SCOUTS South Africa joined the global Safe from Harm campaign in May again to shine a light on the importance of safeguarding and creating safe spaces — physically, emotionally, and mentally — for everyone. The Safe from Harm Week offered Scouting members throughout SA the opportunity to reflect, learn, and take action around “Building a Safe from Harm Culture.” At the annual Gauteng Scout Region's Kon-Tiki raft competition in Johannesburg, SCOUTS South Africa formally launched World Scouting’s ‘Listening Ears' concept for all its large Regional and National events. On the Friday evening we were honoured to welcome Dr. Najat Maalla M’jid, the Special Representative of the UN Secretary General on Violence Against Children and Ms. Makiba Yamano, Child Protection Coordinator at UNICEF South Africa. Both UN Officials were interested to hear about the safeguarding measures introduced by SCOUTS South Africa to keep both adults and youth members ‘Safe from Harm’ whilst engaged in their Scouting activities. "Listening Ears play an important role, providing a compassionate ear to anyone in need of assistance, creating a safe space to deal with an individual’s personal needs or emotional or psychological challenges. The framework equips Scouting volunteers with the knowledge and resources for supporting young people at these events. It also adds a further dimension and strengthens our existing safeguarding policies and procedures", explains Chief Commissioner Gary Pienaar.