Official newsletter of the Asia Pacific Region of the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS).

1. everybody welcomed me and made me
feel at home. It was a totally different
experience for me, travelling so far from
my country and for five months. For a
girl like me, who is from one of the
poorest countries in the world, to enter
the United Kingdom with full sponsorship
is very rare and difficult. Pax Lodge
provides food and accommodation to all
Experience at a volunteers.
World Centre There is always a positive and negative
part of any experience but at Pax Lodge
I-M Possible, from Nepal to UK it is more
Prerana Shakya, a Scouter from Nepal what I have
Scouts volunteered at Pax Lodge last gained
year. She writes: “I’ve been a Girl Scout through it. I
in Nepal since I was 11 years old. It is explored
sad to know that there are so many London, I
opportunities for Girl Guides and Girl learned so
Scouts that WAGGGS is offering and many things
very few seem to utilize them. I never about
knew about this before I was selected international relations, and I developed
from my country to volunteer at Pax friendships with girls from all around the
Lodge, London, one of the WAGGGS four world. I developed understanding
World Centres. The other World Centres between people from different countries
are Our Chalet in Switzerland, Our who have their own culture and lifestyle.
Cabaña in Mexico and Sangam in India. It is very true that no matter how
different we are according to our culture
Pax Lodge and the other World Centres and living, after all we are girls and
welcome volunteers from all around the somehow we have similar feelings and
world to use this opportunity to explore, that is how we easily understand each
meet different people and learn skills. It other.
is totally related to the WAGGGS Mission
which is: "to enable girls and young I had tiring and hard times doing
women to develop their fullest potential housekeeping; working in the kitchen
as responsible citizens of the world". and long day duties but it also provided
me with an opportunity to meet eminent
I was at Pax Lodge from 1 June to 31 people like Princess Benedikte of
October 2008. The day I entered Denmark and the granddaughter of Lord
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R:Asia PacificPublication and PromotionLink News2009JanAsia Pacific Link News January2009Finaldoc.doc

2. January 2009
Baden-Powell. I also developed public Zealand as a Zone manager, assisting
relations with lots of other members of volunteer Regional and District co-
WAGGGS which will help me in the ordinators in their leadership of other
future. volunteers in their local areas. This had
been a rewarding position where I was
Pax Lodge has changed my life and I directly involved in facilitating change
encourage more Girl Guides and Girl within a Member Organization especially
Scouts from the Asia Pacific Region to in how the organization supports new
experience this rare opportunity. I want volunteer leaders joining the Movement.
to tell everyone that: "nothing is
impossible since impossible is I M In my volunteer leadership roles over
POSSIBLE" so just go for it and see how the last 15 years I have had the
your life changes after volunteering at opportunity to lead girls of all ages in
Pax Lodge and any of the other World their unit programmes, organizing
Centres.” camps and fun activities, and providing
training opportunities for their leaders. I
From 1st Asia Pacific Young Leader also had the opportunity to work with
Scholarship winner to Deputy World young women and represent them on
Centre Manager regional and national committees within
GirlGuiding New Zealand.
Maia Faulkner, a 32 year-old member
from New Zealand, is currently working The opportunities that I have had in
as Deputy World Centre manager - GirlGuiding have helped shape who I am
Guest Services at Pax Lodge. She writes today. The experiences I have had both
on her experience as a Volunteer at Pax within and external to the Association
Lodge: have led me to my new role at Pax
Lodge. Working at a World Centre has
“I had always dreamt about visiting already provided me with new
again (or volunteering or working at) a challenges and I look forward to working
World Centre ever since I attended and as a member of the Pax Lodge team. My
really enjoyed a Juliette Low Seminar at only disappointment is that I didn’t take
Pax Lodge in 1998. The theme had been up this type of opportunity earlier. I
‘Building World Citizenship’ and the encourage you all to seek out
topics covered and opportunities opportunities to work or volunteer at a
provided had made me want to World Centre and experience everything
experience more of what Girl Guiding each of them has to offer.”
had to offer. New Zealand, however, is
so far away from India, Mexico, Inspiring times as a
Switzerland and the United Kingdom World Centre
that my dreams had never become a Manager
reality.
Sally Thornton who
I had had the opportunity to travel to worked at Sangam for
other places in the Asia Pacific Region as six years as World
the Inaugural Asia Pacific Young Leader Centre Manager shares
Scholarship winner in 2002 but was her experience. Sally
unable to get to Sangam, which had writes:
always been a disappointment to me.
