouts even in the I also mentioned that I have lovely
unfortunate weather. I am slightly disappointed Malaysian Sister Girl Guides in his
that I did not get to shake their hands like my country too! Self-confidence, self-
brother and sister. All in all it was a wonderful esteem, leadership and decision-
experience that I thoroughly enjoyed.” making are some of the valuable
skills I have developed from
Thailand Girl Guide Selected to Support the participating in Girl Guiding and Girl
Asian Peace and Reconciliation Council Scouting activities, which helped
(APRC) me a lot in working at this event. It
also helps open more doors of
Thamonwan Na Nakara (Praewa), a young opportunities for me. Thank you
Board Committee member of the Girl Guides WAGGGS! Thank you Girl Guiding
(Girl Scouts) Association of Thailand was and Girl Scouting! I am very proud
selected to be the personal liaison of the to be a Girl Guide and Girl Scout!”
former Prime Minister of Malaysia, Tun
Abdullah Ahmad Badawi at the Asian Peace
and Reconciliation Council (APRC)
preparatory meeting.

11. Pakistan Runs Income Generation Skills
Trainings
In September 2012
the Pakistan Girl
Guides Association
organized two
trainings on income
Korea Runs Fundraising Campaign in generation skills in
Support of Girl Victims Suffering from District Shekhupura and Lahore Cantt in which
Sexual Violence 30 Senior Guides participated. They learnt
how to make handmade baskets, greeting
cards, decoration pieces and how to cook
different food items at home. At the end they
exhibited stalls in their educational institutions
and generated money by selling these items.
Senior Girl Guides from Lahore taught the
community women to make envelopes from
newspaper, they also provided newspapers to
the women to make envelopes for sale to
upgrade their economic situation.
Girl Scouts of Korea together with the
HappyBean Foundation, embarked on a
Fundraising Campaign in support of girl
victims suffering from sexual violence. The
HappyBean Foundation is working for the
public good as a non-profit foundation of
Naver which is Korea's largest portal site.
On 6 October Girl Scouts of Korea had a
Memorandum of Understanding Signing
Ceremony with HappyBean Foundation during Enthusiasm and Teamwork Grows Girl
the Fifth Girls’ Day event and started the Guiding in a district of New Zealand
Campaign by making a piggy bank to raise
funds. Juyeon Park, a Junior Girl Scout who Girl Guiding is
took part in the Campaign, said "I hope to flourishing in the
make the perfect world for girls, especially for Cromwell/Lakes area
the girl victims of sexual violence, by of Central Otago in
participating in this meaningful campaign." the lower South
Island, thanks to the
This campaign has been conducted on the enthusiasm and
web as well as offline from 11 October 2012 in team work of a group
commemoration of 'The 1st UN International of 23 leaders.
Day of the Girl' to 11 December 2012 by
making a piggy bank or donating 'Bean' (a “We are operating with waiting lists or at full
donation item of HappyBean) through the capacity in Wakatipu and Cromwell Pippin,
HappyBean website. In addition, Girl Guides Brownie and Cromwell Ranger Units,” says
and Girl Scouts posted messages and photos District Co-ordinator and Cromwell Brownie
of donation activities on a 'Members Club' Leader Patricia Hilton. “The key reason we are
which is a web community of HappyBean. flourishing is the extremely motivated positive
leaders who work together to make really
Through this Campaign, Girl Scouts of Korea exciting programmes for the girls in all units. I
hopes to help girls change the world believe that in providing programmes that are
themselves and this campaign will be challenging and fun, you will always have girls
continued under various themes for girls and keen to be involved regardless of age.”
young women.
