A Thai Girl Scout named Praewa Thamonwan spoke at two events on body image at the United Nations 56th Commission on the Status of Women conference in New York. She shared her experience of giving interviews to media and speaking on a panel about body image in the media. Praewa hopes her story can inspire many people. She felt privileged to share her experiences and meet other speakers from different countries. The conference gave her valuable experiences and motivated her to continue helping girls.

1. Thai Girl Scout Speaks Out on Body Image at the United
Nations (UN) 56th Commission on the Status of Women (CSW)
Praewa Thamonwan from Thailand participated in a body image event in CSW (27 February to 9 March 2012) in New
York. Praewa was the only delegate from the AP Region representing WAGGGS. Here is what she has to say about her
experience:
Hi everyone! It’s Praewa. I am a guide and a member of
the Young Board Committee of the Girl Guides (Girl
Scouts) Association of Thailand.
I was selected by WAGGGS to be part of its Youth
th
Delegation to the UN 56 Commission on the Status of
Women (CSW) at the United Nations Headquarters in
New York.
On Tuesday, 28 February 2012, I had an opportunity to give
The youth delegation comprises of eight young women an interview to the United Nations Foundation on “What’s it
from seven countries around the world: Thailand, the like to be a girl in your country?” with the other two
UK, Rwanda, Tunisia, El Salvador, Malawi and Canada. delegates from El Salvador and the UK. It was my first time
I was so glad to find that two of them were the girls I giving an interview to the media and it was really fun working
met at the Young Women’s World Forum 2010 in with professionals there.
England.
Also on Wednesday, 29 February 2012, I was given another
CSW is a functional commission of the UN that is great opportunity to be a speaker at the side event “Body
dedicated exclusively to gender equality and the Image in the Media” at Conference Room A, the United
advancement of women. We were there to ensure that Nations North Lawn Building. The room capacity was only
the voices of 10 million girls and young women are 76 but I noticed many people sitting on the floor and more
heard at the UN. kept coming in. It made the room so crowded that the police
entered the room. I believe there were more than 100
The government delegations of UN Member States and people!
NGOs from around the world gather at the event every
year to evaluate progress, identify challenges, set It was a fantastic experience to meet other speakers like the
global standards and formulate concrete policies to UK Equality Minister Lynne Featherstone, National
promote gender equality and the advancement of Commission for Women's Advancement, Thailand Juree
women worldwide. Our job is to influence those Vichit-Vadakan, Denmark Minister for Gender Equality Manu
decision-makers to ensure that governments focus on Sareen, Deputy Executive Director, UN Women Lakshmi
gender equality and empowerment. Puri, and psychotherapist and writer Susie Orbach. I felt
privileged to have shared my story, which I hope can inspire
At CSW every WAGGGS delegate attended several many people. You can read my speech here:
side events, spoke on panels, gave media interviews http://www.wagggsworld.org/en/CSW2012/Blog#b1
and met their government delegation. I think everyone
did such a great job! It was in the CSW that I heard voices of women around the
world, which has given me many valuable experiences and
You can read more about our story here: developed my skills in life. Their stories have motivated me
http://www.wagggsworld.org/en/CSW2012 to continue to do things and make change in order to help as
many girls as possible.

2. May 2012
Along with 500 leaders and parents, the girls went home
tired and happy with lots of memories to share with their
friends and families.
“Create, Change, and Challenge” Training
New Zealand Guides Experience Fun and Held by Girl Guides Association Pakistan
Adventure The Pakistan Girl Guides Association (PGGA) organized a
Training for Trainers from 12 to 17 March 2012. The theme
of the workshop was “Create, Change, and Challenge”.
Trainers from all over Pakistan participated in the workshop.
The training was conducted in connection with the Training
of Trainers (TOT) held in Malaysia, as participants of the
TOT in Malaysia facilitated the workshop. Facilitators
passed their knowledge to the participants in different but
interesting ways.
The training sessions consisted of presentations and
GirlGuiding New Zealand’s jamborees are always a highlight
activities that participants liked. Mrs. Salma Sajjad and Miss
and this year, more than 2,500 girls from all over the country
Maryam Farooq (participants of the Malaysia training), Mrs.
met in Rotorua to have the time of their lives.
Tahira Ahmad, Mrs. Shamsa Kashif and Syeda Khawar
Ehsan were among the facilitators. Mrs. Farhana Azim, the
Held at Tui Ridge from 14 to 20 January, the Tui 12
National Chief Commissioner, also addressed the trainers
Jamboree was a huge success, with an amazing range of
and highlighted the importance of adopting new techniques
outdoor and indoor activities during the week-long event.
and methods.