However now all those dreams have "I have had an amazing journey in the
come true! Recently I moved to London past six years. I have travelled to
when I was appointed to the role of different continents and countries and
Deputy World Centre manager: Guest met and worked with fabulous people
Services at Pax Lodge. Before taking up both young and old - words fail to
this role I had experienced Girl Guiding describe what this experience has
in a Member Organization, both as a meant! I have had such incredible
volunteer and as a staff member. I had opportunities to meet and work with
been employed by GirlGuiding New volunteers and staff of WAGGGS from all
2

3. January 2009
regions but in particular having been Please see their website for more
able to work in my own Region of Asia information and details of how to apply -
Pacific has been a wonderful experience. http://paxlodge.wagggsworld.org
The community projects and outreach The Asia Pacific Region has not been
programmes from our World Centre represented at all at Our Cabaña. Why
have taught me so much. As I have not be the first volunteer?
touched the lives of many young (http://www.ourcabana.org).
women, so they have touched mine. I
have found inner peace, experienced all Information on Our Chalet can be found
of the major religions, their festivals, at http://www.ourchalet.ch.
culture and fun, ridden an elephant,
camel and a yak! I have come to enjoy Further information on volunteering can
the spicy, flavoursome food of India and be found in the September 2008 edition
will certainly miss the variety and tastes. of AP Link News.
I have tried homeopathy, meditation,
channelling, ayurveda, Indian
Christianity, Tarot cards, yoga and so
much more!
WAGGGS’ goals
I have learned to appreciate the world at Goal 1 – Leadership
large and what being an Australian really
means. I have had various battles but
Development
through it all have had a fabulous time
Members of Girl Guides Australia
and I would do it all over again.
Inc. receive Rainbow skills award
Generally the Indian people and families
in particular are so warm and
welcoming. I have had a huge extended The first ACT Ranger Guides to gain the
family here at Sangam and in the Rainbow skills award, Hannah and Jacqui
community – there are so many people Coleman, were presented with the award
here doing amazing things to try and by ACT Chief Minister Jon Stanhope.
improve the lives of those around them. They were congratulated on their
They are truly an inspiration!" achievements in environmental
awareness, innovation, self-reliance,
self-discipline and teamwork. It took the
Grant opportunities girls about a year to secure the award.
Like other World Centres, Sangam Based on the colours of the rainbow, the
welcomes volunteers from the world, difficulty at each level increased.
especially from Asia Pacific Region and Activities included learning to prepare a
have grants to support volunteers meal for 40 people and a trip to the
working in Sangam. For further unicycling world championships in
information please go to Denmark.
http://www.sangamworldcentre.org or
contact dwcm@sangamworldcentre.org. If you want more information about the
rainbox programme, visit Girl Guides of
If you would like to volunteer, Pax Lodge Australia website:
is currently seeking new volunteers for http://www.girlguides.org.au/
2009. They are looking for two Event
assistants, a Marketing and Public
Relations volunteer and an Office
volunteer to assist in their summer Pakistan runs skills training for peer
months for 2009. educators
Over 200 Guide Patrol Leaders and
Senior Guides received training to work
3

4. January 2009
as peer educators. The training focused Thirty-two participants attended a
specifically on empowering girls to be national training workshop for trainers
more confident, informed and skilled in entitled ‘Soaring High’ at the Islamabad
understanding projects on children’s National Training Centre from 24 July to
rights, reproductive health and health 3 August. Objectives included building
issues. Workshops and brief seminars capacity of Provincial Trainers and
were conducted in the different districts Leaders, promoting non-formal methods
of Punjab by Guide trainers and of Guiding and the Movement and
instructors from other NGOs. understanding the international
dimensions of Girl Guiding.
Sofia Ikram
a Girl Guide From 10 to 11 October a national
from workshop for policy makers was
Governmen organized to help them gain a better
t Girls High understanding of strategic planning as a
School Noor tool and to share how to market the Girl
Pur 122/J.B Guide programme and learn more about
Millat Road succession planning.
Faisalabad noted: “Training in life skills
is very good for girls as it teaches them Finally, two
how to react in different situations Guiders and 16
especially in the class/school”. Junior Guides
from three
districts of ICT
1st Brownie Camp held by Penang
Branch attended
Branch of Persatuan Pandu Puteri
a three-day
residential holiday camp for Junior
As part of the ‘2008 - Year for Cadet,
Guides at Girl Guides national
Undergraduate and Adult Guides:
Headquarters Islamabad. The Theme of
Building Esteem in Young Women,’ 70
the Camp was ‘Healthy, wealthy and
members of the Penang Branch of
wise’’.
Persatuan Pandu Puteri, Malaysia took
part in the first camp for Brownies in
Juvenile Leadership Camp held
August 2008. The camp was held at the
Water Sports Centre in Tanjung Bungah,
Girl Scouts of Taiwan held a two-day
Penang.
