Editorial

The World Organisation of the Scout Movement marks its first centenary and heralds the start of the second century of its existence with a "scouting sunrise" today. Members of the Scouting Association of Malta gathered on the Granaries, in Floriana, in the early evening yesterday and remained there overnight to renew their scout promise at eight this morning together with the rest of the World Movement.

Malta joined the worldwide international scouting movement very early in its history. Scouting started here soon after the famous first scout camp on Brownsea Island, off the English coast, conducted by Lord Baden-Powell, its founder, in August 1907, when the first-ever overseas troop of the Scout Association of the United Kingdom was set up in Sliema, the 1st Sliema Scout Troop. Malta remained an intrinsic part of the UK Scout Association until 1966 when the Scout Association of Malta was formally established. Today, the association has grown to four scout districts, including one in Gozo, about 40 scout groups and some 2,700 uniformed members, boys and girls.

In the 100 years of its existence, the Scout Association of Malta can look back with pride at its notable contribution to Malta's history, development and well-being. In World War I, scouts volunteered for duty as interpreters, coastal watchers and for service in hospitals and other military support establishments. In World War II they performed similar duties , being awarded the Bronze Cross in recognition of their courage and devotion to duty in the face of continuous enemy action.

In the words of Lord Baden-Powell, shortly before his death in 1941, the Maltese scouts had shown "pluck, the spirit of fearlessness and patriotism in facing danger with a smile and sticking it out to the triumphant finish".

But the over-riding value of the Scout Association of Malta has lain in the outstanding contribution it has made to the character formation, leadership and qualities of self-reliance of countless young citizens. The qualities of self-discipline, self-sufficiency, teamwork and comradeship have been instilled in thousands of young Maltese and these qualities have been invaluable to the development of civil society. Which employer has not sought these characteristics among his job applicants and found them - to his delight - among those boasting a scouting background?

The basic skills of map reading, team building, love of countryside and cultural heritage, among others, are imbued in scouts from an early age. The Din l-Art Helwa cultural heritage badge and the environmental badge are just two of the many areas of knowledge that scouts can develop, which have a direct relevance to enhancing the quality of life of the community of which they form a part. First aid and life-saving are other practical skills that benefit all members of society.

The young people who go through the various stages of the scouting ladder - as beavers, cub scouts, scouts, venture scouts and rover scouts - develop a rounded ethos of service, citizenship and community responsibility that is probably unmatched by other youth organisations. The President's Award Scheme, whose challenges the scouts are well prepared to meet and for which they enter, is another.

In a world where the here-and-now reigns supreme among so many youths - at times with tragic consequences - such qualities and preparation are a godsend.

The Scout Association of Malta is to be congratulated on its achievements. Long may it continue to honour its motto: Be Prepared.