Scouts from across the Asia-Pacific Region gathered for the Safe from Harm Capacity Building Module Workshop, which focused on strengthening the implementation of Safe from Harm within their National Scout Organizations (NSOs).
The workshop, held from 9 to 10 August 2025, brought together 50 participants, including National Safe from Harm Coordinators, Commissioners, Scout Leaders, and Rovers representing Bangladesh, Hong Kong, India, Kazakhstan, Macau, Malaysia, Pakistan, the Philippines, Scouts of China, and Thailand. Together, they worked to enhance their safeguarding practices and align their efforts with World Scouting Safe from Harm requirements, ensuring that every young person can grow and thrive in a safe and supportive environment.
Building capacity and sharing best practices
Over the course of the week, participants engaged in interactive sessions, scenario-based exercises, and collaborative discussions designed to enhance their knowledge and skills in safeguarding practices. Participants also practised applying what they had learnt through case studies, role-playing, and peer-to-peer exchanges.
Key areas covered during the workshop included:
- Enhancing national Safe from Harm policies;
- Designing an effective national safeguarding reporting procedures and processes;
- Best practice sharing among NSOs on Safe from Harm in the Asia-Pacific region; and
- Listening Ear training.
As the workshop concluded, participants left equipped with new tools and frameworks as well as a renewed commitment to strengthening Safe from Harm in their NSOs. For many, the experience was transformative. One participant from Macau reflected:
“Through this SfH workshop, I not only learned how to formulate and implement a Safe from Harm policy, but also strengthened my skills and abilities as a listening ear. I had the opportunity to reflect on past case-handling experiences, identify areas for improvement, and better understand the importance of Safe from Harm.”
Another added:
“This workshop emphasised the importance of safeguarding and ensuring that everyone, regardless of age or background, feels safe and protected. It reminded me that safeguarding is not just a responsibility but a shared commitment that requires continuous implementation and assessment. By strengthening these practices, we can foster a culture of trust, respect, and safety across every NSO in the region.”
A youth leader also shared:
“As a youth member and a leader, I believe we are advocates for safety and well-being. Through this workshop, I gained valuable knowledge and felt inspired by others to promote safeguarding and youth safety not only in Scouting activities, but also in our everyday lives.”
Each participant left with concrete action plans to implement after returning home, outlining next steps to strengthen Safe from Harm compliance within their organisations. The workshop also produced a set of recommendations to further enhance Safe from Harm implementation in the region, which will be presented to the Regional Scout Committee ahead of the upcoming Asia-Pacific Regional Conference. This step provides a strong foundation and leadership involvement in shaping the strategy and future planning of Safe from Harm in the region.