Juvenile Leadership Camp 2008 at the
Girl Scouts Training Centre in Taipei
Activities
County from 1 to 2 November. More
included
than 90 participants joined in the camp,
performance,
which was designed for Brownies, Scouts
statue
and elementary school students aged 10
dancing, song
to 12 years-old.
sessions and
games
The aim of the camp was to discover
throughout
their fullest potential as future leaders
the night. Girl
by improving their observation,
Guides improved their leadership skills
responsibility and creativity through
by taking care of the Brownies during
reaction training, brainstorming and
the camp. Many Brownies also gained
group discussions. A peace angel
confidence and became more
competition was carried out during the
independent following their participation
camp where each participant introduced
in the camp.
themselves in English and then
Pakistan holds a series of
presented their hope and vision as a
workshop/training promoting
peace angel. This encouraged
Leadership Development
participants to be aware of issues
related to world peace and also take
action in building a better world.
4

5. January 2009
Margie’s achievements in her time as
GOLD Project State Commissioner were considered,
taking into account her leadership in the
The Girl Guides Association of Thailand field of volunteer administrators, her
in cooperation with Guides Australia held position as a role model for other
the ‘Training for trainers/leaders on life- volunteer administrators and her unique
skills programme planning’ and the achievements in her role.
‘Training for Guides/senior Guides on
life-skills’ under the Guiding Overseas During her term as State Commissioner,
Linked Development (GOLD) Project Margie has overseen a restructure of the
from 18 October to 1 November 2008 in Regions in South Australia, improving
Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Chiang Rai communication and ensuring better use
provinces. Over 50 leaders/trainers and of volunteers’ time. Margie has also
69 Guides/senior Guides from all over devoted her time to visiting and
the country participated in this project. supporting the rural and regional areas
of South Australia, and the results have
This was the first shown in the encouraging member
year that four numbers outside of the metropolitan
GOLD members area. The true reflection of Margie’s
from Australia dedication, however, is in her personal
along with four connection with and interest in each and
Thai young leaders every leader in the state.
together organized
the training. The objectives of this Nominations were accepted for both paid
project have been successfully fulfilled and unpaid volunteer administrators, so
with all participants gaining knowledge for a volunteer to take this award is an
in various aspects and developing achievement for Margie, and an
leadership skills which would fruitfully exceptional success for Guiding to be
promote the efficiency of forthcoming considered alongside major government
Girl Guide activities. Subjects covered and national volunteer programmes.
include adult leadership, youth
leadership, decision-making, cultural Cambodia receive donation from
exchange, physical health, environment, New York Rotary Club
camping, sexual health and campfire.
Twenty young girls, aged seven to 11, in
Goal 2 – Strong and rural Cambodia are not dropping out of
school but continuing their education,
Growing Member thanks to the cooperation of the New
Organizations York (NY) Rotary Foundation, WAGGGS
and the Girl Guides Association in
Cambodia (GGAC). The project started
State Commissioner of Australia with the vision and determination of
wins Award of Excellence Takako Johnson, a member of the New
York (NY) Rotary Club. Takako felt the
Margie pain of young girls with few future
Berlemon, prospects because their parents were
State too poor to keep them in school. She
Commissioner chose to concentrate a small effort in
for Girl Guides Cambodia because she was aware that
South Australia, human trafficking is a problem there for
has been girls from poor families who drop out of
awarded the school.
Australasian Association of Volunteer
Administrators’ Award of Excellence for
The first challenge was to find an agency
2008.
in Cambodia to identify needy girls and
to monitor their progress. Takako asked
the advice of Barbara M. Burns, a fellow
5

6. January 2009
Rotarian and member of the Olave nine different schools in the Suva
Baden-Powell Society. Barbara Guiding Province of Fiji participated at
immediately recommended WAGGGS as the Suva Guides’ Rally on 25 October
the ideal partner for the programme and 2008. The Rally was officially opened by
she contacted Mengfei Wu, the Regional the President of the Association, Dr
Director, Asia Pacific who was Akanisi Kedrayate Tabualevu.
enthusiastic about it and referred
Takako to Tan Phally, Chief The Association has marked a milestone
Commissioner of GGAC. for Girl Guiding in Fiji with the main
emphasis on addressing social issues for
Funding of the programme for ten girls young girls and young women. While
came from the generosity of the New addressing the Guide leaders, Dr
York Rotary Foundation. The girls and Kedrayate said: “Leaders need to link
their families were very grateful. Here is Guiding activities now with issues
what one girl’s father told GGAC: "Since happening in the community and
my daughter has been supported by the activities planned must be connected
New York Rotary Foundation project, my with what the girls face in everyday life”.
family’s life is getting better because we Indoor activities, games and songs were
do not pay for stationery, a school organized for the day.
uniform and daily payment for my
daughter. Especially, I earn more money Approximately 300 guides and 50 adult
from selling the piglet. With the leaders from the Central, Southern and
payment, I bought another pig and Eastern Division schools in Fiji attended
chickens and the rest I used for other a Guides’ Camp from 2 to 5 December
business activities. Thanks to supporters 2008. It was hosted by the Central
and the GGAC for helping my daughter Division Girl Guide Association and the
to be polite, clever and bright." Camps’ theme was: ‘Reach Out and
Enrich Lives’.