Patricia said the lack of a permanent Girl
Guiding hall is a blessing, rather than a
hindrance to the region’s success. “We don’t
have to spend time fundraising for venues so
11

12. all our energy goes on making sure we have unit activities and to provide training for unit
exciting programmes for all our girls. Our leaders.
philosophy is that we should be out in the
community as much as possible.” After only “As one of GirlGuiding New Zealand’s goals is
four years, Patricia is excited about the future to encourage and support diversity within their
and happy about the opportunities provided by membership and local communities, training
the tightly-run units in her district. information is being developed to better
understand the needs of refugee girls and their
“We are flourishing here and it’s amazing that families and increase skills to assist their
we’ve only been up and running for four years. integration into the New Zealand way of life,”
It’s a testament to the commitment and said Sue.
enthusiasm of our leaders. They run great
units, are really positive and have lots of fun. A further initiative for the Refugee Integration
The parent leaders don’t receive discounted Project is to provide the opportunity for girls,
membership for their daughters so they are their families and community leaders to have a
there because they enjoy it and that makes go at Girl Guiding activities, to showcase the
such a difference to our girls and the time they types of activities that girls are involved in “so
have while they’re with us,” said Patricia. they feel more relaxed and comfortable when
beginning their Girl Guiding life at unit
meetings”.
Refugees encouraged to join GirlGuiding
New Zealand
An innovative
project in
Manawatu to
encourage girls
from refugee Special Summer Camp for children in areas
families to join affected by the Great East Earthquake
GirlGuiding
New Zealand Girl Scouts of
continues to grow. A task force has been set Japan invited
up to assist Refugee Integration Project leader elementary
Sue Arnold and the local Refugee Services to and junior high
provide further support for the girls and their school pupils
families. from Iwate,
Miyagi and
“Our Refugee Integration Project aims to Fukushima,
embrace diversity and end the isolation some the three
of these girls feel when they arrive in a strange prefectures hit by the Great East Japan
country. All our girls benefit by experiencing Earthquake in March 2011, to a three-day
and interacting with girls of a different culture, camp.
which expands their horizons and encourages
understanding,” says Sue. Girl Guiding is a The camp was financed by donations from Girl
safe way for these girls to be involved in the Guides and Girl Scouts in Japan and
Palmerston North community and immerse overseas. They used the National Hanayama
themselves in New Zealand life and to try new Youth Outdoor Learning Centre in Miyagi and
things and achieve new challenges,” she says. planned activities that would cultivate disaster
prevention skills and instil a zest for living in
The task force will focus on issues related to the rich natural environment. The children
getting girls between unit meetings and their cooperated with each other and deepened
homes and meeting with Refugee Services their friendship. All the activities were
and community leaders to develop strategies conducted in groups with Rangers or student
for further promotion and successful leaders acting as leaders. The Rangers
integration and retention of girls in the units. showed excellent organizational skills and the
Future plans include setting up a uniform and participants enjoyed three fun days in safety in
resource pool to provide access to these for the company of group leaders. The
girls who are regularly attending Girl Guiding participants went home after the camp saying
that they wanted to come again next year. In

13. response to their wish, Girl Scouts of Japan Girl Guides Singapore works closely with the
are planning to hold the summer camp again National Environment Agency (NEA) with
next year. regards to educating the young about
environmental issues faced locally. We have
Girl Scouts of the Philippines Honours programmes established for our Brownies -
Founder Resource Conservation Badge and Public
Health Badge. These two badges are the
The Josefa Llanes Escoda Hall was dedicated champion badges that Brownies will attend
on 20 upon completion of the five merit badges.
September at
the Girl Scouts Besides workshops, there were a series of
of the competitions, related to the environment, as
Philippines well as sharing sessions with the Guiders and
(GSP) national public on their activities. For instance, our
headquarters Brownies were given the opportunity to share
on Padre at the Clean and Green Singapore Schools’
Faura, Manila. On this day, the Girl Scouts of
the Philippines honoured its founder, Josefa
Llanes Escoda, on her 114th birth anniversary.
Escoda was a suffragist and an advocate for
women's rights. Escoda Day's theme this year
was "Remembering Our Great Founder."