Alongside the New Zealand girls were Girl Guides and Girl
Scouts from Taiwan, the Philippines, Malaysia, Fiji and
Australia, making it a truly international event.
“Our girls love coming to jamboree – they have so many
opportunities to try new adventures and Rotorua has plenty
to offer,” says Sonia Faulkner, National President of
GirlGuiding NZ.
Rangers spent the week camping at a range of locations
around the Rotorua area, located in the centre of New
Zealand’s North Island. Activities included a tramp around
Lake Tarawera, swimming at lakes and beaches, a walk to
the spectacular Tarawera Falls and a visit to the amazing
caves at Te Kouta Pa.
st
Sessions on WAGGGS, Comparison of current and 21
For the Girl Guides, highlights were a jet boat ride, and the
Century training methods, Communication skills, Creativity,
opportunity to try a huge range of activities, including
Effective planning, Women health and problems,
kayaking, raft making, abseiling, mountain biking, rock
International guiding, Report writing and Stress
climbing, cheerleading, playing the ukulele and Bollywood
management were the main features of the workshop.
dancing, along with team-based challenges and community
During the workshop, special IT Skills sessions were
service activities.
likewise conducted to enhance the skills of the participants.
On 14 March, the trainers organized a training market and
GirlGuiding New Zealand’s jamborees are held every four
displayed the cultural crafts of their respective provinces.
years – the last one was J’08 in Christchurch. As always,
jamborees are huge logistical exercises with the catering
On 15 March, the Trainers organized a Day Camp. The
teams working hard to make sure the girls were fed well.
closing ceremony was held on 16 March with Mrs. Nuzhat
The shopping list included 2,000 litres of milk, 10,000 bread
Aamir Sadiq as the Chief Guest. She thanked the
rolls and 500kgs or oranges, apples and bananas!
participants for coming from Pakistan’s far-flung areas and
This year, technology played a huge part in the event’s distributed certificates to them.
organization, with a Facebook page that parents could
check, and a webcam at the camp site.
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3. May 2012
95th Anniversary Celebrations by the Sri Listening Volunteer at a shelter following the Great East
Japan Earthquake, even though she herself was also one of
Lanka Girl Guides Association the victims. Other speakers were the three Girl Scouts
among the participants who had already taken action.
To commemorate this occasion, the Sri Lanka Girl Guides
Association organized a number of activities at national and From the talks, the participants learned "what is important
provincial levels. An All Island Camp for Girl Guides in for taking action" and in each motivating power they felt that
Polonnaruwa, a Fun Day for our Differently-Abled Girl "being Girl Scouts leads to us taking action ourselves."
Guides in Galle, and a National Assembly on Stopping Participants then held discussions in the eight working
Violence Against Women were some of the activities that sessions and presented the results of their discussions in
were carried out in March and April. A hand over of a house the plenary session at the end of the gathering. One of the
to a tsunami-affected family was also held on the morning of participants said, "Let's raise the profile of Girl Scouts!" by
the Celebrations. involving troops and schools (communities). It is hoped that
if the participants take the outputs of the working sessions
Sri Lanka Celebrates World Thinking Day back with them and act on them, then they would have
shared what they have learned and thereby grow the circle
World Thinking Day 2012 was celebrated and enjoyed by of Girl Scouts all over the country.
Little Friends, Senior Guides and Leaders throughout Sri
Lanka on 22 February with the WAGGGS theme, “We Can Thailand Attends ASEAN Workshop
Save Our Planet”. Activities ranged from managing
polythene waste, making vegetable beds, addressing On 28 March 2012, the Girl Guides (Girl Scouts) Association
landslides, and awareness programmes related to protecting of Thailand (GGAT) led by President Associate Professor
the lake in Kandy, initiating garbage disposal projects and Dr. Wadee Kheourai, attended a workshop organized by the
much more. National Council of Women of Thailand, the country’s
largest women’s organization, on the topic “The Role of
Each unit planted their own Women in Preparing for the ASEAN Community (AC)”. The
symbolic “Thinking Day Tree”. objectives of the event were to increase the understanding
Many units had a World of the Asean Community, women’s rights and responsibility,
Thinking Day Programme in and their role and potential to be effectively prepared when
their schools. Walks around Thailand becomes part of the Asean Community in 2015.
the city were organized by
units to inform the public of the Not only was it a chance for GGAT to be visible, but GGAT
theme – Little Friends, Girl Guides, Senior Guides carried also obtained insights about what others do.
posters designed by them to convey the message of
“protecting the environment” to the public. GGAT would like to share with other MOs what top Thai
businesswoman Mrs. Kobkarn Wattanawarangoon, Chief
Executive of the Toshiba Group of Companies, gave as tips
in successfully moving a corporation forward in times of
challenges (her factories suffered extensive damage due to
the 2011 flood in Thailand).