In autumn 2008 a second programme to
benefit 20 girls was funded again by the Korea opens Girl Scout History
New York Rotary Foundation President, Hall
Silvio Amori. The programme will
continue to help the first 10 girls. GGAC Girl Scouts of Korea opened the Girl
has identified 10 new young candidates. Scout History Hall on the seventh floor
of their National Headquarters building
on 12 November
This is being done at a cost of only
2008. The
US$113 per girl per year for school
opening event
supplies and uniforms, transportation,
was attended by
compensation to the parents in the form
almost 100
of a piglet each and a small
people including
administrative fee for the GGAC.
donors, Girl
Scout leaders
Education for young girls is a sample and former Girl Scouts. Girl Scout
programme, but one that reaches out to leaders were very proud to have been
individuals to provide resources that will the members of such a prestigious
change their futures. The hope of all Movement and reminded of their happy
involved is that the outreach programme memories together.
can grow to assist more young girls in
other countries. The Hall was established with the aim of
publicizing the contributions of the
Movement in Korea for the last 62 years
as well as projecting their dynamic
Fiji Girl Guides hold joint rally image for making the world a better
place to live in.
More than 100 Brownies, Guides and
Scouts and twenty Guide leaders from Singapore hosts Be Prepared Quest
6

7. January 2009
It was not all studies and hard work during
The Be Prepared (BP) Quest is a biennial the week. The international participants
event organized by the International visited various places of attraction,
Committee of Girl Guides Singapore which sampled the gastronomic delights of
is open to members of the Asia Pacific Singapore, experienced the multi-racial
Region and beyond. This is a quiz to cultures and much more! They went home
promote the knowledge and spirit of with a truly unforgettable experience and
International Girl Guiding/Girl Scouting. made many new friends.
Last November, participants were tested
on their knowledge of WAGGGS and the
United Nations, Girl Guiding/Girl Scouting Goal 3 - The Voice of
in the Asia Pacific Region, Girl Guiding in
Singapore and knowledge in Girl Girls and Young
Guiding/Girl Scouting skills. Women
Fourty-three teams Girl Guides Association of Brunei
participated in this marks World Peace Day 2008
event, amongst
which three teams
The Peace Day celebration is an
were from the Girl
important event in the Association’s
Guides Association
calendar. For 2008 the Peace Day
of Negara Brunei
celebration was held with community
Darussalam and one from the Girl Scouts
activities such as the Festival of Peace,
of the Philippines. The Preliminary Round
which was opened by Her Royal
was a written test, held on 26 November
Highness Princess Hajah Masna. During
2008. Much to the participants’
this festival nearly 20 stalls were set up
anticipation, the results were announced
by members of the Association and other
on 29 November 2008. The best five
youth and women’s associations. They
teams based on the top average scores of
sold food, drinks, toys, decorative
the Preliminary Round (and the average
ornaments and other items. Thirty
scores between the qualifying teams were
percent of the proceeds from the sales
very close) proceeded to compete at the
will go to the Orphans Funds.
Finals.
The quiz was both exciting and challenging Following the 33rd World Conference
and enthralled the participants and the where all members were asked to make
audience. There were three rounds for the a commitment in conjunction with 100
finalists – an individual round, a team years of the establishment of
round and a buzzer (speed) round. In International Girl Guiding and Girl
addition, there was a fourth round for the Scouting in 2010, the Girl Guides
audience to participate. The questions Association of Brunei took the initiative
included very wide ranging topics in Girl to plant 100 trees in the compound of
Guiding/Girl Scouting that required both the association’s headquarters by 2010.
theoretical knowledge as well as practical
applications. The participants had to be India represented at International
very alert and quick in their responses. AIDS Conference
The winners of BP Quest 2008 were: Megha Tiwari was honoured to represent
Henderson Secondary School (Champion), the Bharat Scouts and Guides, India at
Girl Scouts of the Philippines (First the International AIDS Conference from
Runner-Up), Raffles Girls’ Secondary 3 to 8 August 2008 as part of a
School (Second Runner-Up), Crez Crescent WAGGGS delegation. The Conference
Girls’ School (Third Runner-Up), Cedar Coy was the most important gathering for
2 - Cedar Girls’ School (Fourth Runner- the discussion of scientific,
Up). programmatic and policy developments
in the Global response to HIV and AIDS.
