Headquarters Baden Powell House Membership 4550 | Location Trianon Founded 1971 incorporated 1976 | |
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The Mauritius Scout Association is a Scouting organisation in Mauritius. The association was founded in 1971 and became a member of the World Organization of the Scout Movement (WOSM) in 1971. The coeducational association had 2,782 members (as of 2010).
Contents
History
In 1912, 17 year old Samuel Blunt de Burgh Edwards formed the first patrol of Scouts in Mauritius and later became the first leader. He is regarded as the founder of Scouting in Mauritius. A number of Scout troops developed. In 1913, The Boy Scouts Association of the United Kingdom established its Mauritian Local Association which became its Mauritian Branch. This branch consisted of different affiliated associations, separated by faiths.
Upon the independence of Mauritius in 1968, two reports were launched to ensure the development of Scouting in Mauritius. In 1971, The Mauritius Scout Association was constituted as an autonomous organization and single successor to The Scout Association's Mauritian Branch and the different religious Scout associations. The association was admitted to WOSM in the same year. The association was incorporated in 1976.
Program
The aim of the Mauritius Scout Association is "to encourage the physical, mental, social, emotional and spiritual development of young people so that they may take a constructive place in society". Self-reliance, service and adventure and Scoutcraft are major features of the program. Proficiency badges are divided into four categories, interest, pursuit, service and instructor.
Most Scout groups are sponsored by religious bodies, schools, colleges, and others institutions. All Scouts help during religious processions, regardless of creed, and carry sick people at the Fête Annuelle des Malades (Annual Festival of the Ill).
Community services including helping to evacuate flooded areas during cyclones, assisting in refugee centers, cleaning roads and repairing houses. Scouts are also involved in a variety of community development projects.
Sections
The association is divided in four sections:
Scout Law, Promise and Motto
As most Mauritians speak French, the French versions of Scout Law, Promise and Motto are more frequently used than the English ones. Both versions are part of the association's constitution.
The Scout Motto is Toujours Prêt or Be Prepared.