1. Have faith and confidence that we can overcome
obstacles.
Japan Holds Global Action Theme 2. Have the knowledge and be able to think strategically, by
Gathering knowing more about other ASEAN countries and adapt
The National Ranger Girl Scouts Gathering was held at the ourselves, if need be.
National Olympics Memorial Youth Center in Tokyo from 23 3. Have respect for others with the attitude to work
to 25 December 2011. The objective of the gathering was alongside – everyone is treated equally
"To aim to take concrete action (Say) based on GAT by 4. Find our strength and use innovation to add value to it.
involving families, schools and communities." 5. Be focused and become an expert on what we focus on.
6. Be efficient and deliver good quality – benchmark and
115 Ranger Scouts from all over the country participated and improve on efficiency, yet concentrate on quality.
addressed the eight Global Action Theme (GAT) advocacy 7. Have good management and try to build successors or
messages as the themes of the working sessions. bring in professionals to help.
8. Work with integrity and have good governance.
Though it is difficult to take concrete action, the planned 9. Work in teams and have unity.
programme acted as a trigger by providing the opportunity to 10.Work on a sufficiency economy (be self-sufficient) basis,
listen to speakers who had actually taken action. One which is a philosophy initiated by His Majesty King
speaker was trainer Rieko Yamamoto, who worked as a Bhumibol, the monarch of Thailand.
3

4. May 2012
Volunteers from the Asia Pacific Region at a Scout Jamboree in Belgium. I’m most grateful for the
amazing opportunity to complete one of the hardest
Pax Lodge challenges of my life – my Queen’s Guide Award. That
certainly changed my life and let me do things I never
Three current volunteers at Pax Lodge from the Asia Pacific
expected to.
Region share their experiences:
The decision to come to Pax Lodge
Began when I stayed overnight at Pax
Lodge before returning home from
“Hello I’m Kiu from Hong Kong. My guiding life Belgium in 2009. After some research
started at the age of 10 when I became a (and a new found love for travel), I made
Brownie. Then I was a
the decision to return back to London
Girl Guide for four once I had finished school. Even halfway
years. After finishing through my stay here I have already
my master’s degree in
set myself a new goal: to work at each at the World
the UK, I returned to
Centres before the age of 30! (Time to set up the travel
Hong Kong and worked fund again.)
for the Hong Kong Girl
Guides Association
There are many things I have enjoyed here at Pax Lodge.
(which I had never imagined!!) and I had such a Aside from the fact that I am living and breathing the
lovely time there. As it would be great to gain London culture, I enjoy meeting/working/living with many
some overseas working experience, I applied to different people from a variety of different cultures and
work for Pax Lodge and that’s why I am here now
backgrounds. And also the challenges I face from time to
(again it’s something I had never imagined!!) time. Life at Pax Lodge is filled with memorable moments
you will never forget. But to really get the international
My life at Pax Lodge has just begun and
vibe, my favourite moment was my welcome ceremony
everything seems so exciting and challenging where we made our promises and sang taps. One by one,
because I am working with such an international each country represented lights its candle and says their
staff team! So far I think what I enjoy most being
Girl Guiding or Girl Scouting Promise. Then we all sung
at Pax Lodge is that I can meet people from all
Taps in our own languages, and then all together in
around the world! I LOVE chatting with my fellow English. It was a very moving experience and one I will
colleagues and learn about their countries and never forget. Being introduced to a new friendly family
cultures! Also, I get to meet visiting guests and keeps me sane while being halfway around the world and
share with each other interesting life stories! away from everything I’m used to.”
There can’t be a better place to be than Pax
Lodge if you want to learn about the world and
meet amazing people!”
“Hi, I'm Miru from Seoul, Korea. I'm a Resident Volunteer at
Pax Lodge. I've been here for about two months and I've
really enjoyed my time as a volunteer at Pax. I like
participating in Girl Guiding and Girl Scouting with other
people, which is what I am doing every minute at Pax.