A heroine of World War II, Escoda is known for
her sacrifices in helping Filipino soldiers
endure the difficulties of prison life. She was Carnival about the two WAGGGS badges to
last seen on 6 January 1945, in Manila, where the guest of honours present and the public.
she died in a concentration camp. GSP Many were impressed by the programmes and
observes Josefa Llanes Escoda Day each were also given an opportunity for hands-on
year on 20 September with fitting celebrations activities on-site.
nationwide by virtue of Presidential
Proclamation 1214. GSP members contribute Addressing both local and global
to the Josefa Llanes Escoda Memorial Fund, environmental issues, the “Hand Pledge” idea
which supports travel expenses of Girl Scouts was adapted. During the workshops, we
and Troop Leaders who attend international collected the pledges from our Brownies. At
events representing the GSP. our Guiders’ Seminar, we collected pledges
from the Guiders as the theme was about
Singapore Represented at Green Seminar environmental sustainability. All the pledges
collected were displayed during our
Jing Fang from Girl Guides Singapore (GGS) International Camp. Participants at the
attended a seminar at Sangam in March 2012. International Camp were also asked to make
She writes on her experience here: their pledge for the environment.
“In March 2012, I was given the opportunity to Being a busy yet fulfilling year, the ‘finale’ was
attend a one week seminar, “Young Women our National Brownie Revel held on 10
Leading for a Greener Future”. The week-long November 2012. The revel was themed “We
seminar was held at Sangam from 14 to 20 can Save our Planet”. NEA partnered GGS for
March. It was indeed an amazing experience this event as they sponsored gifts for the
as 39 young women from 34 countries came goodie bags, the mascots that were related to
together working towards a common goal. the two NEA Champion Badges and Operation
All sessions were designed to help young M.A.C.E, an online gaming portal designed to
women better understand the environmental address dengue related issues. Apart from our
issues that were faced globally. Through the usual competitions set aside for Brownies, we
series of activities during the seminar, we were included competitions for both Brownies and
required to submit a development action plan their family members. We hope to see them
for our own country, thus the plans for involved as their support will mean a lot to our
Brownies to be more environmentally involved Brownies. Beside competitions, there were
– National Brownie Revel 2012. booths activities open to all for participation.
Competitions and booth activities used
13

14. recycled materials so as to relate better to our Girl, was selected to attend the UN High Level
theme. Panel Meeting with the Young People in
London, United Kingdom on 2 November
The knowledge gained, ideas exchanged and 2012. Michelle, together with three other Girl
strategies to approach allowed me to make a Guides from the UK and Nigeria shared their
difference and influence many others to do the experiences in the youth meeting with the
same for the environment. Spreading our high-level panel on the post-2015 agenda.
advocacy and helping one another in reaching They were part of the 23-strong delegation of
our common goal, girls worldwide say, young people from different parts of the world
“Together we can save our planet.” that met the high-level panel appointed by the
UN Secretary General to develop and submit a
Thailand Continues Work from Girls World report on post-2015 development framework.
Forum
In July 2012 Pinyada
Thongrom and
Napassorn
Wattanasiri, both 18
years old, from the
Girl Guides (Girl
Scouts) Association
of Thailand attended
the Girls’ World
Forum (GWF) 2012
in Chicago, USA.
Upon their return
they have been empowered with leadership
Michelle writes about her experience:
skills and were confident to organize the ‘Ride
a Bicycle Project’ with two different target
groups. I envision a world where every girl and young
woman has access to her rights. This is the
Ride a Bicycle Project is a ‘Take Action world I want beyond 2015, and to be able to
Project’ from the GWF 2012 focusing on UN share my vision to the decision-makers is an
Millennium Development Goal 7 – Ensure opportunity of a lifetime.