The Theme ‘Universal Action Now’
7

8. January 2009
emphasized the need for continued specially designed learning material on
urgency in worldwide response to HIV maternal and child health focusing on
and AIDS. It concluded that essential pregnancy and relevant knowledge
strategies regarding eradication of required for safe-motherhood. The six
poverty, gender, inequality and Community Learning Centres (CLCs)
homophobia are required. have been established after conducting
baseline surveys and identifying learning
Megha Tiwari had the great opportunity needs of the community. The maternal
to meet the first lady of Mexico Lic. health and infant mortality rate project
Margarita Zavala. She also gave her has also been started in Bangladesh,
presentation on HIV and AIDS work run Philippines, Nepal and Thailand.
by the Bharat Scouts and Guides and the
WAGGGS HIV and AIDS training toolkit. Youth awareness Seminar on breast
cancer held in Pakistan
She had the
opportunity to speak A seminar on
on Radio RASA and breast cancer
during the press under Youth
conference. Megha Awareness
also meet with Mary programmes
Mc Phail during the was organized
conference (picture). by Pakistan
Girl Guides
Association in collaboration with Women
Empowerment Group (WEG) at
Mother and child health and Provincial Headquarters Lahore
education project run by Pakistan Auditorium on 31 October 2008 for 400
senior Guides and young leaders. The
The Literacy Resource Centre of Pakistan purpose of the seminar was to celebrate
Girl Guides Association is conducting a the Pink Ribbon campaign, raising
project on support of maternal and child awareness on breast cancer in the
health education and literate month of October throughout the world.
environments at six Community
Learning Centre locations in three A doctor with expertise in the field gave
districts of Punjab. Asia Pacific Cultural a presentation on risk factors, fear and
Centre for UNESCO Japan and UNESCO apprehension, early detection, clinical
Islamabad have provided funding for the examination and present scenario. The
project. emphasis was given on monthly self-
examination of girls and mothers. The
Pakistan Girl Guides Association is girls have done follow up plans for
implementing the project in partnership arranging master trainers training for
with two other NGOs, Health, Education self-examination in colleges and schools
and Adult Literacy (HEAL) and of Lahore.
Community Support Concern (CSC). The
objective of the project is to address the Together we can save our planet
Millennium Development Goal’ to reduce
maternal and infant mortality rates. The A group of 28
project aims to promote health Girl Guides
conditions of pregnant mothers and from the Girl
mothers of children aged under six Guides
years-old and to build literate Association of
environments at homes and in the Malaysia were
community. part of the 700
volunteers who
The project will target 120 mothers and participated in the Canon Goes Green
600 community members. The activities tree planting event. During the event,
are based on regular teaching of 2,500 tree saplings were planted at the
8

9. January 2009
Padang Kota Damansara public park place in the City of Taipei on 20
comprising 4 hectares of forested area September and in the county of Taitung
and 3 hectares of open fields. The event on 8 November. Activities were
was organized by Canon Marketing organized under the WAGGGS
(Malaysia) Sdn Bhd in collaboration with adolescent key message “Fight AIDS”
the Global Environment Centre, the and World Thinking Day Theme 2009
Selangor State Forestry Department and “stop the spread of AIDS, malaria and
Petaling Jaya City Council. other diseases”. Doctors and↓ Experts
from relevant professional fields were
Margaret Lim, National Executive Board invited to give talks on drug abuse,
Member, Girl Guides Association of knowledge and prevention of AIDS as
Malaysia noted: “This activity is a good well as care and medical treatment for
opportunity to bring awareness and those living with HIV/AIDS. Participants
educate our girls in caring for the also learned about safe sex and human
environment. It is also in line with one of rights of infectors through HIV and AIDS
the Millennium Development Goals game and video. A number of
messages launched by WAGGGS in July participants also developed their own
2008. We believe that one small act AIDS project.
from each individual will make a
difference, and together, we can save Asia Pacific participates in FAO-
our planet!” WAGGGS project
Besides tree planting, the girls made Girl Guides of
their marks in the giant canvas painting Thailand took part in
and took part in the Eco-Hunt Challenge, a competition run as
where two Girl Guides won the second part of the joint FAO-
prize. It was a fun and educational WAGGGS youth
experience for the participants. education project
’Our World, Our
We also had the chance to meet and Climate, Our Food’,
have a photo with the in preparation for the
“environMENTALS” consisting of General WAGGGS/FAO publication on food
Green, Botany Girl and Green Grin, the security and climate change with the
heroic trio who are ambassadors of this same title.
campaign.