“My name is Jess and I am a Resident Volunteer here at
Pax Lodge from the end of January to the end of May We, me and other volunteers and staff
2012. At present, I am the youngest at 18 ½, straight out members, share everything, including
of High School! our cultures, skills, etc. We are a big
international family :) There are now
I have been involved with Girl Guiding in New Zealand 14 nationalities in Pax Lodge, and
since I was seven. I have been involved continuously for Korea is one of them. I'm glad I can
11 years now. As a younger girl I was always obsessed share my Korean culture and my
with getting as many badges as possible, as my camp thoughts as a Korean Girl Scout in a
blanket will easily tell you! My big passion to dream big World Centre. On every event or training, I've gained so
and take on leadership opportunities and explore Girl many skills, improved knowledge, and most importantly,
Guiding outside of New Zealand began when I was a had fun! If someone asked me why I am working in Pax
Senior Guide. At that time I started working with a Lodge, the first thing coming up on my mind would be
Brownie unit as a Unit Helper and then a Ranger in friends. I'm very grateful I've met my friends here. We are
Leadership (RiL) and was there for close to five years. I having such a great time together and I want to enjoy every
have enjoyed many of the opportunities Girl Guiding has moment with them. As Pax Lodge is located in Hampstead,
given me, from the chance to hike mountains and our a beautiful town in London, I'd like to recommend you all to
beautiful landscape for my Gold Duke of Edinburgh, to come experience London and international Girl Guiding and
attending Girl Scouting in Pax Lodge.”
4

5. May 2012
Over the past two years, the bras have been donated by Girl
Guiding members, friends, family and complete strangers
from throughout the country. Stores like Postie and Bendon
Outlet also came on-board and bras were sent to Robyn
from as far away as the United States, England and
Australia.
Pakistan Participates in International Robyn Martinovich said she was working with aid agencies
Women’s Day Seminar to send the good quality bras from the collection to Africa
and the Pacific.
A Seminar on “International Women’s
Day” was organized by SEHER,
USAID & GEP at Quetta Serena Hotel
on 8 March 2012. The President and
members of the Pakistan Girl Guides
Association (PGGA) attended the
seminar. Ms. Rahila Durrani was the
Chief Guest of the event. Begum
Hassan Baloch, the President of
PGGA-Balochistan Branch, was invited as a Guest Speaker
to share her views regarding women’s rights.
Japanese Girl Guide Provides
Scholarships for Underprivileged Girls in
The seminar included speeches on women empowerment. Thailand
Guest speakers explained women’s rights in different
religions. Poems and skits regarding women’s rights and
harassment were also presented in the seminar. The PGGA-
Balochistan branch also set up a stall to display their
activities. In the end, Lifetime Achievement Awards were
presented among all the guest speakers.
Girl Guiding New Zealand Achieve Longest
Bra Chain in Dargaville
A tired but happy team of Dargaville Girl Guides celebrated
the achievement of the longest bra chain in the world, after
spending two years collecting the bras from around the For the past 15 years, Sachiko Tominaga, a Girl Guide from
country and overseas. Initially started as part of a Japan, has been providing scholarships for underprivileged
GirlGuiding New Zealand challenge to raise awareness girls of Girl Guides (Girl Scouts) Association of Thailand
about the detection and prevention of breast cancer, Robyn (GGAT) from the IV Japan Foundation in addition to her
Martinovich and her group of Girl Guides were happy but other charitable work. Recently, she received the
exhausted. Contribution to Society Award from the Japanese
Government. On this occasion, GGAT President and
With the help of massive support from Associate Professor Dr. Wadee Kheourai congratulated Ms.
everyone involved in the dream, the Tominaga. The event was likewise witnessed by other
world record for the longest bra chain Executive Board Members on 31 March 2012.
was reached in Dargaville on 19
February 2012 at 9.30pm after
spending the past two days stringing
Girl Guide Biscuits a Popular New Zealand
169,234 bras together at Dargaville Icon
Memorial Park.
Girl Guide biscuits have become a New Zealand icon over
Dargaville’s Memorial Park was the years, and they have become a great way of raising the
taken over by rows of bras, all carefully profile of Girl Guiding and Girl Scouting within local
linked together and then counted by Robyn and her team of communities. Biscuit sales provide over half of GirlGuiding
helpers. “With only a dozen Pippin, Brownie and Girl Guide New Zealand’s income each year.
members based in Dargaville, breaking a world record was
very much a huge community effort”, she said. Girl Guide biscuits were first produced over 54 years ago
and are sold only during February and March – Girl Guide
biscuit season.
5

6. May 2012
Millions of biscuits are produced each year and they are Amy Bush was an Australian trainer who worked extensively
with the International Fellowship of Former Scouts and
available in three different varieties – original which is a plain
Guides (IFOFSAG) and left a generous legacy to Sangam to
biscuit, Choc which has one side covered in chocolate and
Mini Chocs. be used to encourage international friendship.
The Bursary covers the full event fee but does not cover
The Trefoil is stamped on the front of each biscuit and they
are produced to a special recipe by Griffin’s Foods in travel costs to and from Sangam and the Administration fee
Auckland. Special biscuit tins were produced for the second of Indian Rupees 1,500.
year in a row and proved really popular.
