As a representative from Fiji Scouts Association to the 8th International Youth Gathering at Sharjah,UAE I had a wonderful time with scouts all over different nations. A meet to thank the youth, the love for scouting, strengthening brotherhood, participate in youth forum, visit and discuss the beauty of United Arab Emirates, know and share each others culture and also to see and make plans for  scout curriculum. 

The 8th Sharjah International Scout Gathering

“Sharjah the world capital of Book”
Sharjah, United Arab Emirates

To begin with    the main objective of the gathering was to strengthen ties of friendship and brotherhood among the participants from all over the world. Capacity building of the participants and encouraging them to exchange their cultures. Also being introduced to the importance of reading and lastly being introduced to the landmarks in Sharjah governorate as buildings established, traditional houses, squares and government offices, the different museums, universities and scientific and cultural bodies.

120 rovers from 82 countries were gathered in the youth congregation. It was a great experience as scout youth leaders from different countries shared their views and ideas as how scouting can be done in more better ways especially in regards to peace.

Rovers from all over the world started arriving in Sharjah from 29th January and this was a great opportunity to know each other well before the official programme started.

The camp was divided into 4 groups; Forgiveness, Peace, Unity, and cooperation. Tents were shared by 3 participants from different countries.

The official programme started on 1st of February. The programme was led by Arab Region and organizing committee. Objectives, programs and working methods were discussed. Ice breaking activities and grouping were done later. Participants presented their presentations on reading and its importance in nation building. They also introduced their country.  In the later part of the day participants were setting up the sub camps and fun activities were done.

The second day began with the presentations which was done in groups. The participants were divided into 2 groups. Presentations continued till6:00pm. In the evening participants visited Sharjah city. Cruising, shopping, view of Sharjah city from the ferry’s wheel, singing and dancing made the visit more fun and interesting. Sub camp activities continued after the tour till 11.:00pm.

Participants were taken out to the landmarks of Sharjah from day 3. The places that we visited are as follows:

1. ALHAMRIA RESORT

This was one of the interesting visit of the gathering. Participants were engaged in different aquatic activities such as rowing, diving, cruising and sailing.

Sub camp activities continued after the tour.

2. KALBA CENTER FOR PREY BIRDS

Rovers were given the opportunity to visit the zoo and bird show. It was an amazing experience knowing the different types of birds and animals in UAE.

In the evening all the participants were told to prepare documents, plays, videos, pictures and presentations on the visit so far.

3. BOOK AUTHORITY & VISIT TO MANUSCRIPTS IN ALQASIMIA UNIVERSITY

Participants were gifted books from the Sharjah library. It was another great day at the university. Rovers were lectured on different types of books, cultures, traditions and people of United Arab Emirates.

The day ended with folkloric evening.

4. KHALIFA TOWER AND DUBAI MALL

The most awaited moment was the visit to khalifa tower; the tallest building in the world. We were so fortunate to visit this place. The participants’ learnt a lot of things about the building.

5. GLOBAL VILLAGE

Another great experience to see the many different countries together.

6. DESERT SAFARI

One of the best moment of the programme.It was indeed an interesting adventure.

7. ASTRONOMICAL SCIENCES CENTER

An education visit. The participants asked a lot of questions about earth and weather and it was wonderfully answered by the officials from the center. A lot of things about science was been delivered to us.

It was an honour for all the rovers to meet His Highness, H. E. Sheikh Dr. Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qassimi, the governor of Sharjah. The international evening gave us an opportunity to share ideas, views, documents,scout curriculum,books,food,badges,scarves,stories about each other’s country.

To conclude the gathering overall was a great learning experience for each and every rover from the different parts of the world.  The youth forum gave everyone an opportunity to speak out their mind and share the importance of reading and the steps their countries are taking to encourage reading. Also to make a difference in the world through scouting.

I also got a chance to meet the officials, volunteers and teachers from Sharjah and constructive discussion was done on MOP activities, Scout curriculum in schools and culture exchange programs.