The Honorable Minister Melrose Hamilton, a distinguished representative of the Sierra Leonean government, presided over the official opening of the newly renovated multipurpose hall situated within the national headquarters of the Sierra Leone Scouts Association.
Founded in 1909 and admitted into the World Organization of the Scout Movement in 1964, the Sierra Leone Scouts Association is recognized as the official Scouting organization of Sierra Leone. It boasts a membership of 11,749 individuals, fostering coeducational participation as of the year 2011. In recognition of his exceptional contributions to the global Scouting community, Mr. Emile F. Luke was bestowed with the prestigious Bronze Wolf award by the World Scout Committee in 1971.
The Sierra Leone Scouts Association had the honor of hosting the 3rd West Africa Zonal Conference and Youth Camp, welcoming 75 Scouts representing nine West African nations. However, recent geopolitical disturbances have unfortunately disrupted Scouting activities and communication channels, resulting in a decline in membership and overall participation. In response to these challenges, the organization underwent a strategic rebranding initiative in the year 2014 to reinvigorate its mission and objectives.
To further strengthen its commitment to service, the Sierra Leone Scouts Association has actively engaged in strategic partnerships, implemented comprehensive training programs, and undertaken targeted recruitment initiatives, all aimed at bolstering its operational capacities and achieving its desired goals.
During the formal inauguration ceremony of the multipurpose hall, the Administrative Commissioner, Mr. Patrick J. Massaquoi, extended a warm and cordial welcome to all attendees. He acknowledged the generous donation of 11 hectares of land made by the Ministry of Lands to the association, emphasizing the government's unwavering support for the Scouting movement.
Representing the esteemed Vice President Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, the Minister of Social Welfare, the Honorable Melrose Hamilton, delivered a compelling address. In her remarks, she reiterated the government's steadfast commitment to supporting the Sierra Leone Scouts Association. Minister Hamilton assured the association that her office would remain receptive to any concerns raised and dedicated to addressing them promptly. Moreover, she pledged to prioritize addressing gender disparities within the organization while commending the transformative efforts undertaken by the SLSA executive team.
The inauguration ceremony, skillfully overseen by the Minister of Public and Political Affairs, the Honorable Amara Kallon, culminated in a solemn and heartfelt moment as longstanding Scouts from Sierra Leone and neighboring regions were presented with medals. These medals served as a tangible recognition of their unwavering dedication and commitment to the Scouting movement.
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