The document summarizes World Thinking Day celebrations and activities from various countries. It describes how the Girl Scouts of the Philippines celebrated with a contest to create human dolls representing different WAGGGS regions. It also discusses Thinking Day events in Pakistan, Thailand, Sri Lanka, and Hong Kong. Other events mentioned include a meeting between the National Commissioner of Pakistan Girl Guides and the President, a sand sculpture activity in Hong Kong, 16 Days of Activism projects in Baluchistan, Pakistan, and a skills training project for women in Sri Lanka.

1. World Thinking Day
GSP Celebrates Thinking Day with a Fun Twist
Volunteers and staff of the Girl Scouts of the
Philippines National Headquarters celebrated World
Thinking Day on 20 February 2015 through a short
programme that started with a Thinking Day
Ceremony and was followed by a fun-filled contest
for “Best WAGGGS Regional Human Doll.” This
year’s World Thinking Day Theme “Millennium
Development Goal 8: Develop a Global Partnership
for Development” was highlighted in the celebration.
The professional staff, grouped into Patrols, chose
human doll representatives for the five WAGGGS
Regions: Africa, Arab, Asia Pacific, Europe and
Western Hemisphere.
The dolls were judged based on their costumes and
portrayal of their regions: African doll wore a West
African kaftan; Arab wore an Egyptian costume;
Asia Pacific doll wore a Japanese kimono;
European dolls wore Scottish kilt and Dutch
costumes; and the Western Hemisphere
impersonated the Statue of Liberty in a blue dress
representing the United States of America.
Each doll was
given a basket
where the
volunteers and
staff dropped their
voluntary donation
for their favourite
doll. The amount
collected was
given to the World Thinking Day Fund.
The “People’s Choice Award” was given to the
African doll based on her highest cash donation
collected during the celebration while the “Best Doll”
title was won by the European dolls for their lively
performance and beautiful costumes.
Thinking Day Celebrations in Pakistan
Pakistan Girl Guides Association celebrated World
Thinking Day on 22 February 2015 with zeal and
zest. Different rallies, seminars, fun fairs, speech
and poster competitions, etc. were organized in all
parts of Pakistan. Girl Guides highlighted the
thinking day
theme through
tableaus,
speeches, posters
and different
enactments. Girl
Guides also set
up stalls. Girl
Guides played the
Thinking Day
game and
enjoyed it very much. “Guiding lights” were lit during
all the ceremonies.
Thai Girl Guides Donate Blankets
The Girl Guides (Girl Scouts) Association (GGAT),
Northern Training Center in Chiang Mai received
1,000 blankets for distribution to the hill-tribe girls in
Wiang Pa-Pao District, Northern Sub-training
Center of GGAT in Chiang Rai Province as well as
other underprivileged communities located far from
modern civilization in the northern area of Thailand,
where the temperature can be as low as zero
degrees Celsius, especially in the mountainous
area.
These blankets were donated by Another Joy
Foundation of the United States of America, as gifts
of care for those in need and were transported on
the B777-
300ER flight
when Thai
Airways
International
took
delivery of
new aircraft
purchased

2. 2
April 2015
from Boeing Company. Both companies jointly
organized ‘Goodwill Flights’ to Thailand.
The handover ceremony took place on 31 January
2015, which was presided by representatives from
Thai Airways, Boeing, senior local government
officials and GGAT Northern Executive Committee
members together with the hill-tribe girls. This event
received high publicity in the airline and tourism
industry, as well as the local news.
Sri Lankan Girl Guides commemorate the 2004
Asian Tsunami
Ten years ago on Boxing Day, 26 December 2004,
the Asian Tsunami devastated their island home of
Sri Lanka. 50,000 people died, thousands were left
homeless and hundreds of children lost one or both
of their parents and one or more of their siblings.
The Sri Lanka Girl Guides Association (SLGGA)
organized a simple commemoration ceremony in
December 2014 to remember those who had lost
their lives and to celebrate the success of those
children whom were helped through the SLGGA’s
Tsunami Educational Support System (TESS)
Programme.
The commemoration ceremony commenced with all
guests each placing a single white flower in a large
bowl of water. The white flowers and the lit floating
candles signified the devastation caused by the
waters of the Indian Ocean in which the island of Sri
Lanka is located. All those present at the
commemoration ceremony then stood in silence for
a few moments to remember those who had lost
their lives during the tsunami.
The SLGGA’s TESS Programme paid each
selected child a monthly stipend of Sri Lanka
Rupees (Rs) 2,000 of which Rs 1,500 could be
accessed immediately whilst the balance Rs 500
was placed in a savings account to be accessed by
the beneficiary when he or she reached 18 years.
All children who were selected to participate in the
TESS Programme were monitored and their
scholastic progress evaluated monthly. Those
children who fared well in their school examinations
were further rewarded financially.