environmental sustainability. The aim of the
project is to gather girls and boys from Mahidol Attending the UN High Level Panel Meeting
University to raise their awareness of Youth session revealed to me how powerful it is
conserving the environment, save on fossil to gather together and speak out so that youth’s
fuel, reduce carbon emission and improve air unheard voices can reach more people. I think
quality. it is a significant event for me and the young
people I represent. Being in one room with
On 1 November 2012 they began a eminent persons around the world, listening to
sustainable transport excursion starting off them as they also share their vision for the
from Mahidol University, Salaya, Nakhon youth, and representing the 3.5 billion youth
Pathom Province to the nearby area. A total of worldwide is overwhelming but it really
15 girls and boys participated in the project. “I happened!
am very pleased and proud of myself to be
able to carry out this project. Thanks a lot to The post-2015 development agenda must
WAGGGS and the Girl Guides (Girl Scouts) ensure the inclusion of a focus on the role of
Association of Thailand for empowering me young people in achieving human development
with the leadership skill.” goals. And as Graca Machel articulated in our
roundtable discussion, there should not be
segmentation; rather a holistic approach in
AP Region International Day of the Girl including innovations should be realized. Young
Ambassador attends UN High Level Panel people today are drivers of many economies;
Event our positive energy and idealism are making us
great catalysts for change. We are not a
Michelle Alvarez of the Girl Scouts of the problem but a solution. As a young person who
Philippines and Asia Pacific Region is passionate for change, I am making sure that
Ambassador for the International Day of the this is just the beginning of speaking out for my
generation. The outcomes yielded in this event
must continue to break barriers to fully realize
our goals to be included in the development
process.

15. The experience of representing WAGGGS at a Asia Pacific Region Scholarship
UN event is something I did not imagine, but it
was a favoured experience. I am so blessed to In 2012 Sangam was delighted to welcome
be there, and the unswerving support of Girl five Amy Bush Bursary participants from the
Scouts of the Philippines, Asia Pacific Region Asia Pacific Region. They participated in our
and WAGGGS made it a memorable moment Community Programme, Gifts for Change and
in my Girl Scouting life! “Be The Change” events. If you would like to
take advantage of this scholarship, only
available to the Asia Pacific region, please
contact wcm@sangamworldcentre.org.
World Centres Get Connected with Sangam World Centre
There are tons of ways to stay connected with
SANGAM CORNER
Are You Ready to Be the Change?
Sangam. Check us out at
facebook.com/SangamWorldCentre to see
daily updates about our current and upcoming
Our first ever “Be the Change” event, centred events.
around Millennium Development Goal 6, was a
great success. There is still space left in our Click over to
next “Be the Change” event for MDG 3: youtube.com/SangamWorldCentre to see
“Empowering Girls and Women”. On 3 to 9 videos of our participants, staff, and volunteers
March 2013, Girl Guides and Girl Scouts from in action. And of course
around the world will come together to learn to SangamWorldCentre.org has all of the
be the change they want to see in the world. information about our programmes, events,
Participants will learn how Sangam's scholarships, and so much more.
Community Partners are affecting change in
Pune and create advocacy or community Party Time at Sangam!
leadership plans to take home.
Every year Sangam gets older, but the party
To book your space now, email gets bigger! October 2013 will be our 47th
guestservices@sangamworldcentre.org or birthday, and we've already started planning
check out for our 50th birthday in 2016. We have more
http://www.sangamworldcentre.org/en/progra than one surprise in store for our golden
mmes/events/bethechange to see our future birthday, so reserve your spot today! Contact
“Be the Change” events. guestservices@sangamworldcentre.org for
more information.
Sangam's Community Programme
Have you ever wanted to volunteer for a great
organization and really make a difference, but OUR CHALET CORNER
do not have twelve weeks to spare? Then
Sangam has just the thing for you! In addition
to our twelve-week Community Programme, Volunteering at Our Chalet
we now have a shorter four-week Programme.
