Prime Minister Hun Sen called on educational institutions, both public and private, to consider forming scout troops, as he considers them an excellent source of moral behaviour. He also called on alumni to support their former schools.
Hun Sen offered the suggestions at the closing ceremony of the Conference of the Cambodia Scouts on October 10.
“Please pay attention to this global movement, which is widely considered a core force of morality. Scouting provides excellent activities that will prevent children from becoming drug addicts. The movement is precisely refined to produce ideal future citizens. Therefore, both private and public schools should establish troops,” he said.
The premier is proud of the growth of the Cambodia Scouts movement throughout the country, with more than 170,000 members from all walks of life at the children and youth levels.
Hun Sen said scouts is an active youth organisation with clear policies and programmes aimed at teaching young Cambodians to become good citizens and role models with understanding and tolerance.
“The government has always given priority to strengthening training activities for the next generation of youth through Cambodia Scouts’ activities, which are a driving force in education. Being taught mindfulness and fitness, together with knowledge, good morals, and dignified behaviour turns into model citizens of the world, in line with the world’s vision of the scout movement. The movement builds capable young people who will become future leaders,” he added.
Minister of Education, Youth and Sport Hang Chuon Naron, who also serves as president of the Cambodia Scouts, recalled that the movement began in 2000 and has supported the education system in the Kingdom in a non-formal way.
Members, he added, participate in apolitical volunteer activities regardless of their gender, origin or belief, in accordance with the purpose, principles and methods of the scouting movement.
He said the Cambodia scouting movement aims to contribute to the development of children and youth so they reach their full potential physically, mentally, socially and emotionally to become responsible citizens in national and international society.
He said that each member has three important duties: duty to religion, the nation and all humanity, and to themselves.
“Today is the opening of a new chapter in the history of the Cambodia scouts. The leadership of the council and the executive committee of the Cambodia scouts at national, capital and provincial levels across the country – about 700 participants – took part in this extraordinary conference,” added the scouting president.
