Apac Scouts and Girl Guides Pledge to Use Skills Gained to Transform Their Communities.

By Hillary Opio Omara 

APAC DISTRICT -Learners from Apac Municipality who participated in a national Scouts and Girl Guides competition have pledged to use the practical skills and knowledge they acquired to improve their communities and protect their environment.

The learners say the camp not only strengthened their leadership,teamwork and survival skills but also gave them an opportunity to interact with young people from different parts of Uganda and visit places they had previously only heard about. 

Speaking to radio Q FM,Gira Chris,a Senior Two student at Arocha Seed Secondary School and leader of the Boys Scouts,said the experience broadened his understanding of the country while equipping him with valuable innovation and practical skills.

 He said the camp enabled him to visit places such as Mbende Army School,Lake Victoria and Hoima Stadium,describing the experience as an important opportunity to learn beyond the classroom.

 “The camp exposed us to different places and people,and we acquired practical and innovative skills that we can use in our communities,”Gira said.

Adongo Rachael,also a Senior Two student at Arocha Seed Secondary School and a Girl Guide,said she acquired practical skills in constructing wet pits and dry pits for collecting clean water.

She pledged to share the knowledge with members of her community to promote proper sanitation,hygiene and access to clean water.

Meanwhile,Mabopia Catherine,a pupil at Atudu Primary School,said the camp came with challenges,particularly cold weather and hunger,but the difficulties helped build their resilience and ability to cope with challenging situations. 

Arocha Seed Secondary School Headteacher Martin Elok pledged to establish bursary schemes to support learners in developing their talents while pursuing their academic education.

 He said practical programmes such as Scouting and Girl Guiding play an important role in developing discipline,leadership, creativity and life skills among young people.

The Apac Municipality Girl Guides were ranked 12th out of 25 participating districts and municipalities,a performance the learners and school authorities say demonstrates their growing commitment to practical learning and youth development. 

The participants have now pledged to put the skills gained during the competition into practice by supporting their communities, promoting environmental responsibility and sharing their knowledge with fellow learners.