Five of those TESS Programme children, now
confident young men and women, were invited to
participate in the commemoration ceremony. They
spoke of their personal losses and how the
SLGGA’s TESS programme had enriched and
encouraged them. One young woman has joined a
state medical school, one is studying fashion design
at the Sri
Lanka
Institute of
Textile and
Apparel
Design, one
is following a
course in
education;
and two have recently completed the GCE Ordinary
Level Examination.
National Commissioner’s Meeting with
President of Pakistan
Senator Nuzhat Sadiq National Commissioner of
Pakistan Girl Guides Association (PGGA) and Mrs
Tahira Ahmed, National Secretary, had a meeting
with the President of Pakistan on 16 February 2015
at President House, Islamabad. During the meeting
President Mamnoon Hussain said that the
government will render all necessary assistance to
the Pakistan Girls Guide Association in
accomplishment of its mission and objectives.
While talking
to Senator,
Mrs. Nuzhat
Sadiq stated
that as per
her past
record as a
social and human rights activist she would run the
affairs of the association diligently, efficiently and
effectively.
The President was of the view that Pakistan Girl
Guides Association may enhance the capabilities of
the young girls and motivate them to participate in
the nation building with full zeal and spirit.
Hong Kong Girl Guides Created Beautiful
Sculptures
Hong Kong Girl Guides organized a Sand Sculpture
Fun Day on 22 March 2015 with the theme on “Free
Being Me”. Gathered at Shek O Beach on the
south-eastern part of Hong Kong Island were more
than 600 participants including members, families,
volunteers as well as the public. The activity
displayed Hong Kong Girl Guide’s eight-point
programme elements including “Getting to know
people”, “Exploring the Arts” and of course,
“Enjoying the out-of-doors”.
Participants showed abilities in building their own
sand sculpture with just simple instruction by
experienced helpers, and demonstrated the key
message of “Free Being Me” project by focusing on
their
abilities
no
matter
what
age or
how
they
look.
The
beautiful
sand sculptures drew a lot of attention to the public,
and this was a great opportunity to raise awareness
of the “Free Being Me” messages!

3. 3
April 2015
16 Days of Activism and Projects of Young
Leaders, Baluchistan in Pakistan
Pakistan Girl Guides Association, Baluchistan
celebrated 16 days of activism from 25 November
to 10 December in 2014. Young leaders of
Baluchistan worked on many projects regarding this
celebration. 650 Guides and students participated.
The following activities were carried out:
 Cloth painting on the theme of violence.
 Awareness regarding cyber harassment.
 Motivating activities of stop the violence
Campaign.
 Activities of Free Being Me.
 Cloth painting on Free Being Me.
 Health project on feminine issues and health
hygiene issues.
The Sri Lanka Girl Guides 3L Project opens up a
world of prospects for house-bound women
(Excerpts taken from The Times article by Vinusha
Paulraj, 25 January 2015)
Currently in the third year of operation, the project’s
objective is to reach out to house-bound women.
For six-eight months, a group of 30 women are
trained in various fields under this project. Chosen
from those who are unoccupied due to the lack of
skills and cannot afford to acquire them, the 3L
Project, if anything, opens up a world of prospects.
“Ordinarily they would have nothing to do at home,”
says Priyanthi Rajapaksa of the Sri Lanka Girl
Guides (SLGG). Once the morning chores are
complete the women of the lower income brackets
often only tend to children after they return from
school. “What we do is provide them with a skill
they enjoy to generate some money in their free
time.”
Providing everything from tutors, utensils, materials
and even in the case of IT workshops, which is a
popular option among the younger women,
transport. The project is designed to give the
women income but more importantly, a sense of
purpose.
At the end of each nine-month period, the
participants are given a certificate and where
outside expertise is
sought as in the field of
IT, certification is given
from those recognised
bodies as well, she
explains.
Apart from providing a
welcome change from “a
fairly mundane existence”
Deputy Commissioner
SLGG Visakha
Tillakaratne feels it is a
first for the Guides as well. It is the first time a
project has been designed focusing on the macro
perspective in terms of empowerment.
The presence of children prancing through their
workspace is however not a hindrance to the
determined women. N. M. Nirosha is one participant
in the latest batch of women who has made it work
with three kids. Offering us a plate of hoppers, fresh
from the pan, the 36-year-old says she learned to
make them in September last year. The very next
day she started making an income from her new
skill. Customers have kept swarming in and she
feels “happy that I can make an extra income for my
children.”