Participants in the four-week Programme will The Autumn
jump right into their volunteer experience with season has
one of Sangam's many community partners. seen the return
You will be paired with a twelve-week of past
participant and immerse yourself in Indian volunteers and
culture and tradition, while staying at Sangam staff. This year,
World Centre. For more information on the due to the
Programme or scholarship opportunities, visit extensive
http://www.sangamworldcentre.org/en/progra renovations to
mmes/cp01 or contact the kitchen, we
crm@sangamworldcentre.org. decided to
open up the
volunteering
posts to past
staff and volunteers. We were very happy to
15

16. welcome back Sarah Rees (previous Deputy something for everyone. Interested in reading
World Centre Manager) and Anna Maxted all about the week? Check out Gina’s blog
from Perth. Although not a previous volunteer (Girl Guide leader from Barbados) and read all
here, Anna spent two weeks helping us pack about her adventure in the Swiss Alps:
up the kitchen and store rooms for the http://www.ourchalet.ch/en/news/22055.
renovation. Here is what Anna has to say
about her time here: If you are interested in Walking Week we are
now open for Walking Week 2013 bookings!
Check out our flyer for the event.
Living in the middle of Switzerland was
fantastic. It was very, well, Swiss. th
Friends Week: 80 Birthday Event
Chocolate, cheese, cow bells, you get the
gist. With cows living on-site I soon got
used to their chiming bells! But I loved how
it was so global. Even though I was living
in Switzerland I was working with people
from all over the world (Sarah (Australia),
Leah (UK), Emi (Japan) and Carly and
Heather (USA).
And I had a lot of fun.
I got to go hiking and rock climbing while I
was on programme which was very cool,
we had a fantastic staff day out and on my To officially celebrate the 80th Birthday we held
days off I did a bit of sightseeing in a Friends of Our Chalet event in September.
Switzerland. Being at the Chalet got me This event saw 23 people from the USA, UK,
thinking more about Girl Guiding and Girl Canada and Germany come together. A few of
Scouting and WAGGGS. I now have a the group were past staff, many of the group
better understanding of how global Girl were old friends but everyone left at the end of
Guiding and Girl Scouting is and how far the week as firm friends.
you can go with it, so I am starting to think
how I can go further into Girl Guiding when The week started with a celebration with the
I get home, and I am very excited for my local community – friends and neighbours
next trip to the Chalet.’ attending together with our event participants.
Fritz Inniger (a friend who has been connected
to Our Chalet since he was a boy) started the
celebration with a history presentation. Later
we listened to the beautiful sounds of the
Alpine horns and joined various activities from
Walking Week birthday games for children to Japanese
origami craft. There was plenty of food for
Following everyone to enjoy, from homemade goodies
popular (made by the volunteers) to a beautifully made
demand cake (by the local bakery). Although the main
we brought celebration was over, the Friends Week had
back the just begun, the participants enjoyed an action
Walking packed week in the autumn sunshine: the
Week. weather was very good to them!
Back in
1969 the
first Aussie Group!
Walking Week was held and through the 70’s
and 80’s it was one of the most popular Our At the end of September a group of 15 Girl
Chalet events. The week saw participant aged Guides, Rangers and Leaders from 5th
from 18 to 72 walk together, challenge each Brighton Girl Guides, Melbourne came to Our
other and become good friends. Each day the Chalet for a week of adventure. After travelling
participants chose the level of hikes that they to UK and France, Switzerland was next on
would like to challenge themselves with the their list before they headed home and back to
next day (they had four to choose from and school. The group had an adventurous week:
two hikes went ahead) so there really was

17. they headed to the adventure park, to Walking Week
Engstligenfalls, the woodcarvers as well as
visits to Interlaken and Jungfrau. The group Walking Week is an international event for
were introduced to Geocaching (an individuals and groups over 18 of age who
international game of hide and seek with enjoy outdoor activities especially walking and
GPS’s) and took every opportunity to find them hiking. Rangers and Rovers, adult leaders,
during their stay! members of Friends of Our Chalet groups and
others. If walking and exploring the luscious
nature, meeting new friends, challenging
‘I have been amazingly lucky to travel at my yourself and finding peace is an idea of your
age; I have truly been inspired by my visit to perfect holiday then this event is for you. Book
Our Chalet. I plan to come and volunteer in the your place today by emailing
future’ Australian group member. info@ourchalet.ch.