The aim of the competition was to raise
For more information of the event, log awareness among children and young
on to www.canongoesgreen.com. You people about climate change,
can also contribute by submitting photos environment and food security. The
through the website. competition was directed at children and
young people from 6 to 20 years of age,
Taiwan holds Adolescent HIV and who were encouraged to create a logo
AIDS Curriculums (emblem) for the 'Our World, Our
Climate, Our Food' youth education
Two Adolescent project.
HIV and AIDS
Curricula were Girl Guides Association Thailand called
conducted by on all schools in Bangkok with a Girl
Girl Scouts of Guiding unit to get involved. Ekusa
Taiwan with the Wannasilp, a junior student, in ninth
support from grade of Samsen Withayalai School,
the Centre of joined in the competition.
Disease Control for raising awareness
about HIV and AIDS. More than 200 Ekusa writes: "I'm very
participants including Girl Scouts, happy to have this
leaders, students, parents and teachers opportunity to exhibit
participated in the curricula which took my drawing skills at an
9

10. January 2009
international level. Thanks to the Girl awareness and engagement in efforts to
Guides Association of Thailand for promote peace, development and human
sharing this information with our school. rights. Cultural sensitivity is vital to
By drawing, you can express how you development and aid effectiveness and
feel and what you wish to convey to cultural factors are also critical for the
others. It's time now that everyone successful, implementation of
should be responsible for the world we programmes, plans and strategies as
live in and make this world a better well as considering the context of the
place for future generations". interventions and listening to the people
in the communities who are the agents
Girl Scouts of Taiwan also joined in the of change. Since people create cultures,
international competition. More than 200 people can and do change them,
drawings were received by Girl Scouts of although it can be seen as an obstacle,
Taiwan. Through their participation the but on the positive side, culture is a door
girls learned more about food, climate to open and promote human rights. By
and also carried out activities on taking the culturally sensitivity
environmental protection such as approach, you can get to the root of the
community cleaning and/or recycle problems and ensure greater progress
campaign. Thirty-five selected drawings for human rights in particular the rights
from Taiwan were sent to FAO of women. The report also calls for
headquarters in Rome for this worldwide cultural change within development
competition. organizations. It is about working
differently, thinking and acting as
In total there were 1,352 young people development partners where everyone
from 46 countries (9 from the Asia listens and learns from each other.”
Pacific Region) who contributed to the
competition. Nuj feels that this concept could be
applied to WAGGGS’ girls and young
women. Young people have their own
WAGGGS ECOSOC Representative cultures which are different from those
attends launch of World Report of the older generations. For cultural
change, seek out these young people,
Valaikorn Phromyothi (Nuj), WAGGGS they have an optimistic outlook and
ECOSOC liaison flexibility as well as the dynamism and
person writes on perseverance needed to make changes
the launch of ‘The from within. Development programmes
State of World should help them make the most of their
Population Report potential, including their unique ways of
2008’ (SWOP) explaining and communicating their
which was held on experiences which can help transform
12 November 2008 their culture.
at the Siam
Society Under The key to releasing young people's
Royal Patronage, Bangkok. potential for change is to understand
their cultural framework and work in
The full title of the report was ‘Reaching partnership and networking to support
Common Ground: Culture, Gender, and them as they try to find their place in
Human Rights’ and there were around their communities. Young people can be
50-60 representatives from international highly effective as builders of peace,
organizations (UNFPA), associations human rights and development and as
such as Planned Parenthood of Thailand, mediators between cultural tradition and
Ministry of Public Health, Ministry of cultural change.
Social Development and Human Security
and the Youth Advisory Planning. During the event Nuj had the
opportunity to meet with the National
Nuj notes: “This report is a call to action Programme Associate of UNFPA. She
to increase cultural knowledge, learned how UNFPA not only supports
10

11. January 2009
countries in using population data for which they could improve and conserve
policies and programmes to reduce the important mangrove habitat.
poverty but also to ensure that every
pregnancy is wanted, every birth is safe, The training was very well received by
every young person is free of HIV and all of the participants, and left each
AIDS and every girl and woman is person with a greater awareness of the
treated with dignity and respect. importance of the mangrove habitat and
practical ideas and a desire to conserve
The report was also launched the same the area.
day in London, by Dr. Thoraya Obaid,
UNFPA Executive Director. One of the Centenary update
main messages of this report is that
change cannot be imposed from the The centenary theme girls worldwide say
outside; to be lasting, change must “100 years of changing lives" (pictured
come from within. right) was
announced
Thailand reaches out to the at the 33rd
Mangroves World
Conference
The Girl Guide in South
Association of Africa.
