The World Organization of the Scout Movement (WOSM) counts more than 40 million members, young people who regularly and consistently respond to humanitarian crises, help to mobilize and educate affected persons and participate in disaster preparedness, response and rebuilding efforts.
The Scouts are active partners of the World Humanitarian Summit and part of the Summit’s Youth Working Group.
On 25 April, a powerful 7.9-magnitude earthquake struck Nepal, leaving a devastating trail of destruction in the vast Himalayan nation. Currently, more than 7,500 have perished, with over 14,500 injured and eight million displaced. The nation has suffered costly damages to infrastructure that will take years to rebuild.
The Nepal Scouts have been at the forefront since the beginning, supporting the military, police and emergency services in their massive aid operation. Two Nepalese Scouts have been quoted as saying, “We are helping them in every way we can… We were also scared but we thought we should do something to help…” despite being victims themselves.
They have been tireless. Images of Scouts rescuing victims trapped in rubble, retrieving dead bodies, treating the injured, coordinating the distribution of relief items and comforting victims have been prominent on social media channels.
They continue to serve, despite risking life and limb. Aftershocks and tremors continue to assail the nation, and international aid agencies have warned of a serious outbreak of diseases in the aftermath.
Scouts from Bangladesh, India, Indonesia and Thailand have stepped up and chipped in – working shoulder to shoulder with their fellow Scouts in the intensifying rescue and relief operations, and contributing the much needed food, shelter, medical and hygiene supplies. Scouts worldwide have also reached out by sending messages of hope and contributing $32,741.94 to World Scouting’s #ScoutAid #Nepal fund.
“We did as much and as best as we could. We are Scouts and we should always be prepared to carry out our duty to others,” shared a Nepalese Scout.
It is, without a doubt, that Scouts will continue to be part of the recovery and rehabilitation efforts for months, or even years to come, serving their community in times of need in the hope of creating a better world.
- Read more about the Scouts on their website and follow them on Facebook.
- Find out more about the World Humanitarian Summit Youth Working Group and how to join them.
Comments