Dodoma, Tanzania: The Tanzania Scouts Association marked its 100th Anniversary of Scouting at a Centenary Jamboree held in Dodoma from 21-29 July 2017. The Jamboree which was attended by 4,200 Scouts, Scout Leaders, volunteers, partners and friends of Scouting drawn from all provinces of Tanzania and beyond took place at the University of Dodoma grounds. At the opening ceremony the President of the United Republic of Tanzania H.E. Dr. John Pombe Maghufuli was represented by the Vice-President Hon Samia Suluhu Hassan. In a speech read on his behalf, the President congratulated the Scouts of Tanzania and their leaders for 100 years of continuing to build and nurture good values ​​and fighting bad morals in the society saying, "I will feel good about working with you in building our young people with knowledge, raising them on the basis of patriotism, leading them to confidence in order to eventually create a nation of good people as much as possible.” The President also emphasized on the need for introduction of projects that would stimulate youth empowerment and help the country cope with unemployment. He further appealed to parents to allow young people to join a the Scout movement. The Africa Scout Regional Director, Frederic Kama-Kama who was at the ceremony reckoned that the celebrations were a tribute to all leaders, volunteers and supporters of the movement, whose contributions in form of time, resources, and expertise have seen Tanzania Scouts Association through this century. He also thanked the Government of Tanzania for providing a conducive environment for Scouting to thrive in - observing that his has been a partnership that has seen millions of Tanzania’s children and youth benefit from the educational programmes of the Scout Movement; many of whom have gone on to serve their people and their country in different capacities. “Scouting exists solely because of you - young people. I therefore encourage you to take advantage of the opportunities and experiences the Scout programme offers you. It is allows you to learn ing by doing so that you will be able to meaningfully gain and, hence, be empowered to be of good service to others, your country and yourself. Scouting’s impact in the community will only be felt by results of the good turns you do every day,” said the Regional Director. In a congratulatory message to the Scouts of Tanzania, the Secretary General of the World Organization of the Scout Movement, Ahmad Alhendawi said that, “the celebration of your centenary is a re-affirmation of how the universal foundation of Scouting and the Scout educational programme continues to unite and empower young people worldwide, generation after generation.” “As you begin the new century of Scouting in Tanzania, I urge you to engage deeply in dialogue on how to better grow the Movement, further promote the importance of Scouting’s non-formal education in young people, and to strengthen and affirm Scouting's involvement as part of the “solution” to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals,” he added. The week-long Centenary Jamboree, whose goal overall theme was to ‘“Strengthening Scouting in Tanzania,’ ” was a celebration of the international Scout friendship as exemplified by the many nationalities that were represented. It was also an opportunity for sharing and learning through the many activities that had been organized for the Scouts. Through these activities the participants got a chance to learn and be nurtured in different areas. Ultimately, the lessons and experiences from the Jamboree should help to instill a deeper sense of patriotism in our young people, and encourage them to work hard for the country’s and for their own development. Since the founding of the movement in Tanzania in 1917, Scouting has continued to play a key role in the education and development of young people in the country. By joining the World Organization of the Scout Movement (WOSM) in 1963, Tanzania Scouts Association became a member of a value-based, global movement committed to the empowerment of young people and the creation of a better world. Over the years, the membership of Scouting in Tanzania has grown from about 850 members during the country’s independence in 1961 to over 530,000 members as at December 2015. To more about Scouting in Tanzania please visit http://www.scout.org/tanzania or http://tanzaniascout.org/