Thailand
received The centenary message incorporates the
funding from colours of WAGGGS’ five regions. The
the Thai Health centenary message and the guidelines
Promotion for Member Organizations on how to use
Foundation to it can be downloaded from the centenary
train 30 students, teachers and page:
community members in the importance http://www.wagggsworld.org/en/about/
of the local mangrove area bordering 100years.
their community at
Mattayomwatsrichanpradit School, You can keep up to date with all the
Samut Prakarn province. This training latest news and information about the
was held in collaboration with celebrations, badges, the centenary
Environmental Education staff from The ambassadors or merchandise on the
Prem Magic Eyes Barge Programme in WAGGGS’ website.
Bangkok from 17 to 18 October 2008.
Please send us your association’s
Working in mixed age groups, the centenary plans to include in the next
participants played environmental issue.
games to understand the important role New Zealand hosts Flaming Food
that the mangrove has as a coastline event
protector in the event of storm surges or
tsunami, as a place rich in bio-diversity Throughout 2008,
and as a globally significant site for GirlGuiding New Zealand
migratory birds from all parts of the girls competed in a
world. Participants were taught the skills nationwide event called
of bird watching and learned how to ‘Flaming Food’ to mark
sieve the tidal mud flats and identify the their centenary. It
animals living there. Participants also involved girls forming a team of up to
carried out a community audit then role- eight, with one member from each of
played different development scenarios. the Guiding sections: Pippins, Brownies,
They interviewed elderly residents from Guides and Rangers. They were required
the community to learn how the area to cook a two course meal on gas
had changed during their lifetime, and cookers hoping to impress the judges
considered the reasons for this. Finally and to be crowned the overall champion.
each of the groups brainstormed ways in Each district/region then zone held
11

12. January 2009
Flaming Food cook offs to pick a winning they work with the Millennium
team to represent them at the national Development Goals. This will include a
final. Judges ranged from celebrity chefs GAT Badge curriculum (available April
to outdoor specialists and of course 2009) with activities for girl guides/girl
experienced Guiding members. scouts on all the MDG topics.
The main There will be eight key advocacy
aims were messages for the duration of the theme
to celebrate and they will focus on the MDGs:
100 years • girls worldwide say “together we can
of Guiding end extreme poverty and hunger”
in New • girls worldwide say “education opens
Zealand, doors for all girls and boys”
encourage girls to have fun while • girls worldwide say “empowering girls
cooking outdoors, increase core Guiding will change our world”
skills and to encourage girls and units in • girls worldwide say “together we can
all sections to work together. The save children’s lives”
amount of effort and creativity the girls • girls worldwide say “every mother’s
put into their menus and presentation life and health is precious”
exceeded expectations. They had an • girls worldwide say “we can stop the
enormous amount of fun and displayed spread of AIDS, malaria and other
some great teamwork. New Zealand diseases”
noted what a very successful event this • girls worldwide say “we can save our
was for their girls and would recommend planet”
other countries give it a go! During • girls worldwide say “we can create
another event a number of peace through partnerships”
Marlborough's Guides got together at
Witherlea School to celebrate the
centenary with games, competitions and The World Centres will also run
a fashion parade. programmes, activities and seminars
connected to the MDGs. The 34th World
Conference will be an occasion to
Asia Pacific focus showcase WAGGGS’ contribution to the
achievement of the MDGs.
Global Action GAT Champions
Theme (GAT) Australia, Thailand, New Zealand and
Pakistan have been selected as the GAT
At the 33rd WAGGGS World Conference champions for the Asia Pacific
in 2008, WAGGGS announced its new Region. These Member Organizations
Global Action Theme (GAT) girls have been selected as they have shown
worldwide say “together we can change expertise in the areas of advocacy, the
our world,” which focuses on the ‘Our Rights, Our Responsibility‘ theme or
Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). the Millennium Development Goals. They
The GAT will replace Our Rights, Our will be the main drive to motivate other
Responsibilities as the WAGGGS theme Member Organizations in the Asia Pacific
from 2009 onwards. Region to work on the GAT.
The theme encourages girls, young Girl Scouts of Japan have already
women and members of all ages to started work on the GAT. They received
make a personal commitment to change a request for cooperation from the
the world around them. It also affirms United Nations Information Centre. As
WAGGGS’ commitment to the United the first step of the cooperation, Japan
Nations’ Millennium Development Goals. organized a 'standing up campaign' at
their Local Council Chairpersons'
WAGGGS will produce resource materials meeting held from 18 to 19 October in
to support its Member Organizations as
12

13. January 2009
Tokyo. Forty-five delegates and 17 For this event, WAGGGS is targeting the
youth delegates gathered from all 47 following groups:
Local Councils in Japan, • Members from the Member
Organizations who are responsible
This campaign was held while everybody for WAGGGS six core areas and must
stands up and the aim was to advocate be at the level where they are
the importance of the poverty issue and experienced enough to bring
implementing the MDGs. Working on the suggestions to confront the issues
MDGs also ties in with Goal 3 of Japan’s WAGGGS is facing. Maximum six
strategic plan "The Voice of Girls and participants.
