UNICEF, Scout Association Partner to Strengthen Youth Skills Development

UNICEF Maldives and the Scout Association of Maldives have signed a partnership agreement to strengthen young people’s life skills, with a focus on digital safety, mental wellbeing, climate resilience and active citizenship.

Under the agreement, UNICEF Maldives’ TRAILs framework for developing young leaders will be incorporated into the Scout Association’s revised youth programme, including its learning modules, activities and training resources.

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The Scout Association is currently renewing its youth programme to better address the challenges young people face today. The partnership will support the development of skills including communication, critical thinking, teamwork, creativity, problem-solving, leadership, digital literacy and resilience through practical activities, community service and leadership opportunities.

The agreement also prioritises the development of three Scout badges: Mind Builders, Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) and Child Rights.

The badges will focus on adolescent wellbeing, preparing for emergencies, understanding children’s rights and encouraging young people to take positive action in their schools and communities.

The partnership will also strengthen training and support for Scout leaders to help ensure that children and young people across the Maldives, including those in the atolls, have access to quality learning opportunities.

UNICEF Representative to the Maldives Dr Edward Addai said the organisation looked forward to working with the Scout Association to support its development and equip young people to serve their communities and contribute to the country’s future.

Scout Association of Maldives Chief Commissioner Ismail Rifau said the partnership aimed to ensure that the organisation’s programme remained relevant to future generations, equipping Scouts with the confidence, skills, values and resilience needed to become responsible citizens and contribute positively to their communities.

The organisations said incorporating these competencies into the Scout Association’s systems, training programmes and educational resources would help sustain the initiative for future generations.