Gitega, Burundi, 09 August 2024 – On the eighth day of the 9th Africa Scout Jamboree, we shed a light on the importance of the members of the International Service Team (IST). Through four profiles, we are showcasing the dedication and commitment of the 300 volunteers who worked tirelessly to ensure the success of the jamboree.
Gaudensiah (Kenya): Commitment in the Kitchen
According to Gaudensiah, she is proud of "playing a vital role in providing meals to participants and fellow IST members." She explains that despite the difficulty of the days, she draws great satisfaction from serving others. Her contribution goes beyond just preparing meals, as she puts her heart into it, together with the team, to provide Scouts with a unique experience during this jamboree.
Ghislain and Romeo (Burundi): Programme and Interpretation
Ghislain, who is assigned to the jamboree programme, and Romeo, who is in charge of programme support and interpretation at the at the African Development Village (ADV), worked closely together to ensure that all activities ran smoothly. "The days when I felt complete were the days when the programme was respected fully, because our goal is to ensure that every participant feels comfortable and takes part in all activities," says Ghislain. As for Romeo, "The diversity of languages was one of my major challenges because I sometimes missed certain words, but I used it as an opportunity to learn and improve." For him, "the jamboree was a wonderful moment of learning and life in Scouting". He adds that "the experience is so interesting that it would be nice to extend the duration of the jamboree by a few more days."
Evelyn (Uganda): Supporting Off-Site Activities
Evelyn, from Uganda, is an IST member assigned to support activities outside the campsite. She emphasizes the importance of these activities saying that "these events allow Scouts to discover Burundi and engage with the local community." Her role is to assist in the coordination of transport and to ensure that all Scouts are participating in these enriching experiences.
Blood Donation: A Gesture of Solidarity
Another highlight of the day was the organization of a blood donation drive at the jamboree site. The National Blood Transfusion Center mobilized onsite allowed the Scouts and IST members to donate blood, thus helping to save lives and support local hospitals through this good deed. This illustrates the values of service and responsibility advocated by the Scout movement.
The day was closed with a large campfire, where participants shared songs, stories and laughter around the flames.