6 May 2008 by World Organisation of the Scout Movement
Tags: Why I am Speaking Out
World Scouting shares the mission of FXB International and its initiative to raise awareness about the plight of children orphaned by HIV/AIDS, encouraging Scouts across the globe to “raise their voice” for them.
World Scouting is one of the largest youth organisations and represents more than 28 million Scouts in 156 countries, with two thirds of its members living in developing countries.
Showing support for victims of the AIDS pandemic is in keeping with Scouting's principles and desire to make the world a better place. In fact, AIDS awareness is a key topic in many Scouting programmes around the world.
Scouts around the world have been playing a key role in the fight against HIV/AIDS for a number of years, leading the way in their communities through peer education programmes, awareness campaigns and activities, aiming to halt and begin to reverse the spread of HIV/AIDS, which is also in line with Millennium Development Goal 6.
Worldwide there are now 19 National Scout Organizations leading major projects focusing on HIV/AIDS as part of Scouting's Centenary 'Gifts for Peace' initiative. The majority of the projects are running in Africa, however there are also projects in Oman, Barbados and Malaysia.
Since 2007, Scouts have mobilised for World Orphans AIDS Day, organising events, activities and awareness campaigns to promote the initiative.
www.scout.org/en/information_events/news/2008/world_aids_orphans_day