Philippine Cadets attended Forum on HIV/AIDS
at Sangam World Centre
Two Cadet Girl Scouts from the Philippines,
Joeneth Beloy Semanero of Abra Council-Northern
Luzon Region and Daphne Kiara Algarme of
Siquijor Council-Visayas Region, attended the
“Millennium Development Goal 6: Combat
HIV/AIDS, Malaria and Other Diseases Forum” at
Sangam World Centre, India from 26 November to
2 December 2014.
In the first day, the participants warmed up with
yoga followed by an introduction to Sangam and
welcome ceremony in the evening. Joeneth and
Daphne lit the golden rooster from Sri Lanka which
symbolizes the friendship of Girl Guides and Girl
Scouts from around the world who visit Sangam.
The event was formally started on the second day
with a salute to the World Flag, reflections, and
announcement from the staff and short physical
exercise. The girls discussed the eight Millennium
Development Goals of the United Nations; these
topics were discussed in a fun charade, drawing
and clay games.
Part of the activities was a visit to Sangam’s
Community partner Deep Griha, a family wellness
foundation that promotes family health and
awareness on HIV/AIDS and other diseases.
The international
fair was one of
the highlights of
the event. The
participants
introduced their
country and the
values of its
people, and
rendered a short cultural presentation. They learned
different cultural dances and were given the chance
to share their unique delicacies with one another.
The event marked a great impact on the
participants’ lives especially on HIV/AIDS
awareness.
International Toilet Day recognized by Pakistan
Girl Guides
Pakistan Girl Guides Association (PGGA) organized
an awareness session regarding “sanitation
problems around the globe” for the Girl Guides and
Senior Girl Guides on 19 November, 2014. The
session was not only informative but quite new to
the participants about increasing their awareness of
International Toilet Day.

4. 4
April 2015
“Free Being Me” officially launched in the
Maldives
The official launching of the Free Being Me (FBM)
project in Maldives was held on 27 November 2014
at Hiriya School and was inaugurated by the
Minister of Education Ms. Aishath Shiham. A
display of FBM
speech bubbles
and useful articles
made by the
training
participants were
exhibited at the
end of the
evening.
At the memorial event of “Rose day”, Zonta
Club of Tokyo
On 3 March 2015 Ms. Chihiro Kawai, Vice National
Commissioner, Girl Scouts of Japan, gave a lecture
entitled “No violence world girls make” at the
memorial event of “Zonta Rose Day”, Zonta Club of
Tokyo III, Area 2, District 26. “Zonta Rose Day” is 8
March and is an opportunity for Zonta clubs around
the world to raise awareness in their local
communities of Zonta International's mission to
advance the status of women worldwide. Ms. Kawai
is a Trainer who was trained at the Stop the
Violence ACTIVATE event in December 2014, in
Sangam, India. The event was held by WAGGGS,
UN Women, and Zonta International.
During the event, participants experienced some
activities taken from WAGGGS’ Stop the Violence
Programme. At the end of the event, Ms. Kawai
introduced for the effort of Girl Scout of Japan to
dating violence, received questions and comments.
Ms. Yukiko Toyota, District 26 Governor of Zonta
International, also took part in the event.
Girl Scout of
Japan is
planning to
promote future
partnership
with Zonta
clubs, UN
Women National Committee Japan.
Anything’s Possible – Melbourne, Australia
Anything’s Possible, the Asia Pacific Region
Conference for Leaders of Girls is the first event
organized by the Asia Pacific Region for Leaders of
girls. The conference was held in Melbourne,
Australia from 30 November to 6 December 2014
with 147 participants from 23 Asia Pacific Member
Organisations.
As part of the conference, the girls of today and
tomorrow are encouraged by the leader for any
challenge. Nothing is impossible which means that
Anything’s Possible in the world. When we (leaders)
work with our girls, we need to make sure that the
programme or challenge should be appropriate for
their age. The leaders must respond and take
interest in the needs of today’s girl. To make the
world a better place for all, the leader should impart
on the girls new skills, sharing, friendship, group
work, responsibility, values, attitudes, adventures,
knowledge, challenges and a quality programme.
Anything’s Possible was a great opportunity for a
leader to learn many things, through leadership,
wonderful activities, making new friends throughout
the Asia Pacific Region.
“I’m a really
lucky one, who
got this change
to join the Asia
Pacific Leader
of Girls
Conference.
Mahzabeen
Begum also
joined with me. Yes, I believe anything’s possible
with team work. This year, I got service to Girl
Guiding/Girl Scouting Leadership Award 2014. I’ve
been involved with Bangladesh Girl Guide
Association from 1984 when I was a Yellow Bird.
Without gap until now, I’m serving the Association. I
love Guiding.” says Rita.
Rita Jesmin, Bangladesh
16
th
National Patrol Leaders Training Camp 2014
in Maldives
A National Patrol Leader’s Training camp is held
every year to help Girl Guides build their leadership
qualities, improve capacity as Patrol Leaders, gain
practical experience in camping and life skills and to
provide opportunities to meet Girl Guides from
different schools and atolls, and make new friends
in the Maldives.
