7th Private Schools Scout Forum boosts scouting, leadership skills

The event was attended by a distinguished group of educational and scouting leaders, as well as representatives of participating educational institutions, under the supervision of His Excellency Nasser Obaid Al Shamsi, Chairman of the Board of the Emirates Scout Association and the Association’s International Commissioner.

Supporting the growth of the scouting movement

Held at the Association’s headquarters, the forum was organised in collaboration with the Sharjah Private Education Authority, the Emirates Girl Guides Association, and the Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services. The initiative reflects the Mission’s commitment to strengthening the scouting movement and supporting leaders in private schools across Sharjah.

Opening remarks and vision

The forum was opened by His Excellency Major General Abdullah Saeed Al Suwaidi, Deputy Chairman of the Mission and General Supervisor of Activities, who welcomed the participants and guests. In his speech, he emphasised the importance of the forum and its role in revitalising and developing the scouting movement for both boys and girls across the Emirate of Sharjah, under the guidance and patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah.

Al Suwaidi affirmed that the Sharjah Scout Mission remains open to all school activities and camps, encouraging leaders to benefit from the facilities and continuous technical support provided by the Mission to achieve the best educational outcomes for scouts and guides.

Enhancing the skills of scout leaders

For his part, Abdullah Bilal Al Shamsi, Technical Supervisor of the Forum, explained that this annual event aims to train and qualify scouting leaders and activity coordinators in private schools, enhancing their knowledge and practical skills in scouting. It also seeks to promote the principles and objectives of the scouting movement among younger generations.

He added that participants received hands-on training in scouting curricula and methods of managing scout teams and units, enabling them to perform their duties efficiently in line with the forum’s educational goals.

A programme rich in learning and engagement

The forum’s programme included a series of lectures and interactive workshops, beginning with the opening address by His Excellency Major General Abdullah Saeed Al Suwaidi, followed by a session on the forum’s objectives presented by Abdulrahman Abdullah Jaber.

This was followed by a presentation on the educational concept of the scouting movement for unit leaders by Abdullah Bilal Al Shamsi, and a lecture on scouting governance delivered by Mohammed Hassan Al Aydi.

Other sessions covered practical topics such as forming, managing, and planning scout units, and the role of the unit leader, presented by Dr Hesham Abdelhalim Mahmoud. Adel Mohammed Karam introduced scouting traditions and skills, while Badr Al Raisi and Obaid Ahmed Al Muqeem demonstrated different types of ropes and their uses in scouting training.

Positive participation and forward-looking recommendations

The forum witnessed strong engagement from the participating scout leaders and trainees, who expressed their appreciation for the lectures and workshops that helped refine their skills and deepen their practical knowledge.

The forum concluded with a set of recommendations and proposals aimed at further developing scouting activities in private schools in the coming period. These outcomes reaffirm the role of the Sharjah Scout Mission in supporting and sustaining the scouting movement under the gracious patronage of the Ruler of Sharjah and through ongoing collaboration with educational institutions to fulfil its educational and community mission.