by Kim Joseph, 1st Boksburg Cub Scouts

When I saw that there was training being given for Dialogue for Peace, my first thought were” how can I be an ambassador for peace “and went on with my day, Then my SGL sent me the link to sign up for the training too, which intrigued me. I decided to sign up not really expecting to be chosen after all I am a pack scouter and work with little people. Wondering how this training could be used in the pack.

I have to say I was not expecting Kathleen to be so young, However, I found her youth refreshing, Kathleen took me out of my comfort zone, Firstly using all these online tools, the Mural walls are so easy to do…. Once you get the hang of it. Teams also slight learning curve with little hiccups like while on your phone you can’t message but if you use the laptop no problem.

One of the disadvantages of online that I found was, I was so focused on the material I did not get to know the other people, especially as they did not use their camera functions. I did know of a few people I had met in previous training, but it’s not the same. Some people had issues with their connection, while other people had excellent reception and when they spoke we could hear every sniff and breath they took.

Some advantages of online training, people from all over South Africa join in on the training, so we had a great diverse group. The guest speakers from different countries were excellent too. About the content, I have already used what I learned on day one at work the very next day. As we live and work in a wonderfully diverse society I have a lady who sits next to me and who (by her own confession and words ) “Can like to be loud” I got the opportunity to explain to her and the other person involved, just because they are speaking louder and louder does not mean that they are angry but it’s how they express themselves and there is no need to get upset or angry with each other and explaining to her (the load lady) that some people may misinterpret her passionate speaking as something else.

I hope to use my new skills as a facilitator in the scouting community perhaps as I move into adult training, or as a committee member as well as in my professional career, But I will use what I have learned firstly and foremost for my little people they may only be cubs but if I can teach them how to communicate and share ideas, listen to each other and open their minds to our wonderfully diverse country, then it will all be worth it.