The camp was held at Kuda Bandos (an island)
from 30 November to 2 December 2014 where a
Girl Guide branch Refresher Programme was also
held concurrently for the participating Leaders. 156
Girl Guides (aged 13 to 17 years) from 21 schools
across the country took part in this training. A total
of 45 volunteers, gave their valuable time and
contributions as officials during the training.
Additionally, this year’s training was aimed to
introduce and cover the “Free Being Me” (FBM)
badge syllabus for the age group. Hence, the Girl
Guides were divided in to sub-camps named Inner

5. 5
April 2015
beauty, Friendship, Self-confidence, Happiness and
Empower.
Camping sessions were held where Girl Guides and
Leaders practiced knotting, gadget making and tent
pitching. Girl Guides also participated in the FBM
activities in order to complete the FBM badge. On
these two days a total of 44 Leaders did the FBM
and facilitator training where the FBM curriculum
was discussed and sample activities were
conducted.
Young Adults of Girl Guides Singapore Discover
the City at Night
On the night of 24 January 2015, 19 intrepid Young
Adult (YA) members from Girl Guides Singapore
embarked on an overnight hike around the city.
Beginning at 9.30pm and ending the next morning
at 7.30am, they spent the 10 hours exploring
various historical and cultural sites, playing games
to encourage team bonding, and seeing their home
country in a different light.
One of the stops along the hike was Kampong
Glam, a cultural precinct with numerous Malay
heritage sites and steeped in historical tradition. In
the neighbourhood, the YAs first learnt about the
history of the area from the information boards
located outside the Malay Heritage Centre. Trekking
through the quiet streets, they then found an open
space to play ‘Chapteh’ and ‘Kuti-Kuti’ – two
traditional games
that were
commonly played in
the past. Laughter
filled the air as the
YAs attempted
valiantly to keep the
feathered
shuttlecock in the
air for as long as
possible and debated over the merits of differently-
shaped animal pieces in winning games of ‘Kuti-
Kuti’. Nearby were some panels of beautiful ceramic
art depicting historical scenes which the YAs were
tasked to use to create a short skit. With the
cobbled street as their stage and the night sky as
their backdrop, the YAs displayed their creative flair
and successfully entertained each other with their
performances.
The rest of the night passed by in a blur of familiar
sights seen in an unfamiliar light. Tired but happy,
the YAs boarded the train home the next morning
after an eventful night of fun and learning.
“Promotion of Social Cohesion and Resilience
Building through Girl Guiding” in Pakistan
Pakistan Girl Guides Association (PGGA) worked
on a three month long project “Promotion of Social
Cohesion and Resilience Building” in collaboration
with UNICEF. A series of three and four day camps
was organized by PGGA from September to
December in 2014. Almost 3,000 Girl Guides
attended these camps.
Three day camps were organized on the theme of
“Cooperative Games on Cohesion, Drama and
Cultural Show”. 565 girls participated in these
camps. Participants showed their innovative and
artistic ideas, and gave suggestions to build strong
cohesion among them.
Three day camps were organized to highlight the
“Importance of Primary Education”. 433 girls
participated in these camps. These participants
were from different backgrounds and most of them
were illiterate. During the camps Trainers
emphasised the importance of education.
Another set of three day camps were based on the
“Free Being Me” Programme. Several activities
were carried out with the participants to make them
think of themselves positively. These activities
enhanced self-confidence of the participants. A
cloth painting competition was also organized
during the camps. 493 participated in these camps.
At three day camps focussed on “Together We Can
Change the World”, the participants expressed their
innovative ideas about playing their roles to change
the world and gave suggestions to build strong
cohesion amongst them. 500 girls participated in
these camps. Sessions on environmental
sustainability were also part of the camp.
Four day
camps
were held
on “Healthy
Sports
Activities”
which
included
co-
operative and healthy sports activities including
badminton, table tennis, throw ball, volleyball and
netball. Different teams of colleges and community
participated with 250 participants. Shields were
given to educational institutes and certificates and
medals were distributed among participants.
The Second International Camp for Myanmar
Girl Guides and Japanese Girl Scouts
At the end of December 2014, the 2nd
International
Camp for Myanmar Girl Guides and Japanese Girl
Scouts was held in Nay Pyi Daw, the capital of
Myanmar. 18 Japanese Ranger Girl Scouts (aged
15 to 18) and 45 Myanmar Girl Guides (aged 12 to
15) participated in the camp at the Sports Village
Gold Camp in Nay Pyi Daw. It was the first
residential camp. The programme included a
courtesy visit to Parliament, hygiene instruction for
children living in villages, learning knot tying and
handicrafts. Participants deepened their friendship
through these activities.

6. 6
April 2015
Participants' voices identified the success of this
international exchange and partnership of Member
Organizations as follows.
