National Assembly of Vocational Scouts

(28/03/2013)

The Minister of Education, Mr. Phongthep Thepkanjana, chaired the opening ceremony of the 17th National Assembly of Vocational Boy Scouts and Girl Guides on 25 March 2013 at Wajirawuth Scout Camp in Sri Racha. A total of 5,000 scouts, girl guides and commanders took part in the event along with 50 other scouts and girl guides from other ASEAN countries.

The Education Minister said that the scout movement was a crucial element in human resources development for both students and ministerial executives. Even the curricula for executive development included the scout movement. Nowadays boy scouts and girl guides are having better opportunities because there is a national assembly every two years. This is a good chance for them to share knowledge, improve themselves and befriend other people.

Working in the modern world will be smooth and successful if we know many people and have many friends. So, besides honing one’s skills, one should have as many friends as possible. The Minister hopes that all the participants will strengthen their scout networks at this assembly. Moreover, the founder of the boy scouts, Lord Baden-Powell, once said, "Be prepared". Therefore, all boy scouts and girl guides should be well-prepared for any situation in the future.

Organized by the Office of the Vocational Education Commission (OVEC) from 23 to 29 March 2013, the 17th National Assembly of Vocational Boy Scouts and Girl Guides aims to create networks of ASEAN scouts and guides, broaden the horizons of students and prepare the country for the ASEAN Community. It also serves as a forum in which all participants can exchange knowledge, share their experiences and demonstrate their useful skills to others.

The major activities at the assembly include scout camp activities, life skills development, recreational games and pastimes which allow vocational students to learn how to live and work with others so that they are good people for society when they graduate.