To provide appropriate leadership and management training for Volunteer Junior and Adult Scout Leaders in the Gambia scout Association and Restructure the current administrative structures and management processes within the Units to Hold regular and appropriate Unit and Patrol Leader Council meetings Involving all levels of the unit structures in decision making and Writing appropriate and relevant project proposals for implementation by the unit or patrols.

The Gambia scout association through the messengers of peace initiative organised a necessary and timely capacity building training for its Junior leaders, 50 patrol leaders and 50 unit leaders a total of 100 beneficiaries across the country. It focused on addressing and bridging the gap between the realities of running a Scout Unit (especially in rural Gambia) and the accepted standards in terms of best practices.

The greatest strength of the training was running the training besides a Patrol Leaders course since it was beneficial to both groups. This facilitated the availability of hands-on-task practice tasks where we expose trainees to real scouts and scouting through role play, simulation exercises and practical experiences. They used this target group to practice in real-time how to conduct unit meetings, PLC meetings, Program Planning etc.

Additionally, the use of experts in a joint forum for both Patrol Leaders and Unit Leaders trainees in the field of First Aid, Drug Abuse (National Drug Law Enforcement Agency), Sexual & Reproductive Health (Family Flanning Association), Child Abuse (Child Protection Allience), Illigal Migration (Immigration Department) and Road Safety & Community Policing (Gambia Police force). provided first hand positive experiences for the trainees.

OUTCOME

• Improved understanding of strategic management of the GSA through better implementation, monitoring and evaluation.
• A better understanding of the need to improve financial management and adherence to acceptable financial procedure at the different levels of the unit and groups.
• Improved knowledge on resource mobilization for all levels.
• Better understanding of the running of a more democratic and transparent Units, groups and scouting districts evidenced by adherence to the constitution.
• Improved management of the movement at grassroot levels evidenced by the existence of wellfunctioning Unit Leaders.
• Improved capacity of the unit leadership to mobilise resources and support activities at unit level.
• More Scout groups led by trained leaders who are able to guide Scouts in selected community involvement projects such as HIV/AIDS, community development or Messengers of Peace education programs etc.
• Increase understanding of Scouting and the Scout Method.