adminRay Bande
MANICALAND Scouts Association is set to join the rest of the scouting world in commemorating BP’s Day, a day marked to celebrate the birth of the founder of the scouting movement Lord Baden Powel.
The day is commemorated on February 22.
According to Manicaland Scouts Association chairman Mr Ernest Mungwari, this year’s commemorations are scheduled to be held in Rusape strategically to help boost scouting in Rusape on February 25.
Hundreds of scouts from different parts of the province are expected to throng John Cowie Primary School, where the commemorations will be held.
The scouts are expected to march from the bus terminus to John Cowie Primary School where they will gather and showcase various scouting activities.
The event is expected to be graced by dignitaries from the scouting movement, Ministry of Education and various respected members of the Rusape community.
The idea to hold the commemorations in Rusape was mooted by Mr Mungwari in his maiden speech of the year on January 14.
“We must promote scouting beyond Mutare. Manicaland is a big province and there are a lot of youthful people in rural communities and who are very much interested in scouting.
“One of the six strategic objectives of the World Organisation of the Scout Movement (WOSM) is “Diversity” and as a province we must take the strategic move towards diversity, we must embark on a massive outreach programme to encourage the disadvantaged children to take part in this adventurous game of scouting. To that effect we must take BP celebrations for this year to Rusape,” said Mr Mungwari at teh January 14 meeting.
True to his word, the plan was put onto the provincial calendar and will come to pass on February 25.
In an recent interview, Mr Mungwari said all schools in Manicaland are encouraged to take part in this programme which is aimed at showcasing scouting in Manicaland.
“We are delighted to be hosting this event in Rusape.
‘‘We are expecting all schools in Manicaland to take part in this programme which is aimed at showcasing scouting in Manicaland.
Robert Baden Powel was born in Britain on February 22 in 1885, he grew with his brother sailing and climbing mountains already showing his love for adventure.
He later joined the army and worked in Africa.
He came to Zimbabwe and worked in Matebeleland where he earned the nickname ‘Impeesa’ meaning “the lion that does not sleep” due to his night scout adventures.
In 1907 he founded scouting and published a book which was later revised to be named “Scouting for boys”.
Online Reporter