01 Oct 2020

Described as a definite tool for personal development, teachings offered through the scouting movement instil in young people a sense of need to be better, kind to others, and make sound decisions.

In Setswana culture, boys and girls used to undergo initiation schools, where they were taken through drillings as a passage from childhood to adulthood.

Not as popular as it was back then, some cultures continued with the tradition in the present time.

Since the country attained independence in 1966, the scout movements took active part in the celebrations as they entertained people and most of their activities and drama at such occasions bordered on promoting social value.

Looking at Kgosi Puso’s report on moral decay, there were concerns and realisation that the country’s value systems, both traditional and Christian, were being compromised and eroded by other values.

The report was also concerned about youth indiscipline, which observers said the scout movements, regiments or mephato through bogwera and bojale could be useful.

This was to say scout movements were still relevant as the country celebrates the 54th anniversary of independence.

The scout movements worldwide were formed to instil a sense of understanding among the youth.

With its origins traced to foreign countries, the scouting movement basically emulates the fundamentals of initiation schools premised on instilling discipline and a sense of responsibility in the young generation, as they prepare to journey into adult life.

Like any other modern world phenomenon, the Boys Scouts Movement has extended its services to the young children of the global village and its impact cuts across sectors.

Founded by a British native, Lord Baden Powell in 1907 it all began with an experimental camp at Brownsea Island.

Today, the movement has impacted and attracted more than 50 million young people and has a presence in close to 260 countries.

In relatable terms, Botswana Scouts Association (BSA) deputy commissioner, Mr Boikhutso Monametsi states that the first scout troop was formed in 1936 in Kanye.

Registration followed in 1974, as a non-governmental youth movement.

Troops in Botswana are estimated at around 26 000 and popularity among young people is increasing since they make 85 per cent of the membership.

Despite changes that resulted after gaining independence, Mr Monametsi says the movement remains relevant.

Its complexion of a voluntary, non-partisan educational movement for young people, Mr Monametsi says BSA, as it is the case with the movement worldwide, is open to all without distinctions of origin, race, creed, gender and social class.

“It exists to contribute to the education of the young people through a values system based on the scout promise and law, to build a better world where young people are self-fulfilled as individuals and play a constructive role in society.

It is the character building and the changing dynamics of scouting that makes it relevant even after a 100 years of existence.

Botswana Scouts Association takes pride in training and producing leaders who have over the years played a significant role in developing the country and leading communities,” Mr Monametsi observed.

Having experienced the benefits of scouting, and witnessing its positive change in the youth, Mr Monametsi says the movement continues to do what it can for the benefit of all.

Inspired by the national scout anthem: Bosele Masupatsela a Lefatshe la Botswana, Mr Monametsi says the movement introduced the Rover Section in 1983, solely for the purpose of serving communities in times of need, thus supporting their motto of service.

BSA takes pride in having the late Sir Seretse Khama, the maiden president, as the first Motswana chief scout and its first patron, the late Baledzi Gaolatlhe.

As a body that is focused in preparing the youth to overcome obstacles and be better equipped in life, Mr Monametsi says the country has over the years realised some positives from projects organised by the movement.

“In 2017 the Botswana Scouts Association ranked the second largest in terms of growth in the world.

We take pride in curbing indiscipline in schools, by conducting discipline and study boot camps.

I believe our efforts resulted in positive results in BGCSE that were celebrated by Matsha Senior Secondary School recently after moving from position 29 to being among the top four in the country,” states Mr Monametsi.

The movement is also involved in humanitarian aid and Mr Monametsi states that over the years, BSA has positively responded to national calamities, partnering with the Red Cross society in among other projects, rescuing flood victims and putting out veldt fires.

Being the largest voluntary movement focused on the development of young people, BSA in partnership with government, through the ministries of education has established clubs in schools.

Of recent, the scouting movement has partnered with UNICEF to develop young people.

Scout movement has proved to be an absolute tool for moulding youth outside the formal learning environment and also plays a vital role in all sectors of the economy.

“We have contributed immensely to promoting the tourism sector, by hosting the Southern Africa Zonal Conference in 2013 and 2017, the Southern Zone Rover moot

in 2016 and the Southern Africa Assistant Leader Training course in 2018,” says Mr Monametsi.

Even in the thick of COVID-19, Mr Monametsi is fixed that BSA remains a relevant force that appeals to young people, to play an active role in health matters.

“We engage the community to observe health protocols aimed at combating the pandemic,” he says.

BSA has not turned a blind eye to social ills as Gender Based Violence (GBV) that threaten the human race.

It has in fact, engaged members of the community on the matter. “We believe that if young people are empowered, GBV will be curbed.

The scouting policy of safe from harm and code of conduct condemn GBV.” Scout movements and other Setswana youth movement, regiment and mephato have been relevant and therefore are still relevant, they have been very helpful in building character, peer education and upbringing of children.

It is important therefore to reflect on these movements which have kept us together for years as we celebrate 54th year of our independence.ENDS