Malta Girl Guides national conference

The Malta Girl Guides Association held its national conference on December 4 at the Corinthia San Ġorġ, St Julian’s. Council members, leaders and young leaders got together and participated in the conference.

The programme started off with a speech by Commander Jane Moraski Matson, attaché, Affairs Office for the US Navy. In the US, Girl Guides are known as Girl Scouts and Cdr Moraski was also a Girl Scout when she was young.

She said she still remembers her Girl Scout leaders and how they cared for her and influenced her. She talked about how the smallest of actions from Girl Guides leaders can leave a lasting impact on the girls they mentor and that this aspect should give leaders more enthusiasm and drive to make a difference in these girls’ lives.

After a brief review on the previous guiding year, the conference then moved on to exploring partnerships and their importance in any organisation.

The World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts believe in partnerships and how they can help increase much needed resources and enhance skills.

Glen Cachia, from the Malta Red Cross, discussed how partnerships between the two associations could help support each other and reach both associations’ goals with regards to advocacy and awareness.

Next year being the European Year of the Volunteer shows the importance of volunteering and the need for aid to be given to these NGOs to further their work and make a difference in the world around them.

Forward planning was also discussed, including the ‘Strategic Plan until 2013’, which was launched and discussed with the leaders.

For the Malta Girl Guides, this year will focus on strengthening partnerships and providing opportunities and the confidence needed for their members, and leaders to grow and always be women on track.

For more information, visit www.maltagirlguides.com, e-mail info@maltagirlguides.com or call 9992 2888.