In 2012 we are offering:
Two Full Event Fee Bursaries for the 4-Week
Community Programme experience
The 4-week programme offers participants
a short-term volunteer experience with
one of Sangam’s Community Partners
while living at Sangam. After a two-day
orientation, Tare (participants) are
placed with a Sangam Community
Partner to volunteer for four weeks.
The marketing campaign for these much-loved vanilla Participants in the 4-week Community
biscuits changes every year. This year, Choysa Tea came Programme volunteer at the same sites as the 12-week
Tare, who serve as mentors and help them to assimilate
on board to support the campaign with the opportunity to win
a year’s supply of tea. Launch day featured a “get dunkin” quickly to the Community Programme experience and the
during breakfast time at the Wellington Railway Station. ins and outs of their Community Partner organization. Open
to all ages.
http://www.sangamworldcentre.org/en/programmes/cp01
Television advertisements featured the voices of Guides and
well-known Silver Ferns netball player Maria Tutai’a, a
former Girl Guide. The first biscuits were auctioned on the Six Full Event Fee Bursaries for Be the Change: MDG 6
internet trading site TradeMe, with the winning bidder in India - 26 Nov- 2 Dec 2012
receiving 49 packets of biscuits to munch on.
Be part of this exciting event with participants from across
Other businesses supporting the Girl Guide biscuit campaign
the globe as you visit out community partners and immerse
for 2012 included Westpac Bank whose branch managers
yourself in Indian culture. Relate your experiences to the
became Branch Biscuit Champions. The nationwide Mad
Millennium Development Goals and the WAGGGS Global
Butcher chain of stores and clothing shops Postie and Baby
Action Theme through participatory learning. Join our
City also sold biscuits on GirlGuiding NZ’s behalf.
Community Partners for World Aids Day initiatives and see
first hand what is being done in India to advocate about this
Recipe sheets were also produced with a range of sweet
issue. Be part of the change you want to see in the world!
treats that can be made with Guide biscuits including lemon
Ages: 16-30 years
cheesecake and rocky road slice.
http://www.sangamworldcentre.org/en/events/20698
Girl Guide biscuits are not only an important fundraising
Five Full Event Fee Bursaries for Gifts for Change - 17
initiative, making up over 50 per cent of the New Zealand
Dec- 26 Dec 2012
organisation’s income, but also provide the opportunity for
girls to be out and about selling at stalls throughout the
Give the gift of yourself this holiday season as you volunteer
country.
your time to a project at Sangam and also work with one of
our community partner organizations. Bring about real
Yet again sales of Girl Guide biscuits exceeded expectations
change in your own life and the lives of others. All ages.
and everyone is looking forward to next year’s biscuits
http://www.sangamworldcentre.org/en/events/20699
already.
For more information, please contact your International
Amy Bush Bursary for AP Region Commissioner.
There is an exciting opportunity for members of the Asia
Pacific Region to receive funding to attend an International
Event/experience at Sangam World Centre. This funding is
provided by way of the Amy Bush Bursary.
6

7. May 2012
The project aims to empower youth leaders and workers,
and in particular young women, to educate, speak out, act
and motivate others to take action for a greener planet. The
project involves 46 young women from 42 countries across
Europe, Africa, the Western Hemisphere and Asia who
undertook national projects prior to coming together in a
Membership Support to Earthquake-Hit leadership event which took place at Sangam in Pune, India,
last March.
Zone in Japan
Participants experienced leadership
It has been a year since the Great East Japan Earthquake
in the field of environmental education
struck. All over Japan, people remember the disaster, and and advocacy by using WAGGGS'
activities are being implemented to heighten awareness of already existing resources in their own
the need to prepare for future disasters. countries and then reflecting on how the resources could be
improved or used in a better way to achieve greater impact.
Two entries by the Girl Scouts were selected as winners in
the 8th Competition for "Exploration for Disaster Prevention" They were also guided to observe whether the use of the
Maps by elementary school students. The contest was resources in their communities stimulated awareness
organized by the General Insurance Association of Japan
amongst the wider population as well as report these
which recruited entries after the earthquake. Chiba findings back during the training event.
Prefecture Troop 3 looked back on the state of the town
immediately after the earthquake, and learning from it,
created a disaster prevention map which won the UNESCO Stop the Violence Campaign by Japan
Joint Event Award.
The Stop the Violence Against Girls Seminar, in
coordination with GAC, was held in the Girl Scouts of Japan
National Headquarters in Tokyo on 23 December 2011.