Friends of Asia Pacific
WAGGGS
Up and coming events:
Join a Winter Week
Winter weeks run from 23 December 2012 to
23 February 2013, starting every Sunday!
Winter Adventure Week includes six nights’ Juseon Byun PhD Awarded “Dato” Status
accommodation, all meals, day and evening
programme and costs only CHF 600. Winter Juseon Byun PhD, former Chairman, Friends
Ski Week includes six nights’ accommodation, of Asia Pacific WAGGGS, and presently
all meals, ski pass and evening programme for President of Korea council of Children’s
only CHF 690 (Youth) and CHF 720 (Adults). Organizations was honoured “Dato” status
from the King of Pahang, Malaysia last 24
October 2012.
Easter Event 2013
Malaysia is a country of constitutional
Easter Event from the 25 March to 31 March monarchy, and the King, “HM Sultan Haji
2013 is an opportunity to come to Our Chalet Ahmad Shah” of Pahang, Malaysia is granting
and experience the magic of the oldest world “Dato” honourship to those who have devoted
centre. Here you can explore the spectacular their thoughts to the society and the country.
Swiss Alps and challenge yourself through a It is a very rare occasion to have a foreign
variety of outdoor activities. You will have the person, or woman to receive this honour. She
opportunity to savour Swiss culture, learn is the first woman awardee of Dato in Korea.
about a variety of Easter traditions and The ceremony was held in Kuantan Pahang,
discover what it means to be a member of Malaysia by His Majesty.
WAGGGS, while making new friends in an
international Girl Guiding and Girl Scouting Juseon Byun has devoted herself to develop
environment. For more information see our the leadership of young girls and women in the
information pack. Girl Scouts of Korea. She was the first
Chairman of the Asia Pacific Regional
Committee from Korea. Additionally she has
enhanced the prestige of Korea by
establishing Friends of Asia Pacific WAGGGS,
17

18. and Peace Campaign throughout her term. your Girl Guides or Girl Scouts group can
She has also devoted herself to fulfil the contribute to the World Thinking Day Fund.
agreement of the Children’s Rights by the U.N,
to establish the Children’s Rights
systematically, she has put all of her efforts to
make this possible.
World Thinking Day
2013
World Thinking
Congratulations to
Day 2013 Focus South Korea’s First
Countries and
Theme Female President
Announced
The twin themes of We would like to extend our heartfelt
child mortality and congratulations to Her Excellency Ms. Park
maternal health, Geun-hye who has made history by winning
and the focus South Korea's presidential election.
countries Republic
of Ireland, Jordan, Ms. Park Geun-He is a staunch supporter of
Malawi, Pakistan the Girl Scouts of Korea, having held the
and Venezuela position of Honorary President in the 1970s.
have been confirmed for World Thinking Day
Without a doubt, her election is a shining
2013.
example of excellent women leadership and
we hope for her continued support to Girl
On 22 February 2013, Girl Guides and Girl Guiding and Girl Scouting not only within
Scouts worldwide will come together to learn Korea, but also around the Asia Pacific
about and take action on the themes of Region.
“together we can save children’s lives” and
“every mother’s life and health is precious”,
based on Millennium Development Goals
(MDG) 4 and 5.
Our five focus countries, representing the five
WAGGGS Regions, will receive grants from
the World Thinking Day Fund which they will
put towards action projects based on MDG 4
and/or 5 in their countries.
Find out much more about the theme and
focus countries for 2013 by downloading the
latest World Thinking Day newsletter. You can
pre-order your World Thinking Day 2013
badges and pins from the WAGGGS online
shop: http://www.wagggs-shop.org/
Download the World Thinking Day newsletter
now:
http://www.worldthinkingday.org/en/resources/
document/view/23433
World Thinking Day is an important fundraising
day that ensures the Girl Guiding and Girl
Scouting Movement can continue to grow and
prosper – so why not start thinking about how