Youth learning - empowered individuals, global citizens

Today I attended special interest group on "youth learning" which was presented by Eduard Vallory, Visiting Scholar at New York University, USA, who was the past Commissioner of Catalan Scouting.  He has done in-depth research into how Guiding and Scouting has contributed and still contributes to structuring the personality of yesterday's and today's youth toward local and global citizenship.  He is the author of the book "World Scouting - Educating for Global Citizenship"

In the session he outlined how the basis of education in the guiding and scouting movements has concentrating their method on "learning by doing" and "developing the desire to learn" as being key to the success of our work, and how leading teacher-training institutes are keen to incorporate this model.

He discussed the need for and importance of identity, but the equal need to be cautious for it to be a means and not the end goal.  He also developed his discussion into the difference between being an movement as opposed to an organisation and the need for caution so that the organisational aspects do not "take over" from the vision and forward-moving requirement to meet the needs of our young people, which are ever-changing.  We need to be careful not to fall back into our traditions, ceremonies, badges, identity at the risk of holding back progress and movement forward.  However, it was both interesting and somewhat comforting when he could quote words of Robert Baden Powell which shows that we are still clearly operating within his vision, if not within his practical methods!

Another interesting point that was developed was the discussion around the different types of discrimination: religious, race, gender, sexual orientation and how these are prevalent all over the world.  However, it is only gender discrimination which crosses all borders of country, race and religion, and is the most prevalent.

His presentation clearly showed the importance of the guiding and scouting movements to be voluntary and independent and how these particular aspects have really helped young people develop into good citizens both within their community, country and globally, and he was able to draw on examples.

Whilst the attendees at this group session were in different places with their education needs within Guiding and Scouting, there was much to learn for everyone!  

I think I may well be purchasing the book......