The seminar was jointly organized by the Cabinet Office and
the Girl Scouts of Japan and 40 participants attended. In the
hands-on workshop by a guest speaker who is involved in
preventing domestic violence (DV)/date DV, the participants
deepened their understanding of the problem of DV/date DV
in which girls and young women can be both victims and
Girl Scouts of Japan is currently moving ahead with assailants.
membership procedures for next year. They also continue to
provide support, including grants for membership fees, to They realised that the underlying causes of the problem are
enable members in the affected areas to continue their discrimination on the basis of gender and the socially
membership, while moving ahead with plans to support Girl accepted view that "that's the way women should be." The
Scout activities in the disaster areas. participants felt anew the need to develop girls' respect for
themselves and for others, and at the same time the need to
speak out and change public awareness of the problem. In
Girl Scouts of Japan, the young leaders are preparing a
toolkit to raise awareness of the problem of DV/date DV,
and they are planning activities linked to the International
Day of the Girl Child on 11 October.
Young Women Leading for a Greener
Future
Young Women Leading for a Greener Future is a year-long
WAGGGS Leadership Development Programme (WLDP)
project organized by the Europe Region in cooperation with
the Asia Pacific Region and funded by the European
Commission (action 3.2 Youth in the World).
7

8. May 2012
The Girl Scouts of the Philippines Relief
Operations for Typhoon Victims Featured World Centre:
Hundreds of thousands of people in the southern Philippines
Pax Lodge, London, UK
suffered the devastating wrath of tropical storm Sendong
Every AP Link issue, we will feature stories from one of the
(international name Washi) last December 2011, sending
four World Centres. In this edition, read more about
massive floods that swept away houses and drowned over a
activities in Pax Lodge in London!
thousand people in their sleep.
The Girl Scouts of the Philippines (GSP) – from the National Pax Lodge Turns 21!
Headquarters to Regional and Council Offices -- were quick
to offer relief operations and assistance to those in dire need On 15 March we turned 21! To celebrate, we hosted four
of help in Cagayan de Oro, Iligan, Negros Oriental, and other days of festivities. On our actual birthday, we celebrated
severely battered areas in the Visayas and Mindanao with a fundraising dinner. On 16 March we led a Discover
Regions. London Day and ended the night with a campfire evening
program. On 17 March we had a BBQ and Friends of Pax
Cash donations raised from Girl Scout volunteers and staff, Lodge gathering. We wrapped up our celebrations on 18
Girl Scouts of the Philippines Calamity Fund as well as March with a community open day and fete. Attendees of
Japan Girl Guides, Thailand Girl Guides and individual the events ranged from those who were involved with the
donations from Dr. JuSeon Byun, former Chairman of the planning and opening of Pax Lodge, to past and current
Asia Pacific Committee of the World Association of Girl volunteers, to Rainbows who use the facility for their
Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS) and the Antonio Maceda meetings.
International School were used to buy relief goods for the
typhoon victims and school supplies for students to continue Traditionally, turning 21 is a monumental occasion in a
attending school. person’s life. At this age, one is now considered a senior
member of the family and thus presented a key to the family
Various schools served as point areas for the distribution of home. For that reason, we had a special logo made up to
relief goods and evacuation centres for the affected towns. mark this event. The Logo is a key design enclosed in an
Relief goods were distributed to affected areas. oval, “21st Birthday” is written on the blade and our Pax
Lodge dove adorns the bow.
At our fundraising dinner, attendees received a snow-white
bear dressed in a t-shirt printed with the birthday logo. The
bears were so cute, and such a hit. People would cosy up to
them for a photo. The bears might have even been more
popular than our meal of pate, lamb and pavlova. And cake!
Lots and lots of cake!
Our community open day and fete included face painting, a
bouncy castle, sausage sizzle, tombola, lucky dip, photo
booth and fair games. At the photo booth, people dressed
up and posed with a cut-out of Prince William and Kate
Middleton. Some playfully ignored Kate so they could get a
photo of themselves planting a kiss on the prince’s cheek.
“In times like this, the Girl Scouts of the Philippines The bouncy castle wore many of us out. It was so funny to
does what it does best – TO HELP. Despite the watch the adults struggle and fall while the little kids
distance and remoteness of the devastated areas, bounced around with such ease.
it didn’t stop us from taking action as there were
many things to do to help. The National We had such an amazing birthday and are so grateful to all
Headquarters in Manila pulled off a useable those who attended and sent their wishes our way. We
Clothes Drive including blankets, towels and bed received so many warm wishes and beautiful cards. Thank
sheets to send over to the victims in coordination you for truly making our milestone memorable.
with our Regional Executive Directors, Naty
Genargue.of Eastern Mindanao, Tita Alvarez of World Thinking Day at Pax Lodge
Western Mindanao and Aida Saromines of Visayas.