"The most impressive memory of the camp is not a
programme, but the fact that I realized how strong
the bond of the Girl Guide/Girl Scout movement
was. We sang the 'World Song' again and again, we
sang various songs and played games together. We
are from different countries and culture, but can be
connected with the same songs, promise and spirit.
I felt this bond at the various situations in the camp.
The sisterhood of Girl Guiding/Girl Scouting is very,
very strong not only within Japan, but worldwide. It
is amazing that even we, young people, can feel
and recognize the global connection. Now, I am in
Japan and I continue to be connected with the
friends I met at the camp. We sometimes enjoy
chatting, and sometimes discuss on a serious issue.
I reaffirmed that Girl Guiding/Girl Scouting is the
place where we can form relationships to share
every little thing."
Maho Kurozumi, Ranger Girl Scout, Troop 37 of
Kyoto Council
"I enjoyed this camp. I made new friends and met
Japanese Girl Scouts. I promise to share this
experience with the people around me. I had a
great time with Japanese participants. I also
enjoyed the camp fire. This was my first camp and I
experienced and learnt a lot. I would like to deliver
this experience to my friends and community.
Khin ThanDar Lin, Myanmar Girl Guides
"Once the camp started, it seems each day passed
in a moment. Every minute was wonderful and
concentrated, and I learnt a lot. Within that, I was
inspired to meet friends who work under the same
motto in the world. We had difficulty to understand
each other because of the difference of language.
But we worked together having the same motto, "Be
Prepared", and the same value "To work for others",
we enjoyed singing and dancing the same songs. It
was very impressive to see the sight. I could feel we
are the same Girl Guides/Girl Scouts, and we are
sisters. At the same time, the words 'together, we
can change the world' became more real and
familiar to me. Now, I strongly feel that I could
implement the words. I will start what I can do now
as one of 10 million members."
Kanako Hirosue, Ranger Girl Scout, Troop 62 of
Aichi Council
"I realized that we could feel the connection with
people from different countries and cultures, when
we share common song, activity, value, and so on.
And I found that 'sharing' produces a positive
power. I thank Girl Scouts of Osaka who made the
first step of this challenge with Myanmar."
Kiko Suzuki, Ranger Girl Scout, Troop 55 of Chiba
Council
"I would like to attend this camp again. My
knowledge was increased and I learnt how to work
in a structure. I could build friendship and learn
cooperation."
Myat Noe Eim, Myanmar Girl Guides
This camp was implemented with financial support
by the Tokyo Club, Mitsubishi UFJ Foundation, the
Kamenori Foundation, and the Friends of Asia
Pacific Membership Incentive project grant. We
sincerely appreciate their support. The 3
rd
International Camp for Myanmar Girl Guides and
Japanese Girl Scouts will be held in December
2015.
2nd
Guides Camporee, Pakistan
Pakistan Girl Guides Association organized the 2
nd
Guide Camporee during Eid-ul-Adha holidays from
3 to 6 October 2014 at Islamabad. “Living
Leadership Lifestyle” was the theme of the
Camporee. 154 Girl Guides from different regions of
Pakistan participated. The camporee focused on
enhancing knowledge about Girl Guiding,
leadership, life-skills and unity by promoting
diversity as strength in the community. During the
four day event, campers were engaged in different
Girl Guiding activities such as learning to create
different gadgets, tent-pitching, adventure trail,
outdoor cooking, hiking and campfire.
The campers
also attended
interactive
sessions by
renowned
speakers on
different
topics such
as goal
setting,
critical
thinking,
decision
making, leadership, healthy lifestyle and unleash
your potential.
“Camporee was a unique experience and it allowed
me to come out of my home town for the first time.
The overall experience has made me a better and
responsible citizen” said Amna Gul, participant from
Garam Chasmhma, Lower Chitral.

7. 7
April 2015
Mrs. Farhana Azim, National Commissioner,
Pakistan Girl Guides Association visited the camp
along with National Training Chairperson, Mrs.
Rukhsana Nazir and National Secretary, Mrs.
Tahira Ahmed. She appreciated the efforts to
promote the Girl Guide movement in Pakistan.
Girl Guides Australia goes to Cambodia
Joy Ord, State International Manager for
Queensland, Australia first visited Cambodia as a
participant in the VIDA program, a branch of
AusAid, in 2006 to work with the Girl Guides
Association of Cambodia (GGAC) for a period of
two years. Since then she has provided support and
assistance to GGAC each year with training
programmes and swimming lessons for youth and
adult members. Joy has also spearheaded a very
successful service project in Queensland to provide
water filters to Cambodia and Patrols in Australia
have raised funds to assist units in GGAC through
the recent Girl Guides Australia Ready for Action
International Service Project.
Over the 2014/15 New Year period Joy and a team
of Girl Guide Leaders and youth members from
Australia once again visited Cambodia Girl Guides.