Young Women - Building a better • Girl members, 15-17 years old
world''. especially those who have achieved
high awards in their own Member
Regular updates on our GAT Champions Organizations e.g. Queen’s Guide,
and reports from other Member President Guide, Olave Guide, who
Organizations on their GAT work will be have experienced Girl Guiding and
shared in future editions of AP Link Girl Scouting for some years, who
News. will likely be the future leaders. Two
girls from each Member
Organization. Member Organizations
Asia Pacific Summit should return the Reply in Principle
Form by 2 February 2009 to Mengfei
The 40th Asia Wu.
Pacific Regional
Summit will be In order to better design the programme
held in to match your Member Organization’s
November needs, we want to give the opportunity
2009 in Manila, for members (girls and adults) in
the Philippines. general to give ideas on what you feel
could be included in the summit and
It is an opportunity for our members to 40th anniversary celebrations. These can
come together to share ideas and learn be submitted via email or in written form
from each other. In order to have more to Mengfei Wu-
young women under the age of 35 to be mengfei@wagggsworld.org. Feedback
part of the committee and planning and ideas needed by 2 February 2009.
team as stated in our Pillars, Ms. Nanae You can also comment online through
Aida from Girl Scouts of Japan will be a the Asia Pacific micro site
member of the planning team and (http://asia.wagggsworld.org/en/news/1
contribute her views which represent the 107).
voice of young women. We hope it will
encourage more Member Organizations
to join us and involve young women in
the decision-making processes. Friends of Asia
As we celebrate 100 years in Girl Pacific Region,
Guiding and Girl Scouting and 40 years
of the Asia Pacific region, it is timely for WAGGGS
members to look critically at Girl Guiding
and Girl Scouting and the way it was Members of
delivered from the individual, national Friends of Asia
and regional and world perspectives and Pacific WAGGGS
how it could be delivered in the future to have a newly
ensure sustainability seen through designed badge.
strong and growing Member It features the
Organizations. WAGGGS
strapline
surrounding the
13

14. January 2009
World Badge. Good news is that there is The tool kit is available for purchase on
now a badge for all new members, the the WAGGGS’ online shop.
wearing of which will inspire more
potential members. The World Thinking Day theme links to
our new Global Action Theme of girls
Membership fees are used by the Asia worldwide say “together we can change
Pacific Committee to enable girls and our world.”
young women to become competent and
confident leaders; provide opportunities Please send us your Thinking Day news
for young women to attend essential life to include in the next update.
skills training; give young women the
opportunity to attend international UN
events; develop the fullest potential of 33rd World Conference
young women throughout the Asia
Pacific Region; assist countries which are
Reports
working towards membership of
WAGGGS; fund essential community You will find all the presentations and
service projects and programmes and reports of workshops from the 33rd
issues such as child health, illiteracy and World Conference on the members'
environmental protection. area:
http://www.wagggsworld.org/en/login
Please log in and scroll down the page to
World Thinking Day find the latest documents for Member
Organizations. If you click on the link
Are you getting ready for World Thinking 'more documents' you will be able to see
Day on 22 February 2009? The World all the documents from the Conference
Thinking Day theme is girls worldwide posted for Member Organizations (most
say “stop the spread of AIDS, malaria recent first).
and other diseases”.
On the World Thinking Day website you Announcements
will find lots of information about
contagious diseases and interesting Thank you to Asia Pacific Training
activities and fundraising ideas linked to Pool
the theme
(http://www.worldthinkingday.org). The Asia Pacific Committee and Asia
Pacific Region would like to thank the
To help empower Asia Pacific Training Pool for all the hard
young women to work they have done over the past three
protect years. Members on the Training Pool
themselves were Catherine Ann Heath Chiu from
against HIV Hong Kong, Tahira Ahmed from
infection, to Pakistan, Norma R Valencia from
advocate in their Philippines and, Tek Mohamad Noor from
communities and Malaysia.
to fight stigma
and fear, Their term will finish at the end of
WAGGGS has December 2008. They had a busy term
produced a HIV helping the Asia Pacific Committee carry
and AIDS out the Training for trainers for Member
training toolkit. Organizations in Japan, Korea and
The toolkit includes case studies and Taiwan, Advocacy training in Singapore
activities that have proved successful in and at Sangam, revision of Training
several countries around the world, such Scheme of Fiji and Solomon Islands and
as Brazil, Peru, Malawi, Kenya and India. they also lent their expertise in several
regional events.
14