The volunteers and staff’s full involvement and
active participation revealed a deeper sense of the Pax Lodge had a very eventful and exciting World Thinking
Girl Scout spirit,” said Ma. Dolores Santiago, GSP Day. We kicked off the celebrations at morning flag. Later in
National Executive Director. the evening, 26 of us attended an Evensong service at
Westminster Abbey. Following the service we gathered
8

9. May 2012
by the memorial stone to Lord and Lady Baden-Powell. There More information about Pax Lodge’s Calendar of Activities
we said our promises, each in our own language, and paid our can be found at their website at
respects to the founders of the scouting movement. http://www.paxlodge.org/en/programmes/events/events2012
After the service we returned to the centre for a World
Thinking Day ceremony. For our evening programme we held SANGAM CORNER
a candle walk. We created a pathway on the floor and lit the
way with luminaries. Along the way 45 participants read
quotes related to World Thinking Day. Launch of Sangam’s four Week
On the weekends of 18/19 and 25/26 February, we held World Community Programme Experience!
Thinking Day open house and had over 216 attendants. The
event featured the following internationally themed activities Sangam World Centre is proud to announce the launch of
from the AP region: the four week Community Programme experience starting
22 September 2012.
Pax Lodge International Activity – Poi Swaps
During your four weeks as a Tare (this means ‘Star’ in
Jess, a proud Kiwi from New Zealand, led a swap making
Hindi), you will experience the sights and sounds of India
activity where girls made miniature poi swaps. Poi is a and see preparation for Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights.
traditional performance art of the Māori women of New You will meet Girl Guides and Girl Scouts from all over the
Zealand. The poi performance usually involves dancing, th
world and join in to celebrate Sangam’s 46 birthday. You
singing and storytelling in conjunction with choreographed will come home and live in the tranquil, beautiful and
swinging of the poi equipment. The girls appreciated taking relaxing surroundings of Sangam while volunteering in the
home the swaps as a keepsake.
hectic, fast-paced and challenging environment of India.
Pax Lodge International Activity – Origami Fish For four days a week, you will volunteer with one of
Maori from Japan taught girls how to make origami goldfish. Sangam’s Community Partners. You will pack your lunch in
They first chose an ornately printed square piece of paper.
a ‘tiffin,’ or Indian lunchbox, and head off in a rickshaw or
Then Maori led them through the folds – which for some
local bus to get to your Community Partner. One day a
became confusing quickly. But with Maori’s help, everyone week, you will be at Sangam to participate in activities such
was able to create an origami goldfish which they proudly took as Hindi lessons from a professional language teacher,
home.
cultural excursions, debriefing sessions, planning activities
for your site and other educational activities like cross-
Pax Lodge International Activity – Pakistani Dance cultural awareness; all to further your self-development.
Rameen taught girls how to move their bodies to the tune of a
Pakistani song. They danced up a storm in the hall and loved
learning the swaying movements. Following the dance,
Rameen demonstrated henna on the index finger of interested “Being a Tare has made me want to share my new
participants. found knowledge and experiences back home and
encourage others to expand their horizons and have
Pax Lodge International Activity – Jaegi awesome international experiences. Most of all I have
Miru taught the girls how to make and play Jaegi, a toy and had incredible fun and made lifelong friends with 10
game very similar to a hackey sack. Jaegi is a traditional amazing and inspiring Tare.” – Charlotte, UK
game in Korea played by children especially during winter and
around New Year’s. Miru said she wanted to share this game Why wouldn’t you apply?
with visitors because she wanted them to experience
something new and very Korean, instead of giving a history
Visit Sangam’s Community Programme website pages to
lesson. learn more. Limited full and partial scholarships are
available, so submit your application today. Applications are
In keeping with WTD ideals, the Jaegi balls themselves were
due 15 May 2012 for the four week programme as well as
made from recycled plastic bags and filled with rice. the 12 week programme starting on 25 August 2012. For
answers to any questions, email
In addition to the international activities we also hosted a fair,
crm@sangamworldcentre.org.