They were involved in working with new leaders as
they undertook their basic leadership training in
Phnom Penh. This training was followed by a camp
at Kos Kong. The camp programme was planned in
consultation with GGAC.
Cambodian leaders and staff had to organize
holidays/time off work without pay to participate in
the training and camp but they were happy to do
this so they could offer the best programmes to Girl
Guides in Cambodia.
This was the first camp in Cambodia since 2011
when the Australian visitors organized the event.
Joy says: “The camp in Kos Kong was really quite
wonderful.
The
Cambodian
leaders
had put a
lot of
preparation
into this
and we
had a
varied
programme seeing “tourist” areas and doing camp
activities. The camp concentrated on Patrols – this
was a strong feature of the leadership training too.
The location of the camp was exciting for the
Cambodians as none of them had ever been to this
location before (and it is quite renowned for its
natural beauty). It is near the Thai border in the
west. Camping was outdoors and the location was a
property owned by a sibling of a previous Chief
Commissioner, Dr Sieng Huy.”
To ensure safety, the camp budget allowed for the
full-time hire of two local policemen. It was a great
PR and trust building exercise and the local police
chief visited one evening and even brought karaoke
for us all! The camp was a great success and was
very well managed.
Following the camp, home hospitality was provided
by Cambodian Girl Guide members. Everyone went
to enormous lengths to make the group as
comfortable and happy as possible. The Australians
are most appreciative of the generosity afforded
them by their hosts.
Joy looks forward to planning further trips to
Cambodia as there is so much for all to learn from
each other.
Momo goes to the world
Momo, a Japanese girl who is four years old, visited
Paris, France with her family and support staff. She
experienced global Girl Guiding/Girl Scouting and
inspired a lot of people she met. Momo is living with
a life-threatening illness, “Trisomy 18 Syndrome”.
Because of the severe disease and she is always
on oxygen, she cannot eat, talk, play, walk around,
and have an ordinary life like other kids. Trisomy 18
Syndrome is a chromosomal disorder, and the
majority of babies with the syndrome cannot
celebrate their first birthday.
Sakura (Momo’s sister) joined in Girl Scouting in
Osaka, and Momo also started joining in. Momo
enjoyed activities and experienced various things
she never had before.
A support organization for the family with a child
living with an incurable disease, "Giving Dreams to
Children with life-threatening illness and their
Families, Japan" (NPO) has been supporting
Momo’s family and providing opportunities to go
out. In 2014, the NPO received the International
"Stevie Award "for their dedicated works. They
asked Momo's family to attend the presentation
ceremony in Paris with a staff member. As Momo is
on oxygen this means that they always have to
prepare and carry oxygen tanks, and many other
luggage items. Even her doctor could not decide if
she could go or not until a few days before the
departure. Therefore, it was a very big challenge to
go to Paris for her family. But they made a decision!
And then, the NPO staff asked help from GSJ to
find an opportunity to meet with French Girl
Guides/Girl Scouts. GSJ requested help from the
Asia Pacific Regional Director and a WAGGGS
Global Trainer who just visited Japan for training,
and they made contact with the Europe Regional
Director. She asked the French associations to find
a group in Paris. The message to support Momo
was passed along and reached a French group. A
group of Girl Scouts/Boy Scouts raised their hand to
meet very young Japanese Girl Scouts, Momo and
Sakura. This is the Girl Guide/Girl Scout movement
and the sisterhood that lots of people cooperate
naturally just for a small girl across countries and
regions.
At first, the staff and family expected just to visit a
meeting of French Girl Scouts. But the plan was
expanded and both of them experienced a
wonderful exchange programme. The French

8. 8
April 2015
group visited the hotel to meet with Momo and her
family. They experienced Japanese culture,
traditional calligraphy. Then, they promised to meet
the next day as well and went to a campsite
together. Momo cannot camp out, but enjoyed the
outing with a lot of Girl Scout sisters. The difference
of language, culture and illness is not a problem for
them. Momo was smiling as many kids called her
name "Momo!", "Momo!" around her. Her sister
Sakura did not mind the difference in language at all
and put up a tent with friends and joined in
activities. Not one of the staff and chair of Momo
and Sakura's troop who supported the family can
speak French,
but they are
sure the girls
enjoyed
international
sisterhood and
thrilled with the
strong bond
that is Girl
Guiding/Girl
Scouting.
Momo came back to Japan in good health. Her
mother said, "We never expected the exchange
with French people. But we learnt from our children
that we could get over the difference of language
and culture." The staff of the supporting
organization said, "A little girl, 'Momo' provided me
and her family an unforgettable time. And it brought
us a power to get over the difference of language
and culture, to keep challenging, and a courage and
joy.”
