President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere emphasized the significance of Scouting and Girl Guiding in fostering the mental, physical, and spiritual growth of youth during the opening ceremony of the 14th Fiji National Scout Jamboree in Sigatoka this week. The previous Jamboree took place in 2018, with the 2022 event being canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Ratu Wiliame noted that the scouting movement plays a crucial role in helping children develop constructive roles within society. He stated, “Scouting is founded on its Promise and Law. It encourages young individuals to acquire new skills, instill habits of lifelong learning, enhance their confidence and self-esteem, while having fun and engaging in outdoor activities.”
He added that Scouting serves as a recreational platform that promotes personal and social development, in line with the scout constitution, which seeks to nurture young people to reach their full potential—physically, intellectually, socially, spiritually, and emotionally—as responsible citizens.
Furthermore, he revealed that the Government has allocated $98,000 in the current budget to support various scouting initiatives, including this Jamboree, aimed at contributing to nation-building.