badge display and international taste testing. The food was a
crowd favourite. From the Asia Pacific region, girls sampled “I have seen myself changing lives for the kids who
anzac biscuits from Australia, marmite and cheese are the future. During my stay here, I have also learnt
sandwiches from New Zealand, soy sauce flavoured crackers a lot about Girl Guiding, empowering young women
and peanuts from Japan and Gangnang popcorn from Korea. and building their esteem. I would like to spread the
Yum! word all over the world to make it a better place for
each one of us.” –Stacy, Kenya
9

10. May 2012
“Since "that day", it has already been 366 days. It is
estimated that one third of the Japanese population was
affected in some way by the awful earthquake and
tsunami. In addition to that, nuclear accidents made the
Dr Juseon Byun Awarded YooGwanSoon situation more complicated and worse. As each victim
Award has a serious problem and they are all different,
customized project and support for each person has
The Committee of the YooGwanSoon Award, which aims to been needed. While just living in the everyday life needs
maximum effort, people keep finding a clue and further
develop women leadership and protection of children’s rights,
steps to make a better future. We are all supporting
selected Dr. Juseon Byun as the 11th YooGwanSoon
each other and live together toward the recovery of our
Awardee. The YooGwanSoon Award commemorates woman
country. This is the current situation of Japan one year
patriot YooGwanSoon. This award is given to a woman or an after the disaster.
organization who has devoted herself to her country and
community. This award is the top award for a woman in Korea However, the Japanese Girl Scouts are strong and
and is sponsored by the ChoongChung Namdo, DongAh Daily cheerful. Girls are accepting this experience with
News and Ewha Girls’ High School. sensitivity and expressing it with their voice and/or
writing down. They are standing up to take action. They
The Committee of the YooGwanSoon Award explained the are also considering other countries which suffered from
three reasons as to why Dr. Juseon Byun was selected, to natural disasters and hoping to work together sharing
win: the pain. 18 leaders gathered from all over Japan to
build a project team responding to the call of Girl Scouts
1. From 1971, she has devoted herself to develop the of Japan. They are planning various support projects of
leadership of young girls and women in the Girl medium and long term. They are maximizing limited
Scouts of Korea. resource, bringing together the fullest potential of Girl
2. Dr. Juseon Byun was the first Chairman of the Asia Scouts, and involving other organizations.
Pacific Region from Korea. Additionally she has
enhanced the prestige of Korea by establishing the The local Councils in the affected area made a great
Friends of Asia Pacific WAGGGS and the Peace effort to contact all of the members and their families.
Council staff often visits the member's place and listen
Campaign throughout her term.
to them. Three Councils were able to plan summer
3. Dr. Juseon Byun has devoted herself to fulfill the camps at Council level in this summer.
agreement of the children’s rights by the U.N. To
establish the Children’s Rights systematically, she has Girl Scouts' activities are contributing a lot to the
put all of her efforts to make this possible. recovery of the affected area and our whole country.
Girls and women are showing incredible and invaluable
A Ceremony was held on 29 March at the YooGwanSoon potential. Girl Scouts are always willing to help other
Memorial Center in Ewah Women’s High School, where a people and it is our pleasure. Girl Scouts take action in
trophy and 20,000 USD were also awarded to Dr. Byun. any situation finding their role they should be and could
be.
Message from the President, Girl Scouts of We have received a lot of moral and material support,
Japan Following the 2011Tsunami that Hit and it cannot be described in words how they
Japan encouraged us. We would like to express our sincere
appreciation with a word "Arigatou (Thank you in
Japanese)". Please keep an eye on us continuously
Mariko Asano, President, Girl Scouts of Japan writes on the until the day we would be able to return the courtesy as
work undertaken by Girl Scouts of Japan since the Tsunami the "Ongaeshi (Repayment in Japanese)" is a valuable
hit their country on 11 March 2011. Japanese tradition. Believing that this would happen in
2020, the year of the 100th anniversary of Girl Scouts of
Japan.”
10

11. AP Committee Meeting in Perth
The Asia Pacific Regional Committee met in Perth, Australia last
11-16 May in order to further brainstorm on how to best deliver
the 2012-2014 Asia Pacific Operational Plan (APOP) this year.
Together with the committee is WAGGGS Chair, Nadine El Achy
and Sally O’Neil, WAGGGS Director for Membership
Development.
AP Regional Committee Chair, Low Lih Jeng, shares in her April
2012 Chairman’s Letter the learnings from the meeting, as well as
the things AP MOs can look forward to in the coming years. An
excerpt from the letter reads thus:
OUR AP MEMBERSHIP TREE
In conclusion, this is our vision for 2012-2014; an AP
tree that:
 is deeply rooted in the values of our Promise
and Law;
 that has the strong trunk of an MO;
 has the vibrant and relevant programmes in its
branches;
 is fertilised by good training methods;
 will grow lush, green leaves of dedicated
leaders, volunteers and staff;
 will bear the fruits of our girls and young
women who are ready, able and willing to face
the challenges of their world and be useful
citizens to their community, country and
beyond.
Welcome Back from Maternity Leave
AP Development Executive, Katheri Ann Charcos-Puyo is
back from maternity leave. She delivered a healthy baby
girl, Caitrin Raya, last March 11, 2012.