Girl Scouts of Japan also reaffirmed the strength of
our sisterhood, and immediate response and
cooperation of the movement. We could see the
true value of Girl Guide/Girl Scout movement where
we respect each other including the diversity and
difference through this exchange. Momo, Sakura,
and her family, and sisters of their troop are looking
forward to seeing the French group again in
summer as they will visit Japan to attend the 23rd
World Scout Jamboree.
Philippine Trainers Gather for the 21st
National
Trainers Conference
100 certified trainers from the six regions of the Girl
Scouts of the Philippines (GSP) gathered at the 21st
National Trainers Conference themed “Shifting
Gears: Better Training Results” on 11 to 13
December 2014 at the Ating Tahanan National
Program and Training Center (ATNPTC) in Baguio
City. The three-day conference aimed to develop
21st
century-calibre trainers who move with
changing times and use new technologies and
approaches in training.
Keynote Speaker Prof. Virgel Binghay, Ph.D.,
Associate Professor and Coordinator of Graduate
Studies Program of the School of Labor and
Industrial Relations, University of the Philippines-
Diliman discussed “changing gears” in training by
using new trends, methods and techniques that will
produce better training results.
Giving full
support to
the training
event were
GSP National
President
Salud
Bagalso,
M.D. and
GSP National Executive Director Ma. Dolores
Santiago.
To strengthen camaraderie among the participants
and celebrate the yuletide season, a Christmas
“Glam and Glitter” party was held on the second
day of the conference. A half-day tour of Ben Cab
Museum and some places of interest in Baguio City
was held on the last day.
The closing ceremony was graced by Judge
Marybelle Mariñas, member, Asia Pacific Regional
Committee. In her closing message, she challenged
the participants not to rest on their laurels by
incessantly attending training programmes and
striving hard to attain the highest trainer certification
in the GSP.
Juliette Low Seminar – Sangam, India
DREAM. DARE. DO was a powerful theme for a
week long journey in leadership, self-discovery,
cultural learning and friendship. A giant banner
hanging from Sangam’s iconic water tower
challenged 50 young women from 47 countries to
become the leaders we want to be at the 2015
Juliette Low Seminar, held in India from 8 to14
February 2015.
The journey started with ‘dreaming’ of leaders of
yesterday, today and tomorrow, reflecting on how
we saw ourselves as leaders, and then testing our
leadership abilities by undertaking the Pune
Challenge. In groups of three they explored Pune
city, finding landmarks, learning about its history,
and trying to find lunch for 28 rupees each – the
amount of money someone living below the poverty
line in India has to live on each day.
From dreaming we started to ‘dare’, challenging
ourselves through physical and mental challenges
in and around Sangam. There was a stream of
abseilers off the Sangam water tower, an exercise
boot camp, snake petting, housecleaning, and
taking a local bus to a nearby town centre and
buying food. Some people even decided to do this
without talking. We also had the opportunity to visit
with some of Sangam’s community partners, to
witness first-hand the impact of those leaders who
did dare to make a change.

9. 9
April 2015
And then we were challenged to ‘do’, with the
opportunity to meet and discuss with a variety of
leaders their journeys and the steps they took to get
where they are – including a Skype interview with
the Chair of the World Board for WAGGGS, Nicola
Grinstead. We were introduced to the book and
documentary ‘Half the Sky’, which highlights the
exploitation of women in all corners of the globe.
We also got started on our action plans for how we
could implement our new found skills and
confidence at home.
But some of
the best times
were out of
session. One
of my
favourite
moments was
braving the
cool water of
the Sangam
pool to help teach another participant how to swim
during an afternoon break. I’ve never taught
someone to swim before, but my new friend
challenged herself just by putting on a swimming
costume. There was also learning about other
cultures, trying different foods, sari shopping and
singing happy birthday to other restaurant diners,
and being part of one of the best international
concerts ever. But all good things must surely come
to an end, and what better way to celebrate new
friendships and to finish another successful JLS
than by sharing our Guiding Light at a campfire.
Everyone holds the key to their future, they just
need to use it to unlock their potential.
Alllison Hooper, Girl Guides Australia
International Catholic Conference of Guiding
First Asia Pacific Regional Meeting held in the
Philippines
The International Catholic Conference of Guiding
(ICCG) held its first Asia Pacific regional meeting
with the Girl Scouts of the Philippines (GSP) from 4
to 8 December 2014 at GSP Helena Z Benitez
National Program and Training Center, Tagaytay
City, Philippines.
ICCG World Executive Catherine Faucher; ICCG
Mundial Chaplain Fr. Jean Luc-Depaive; and Chair
of ICCG Western Hemisphere Vicky Cuartas
facilitated the event which was attended by 39
members of the GSP volunteers and professional
staff.
The theme "To Dare the Promise: A Spiritual Path"
was developed through meditation, practical
workshops, sharing of experiences, testimonies and
lectures on the promise in the Bible and Guiding:
the support points for Christian education.
International
Commissioner
and ICCG GSP
Coordinator Dr.
Amelita Go
shared how
Catholic Girl Scouting with the ICCG could help in
the spiritual formation of GSP members. She
emphasized that it is GSP’s mission to produce not
just Girls, but humble Girls and ICCG could be that
foundation.
Community dancing and singing followed which the
guests – the Council Board of the Sangguniang
Laiko ng Pilipinas (Council of the Laity of the
Philippines) enjoyed.
ICCG is a partner of WAGGGS. The uniqueness of
the programme promoted by ICCG is in its
approach to the Girl Guiding/Girl Scouting
programme, as it brings a new dimension to it with
elements of spirituality from the Catholic
perspective.
World Centres
Sangam World Centre
Become a Tare!
Participate in our Community Programme at
Sangam World Centre and join our family as a Tare
(which means ‘star’ in Hindi)! Enjoy working with our
Community Partners while exploring India! There is
one full programme scholarship available for the
Asia Pacific Region for the 12 Week August
Programme, so contact your Member Organization
for more information!
Start your Community Programme story today by
watching this video: http://bit.ly/1sjpKTs
Save Our Pool
We are fundraising 40,000 GBP for our Swimming
Pool to be rebuilt! Have you bought a virtual
Sangam Swimming Pool Tile yet for 100GBP?
Find out more information click here:
http://bit.ly/savepool
Do you get the Sangelee Spirit?
Did you know that we also send out quarterly e-
newsletters? Sign up to get the Sangelee Spirit
today! http://eepurl.com/zoPaf
World Centres’ Mailing List
Sign up for the World Centres’ e-Newsletter! Sign
up here http://eepurl.com/EpYtf to receive all the
latest in World Centres news!
Friends of Asia Pacific
WAGGGS
The 2
nd
Australian Friends of
Asia Pacific WAGGGS (FAPW)
Gathering was held in
Melbourne from 30 November to
4 December 2014 to run parallel
with the Asia Pacific Region Conference for
Leaders of Girls. Friends joined the conference

10. 10
April 2015
participants for the Opening Ceremony and for the
International Night.
Members of FAPW in 10 countries – Australia,
Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Maldives, New
Zealand, Philippines, Sri Lanka and Taiwan –
enjoyed shopping excursions and outings that
showed them Melbourne and its surroundings,
gardens, and Australian native plants, birds and
animals.
At the Membership Ceremony, our Patron, HRH
Princess Azizah of Pahang, Malaysia presented
membership pins to 40 new and upgrading
members. Her Royal Highness was assisted by our
Founder, Dato Dr Juseon Byun. During this
ceremony the girls of the Girl Guides Victoria Choir
entertained us with their singing.
The Working Group of FAPW was pleased to make
some very special presentations. Two new Awards,
not membership levels, have been created in
recognition and appreciation of continued donations
to FAPW that have gone well beyond the Major
Donor membership level. The FAPW Silver Award
is presented to members whose donations have
totalled more than GBP 3,000 and the FAPW Gold
Award is given to those whose donations have
totalled more than GBP 5,000. Susan Locsin,
FAPW Working Group Chairman presented FAPW
Silver Awards to Junko Sato
(Japan) and to Annette Woo
(Hong Kong) and FAPW Gold
Awards to HRH Princess Azizah
and to Dato Dr Juseon Byun.
Another recipient of the FAPW
Gold Award, Mrs Doris Riehm of
the USA, was unable to attend
and other arrangements have
been made for her to receive the
Award pin.
Great Award awarded to Former Chairman of AP
Committee, Dr Juseon Byun, Korea
Dr. Juseon Byun was awarded the Great Award on
13 March 2015 at President Hotel in Seoul, Korea.
Some of
members of
FAPW Korea
including the
Chair's Team
attended the
Prize-giving
Ceremony to
celebrate her
receiving the
prize.
“Dr. Juseon Byun, Founder of FAPW, Former
Chairman of Asia Pacific Committee WAGGGS was
awarded the Great Award, "2015 Distinguished
Service Award" from Alumnai of College of
Education, Seoul National University on the 13th of
March for her outstanding services and funding for
Alumnai, and Community Service for many years.”
Congratulations Juseon on receiving the prize!
Rotary International Service Above Self Award
to Anne Scott, Australia
Anne Scott was awarded Rotary International’s
Service Above Self Award in March 2015. This is a
Rotary International Award and only 150 were
awarded globally this year.
Anne is the only one in the Melbourne Rotary
District to receive this award. It is considered one of
the highest awards which a Rotarian can receive.
Anne received this recognition for her work in
Africa, which combined both Rotary and Girl
Guiding, and also for all her work in Myanmar with
Girl Guiding and Rotary and the myriad of other
things which she has done for both organizations. In
the citation Girl Guiding got as many mentions as
Rotary.
Congratulations Anne!