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

1. events hosted by Sri Lanka Girl Guides
42nd Asia Pacific Association (SLGGA) including a meeting with
Board and Committee Members of SLGGA,
Regional Committee the "You are very Special" Concert held by the
differently-abled Girl Guides, the press
Meeting discusses new conference of the launching of the "WAWE"
plans for the 2012-2014 (War Affected Women Empowered) Project
and the Rally 2011.
triennium
At the end of the meeting, the Asia Pacific
The Asia Pacific Regional Committee Meeting Regional Committee presented a Silver
was Membership of the Friends of Asia Pacific
successfully WAGGGS (FAPW) as a farewell and
held from 2 to 9 appreciation gift to Mengfei Wu, Regional
April 2011 n Director of Asia Pacific who will be leaving us
Colombo, Sri soon. We wish Mengfei all the best in her
Lanka. future undertakings!
Innovative
initiatives such
as Microfinance
Message of thanks from
for Member
Organizations
Girl Scouts of Japan
were proposed. A piece of good news was
Tohoku-Kanto Earthquake
delivered at the meeting - the membership of
Asia Pacific Region has increased from 2.5
Dear Girl Scout and Girl Guide sisters;
million to 2.6 million in this triennium.
Thank you very much for all your warm
Discussion on the Asia Pacific Operational messages and prayers for the people of Japan
Plan (APOP) for the 2012 - 2014 triennium who are affected by earthquakes and tsunami.
was the most important part of the meeting.
Diverse opinions and innovative suggestions It is our pleasure to
brought many breakthroughs. Some highlights inform you that we
of the APOP activities are using the AP Link were able to confirm
News as the main platform to share best the safety of all Girl
practices in the six Global Outcomes and Scouts and Leaders
improving image and raising the Region’s in the most
profile by speaking at external events. damaged areas.
Some of them lost
The Asia Pacific Regional Committee has also everything but their lives. But, even though
committed to several events over the next they are in hard and difficult situations, they
triennium and these will be announced in the are already showing their Girl Scout spirit and
upcoming Chairman's letter. helping others wholeheartedly. I am so proud
of all the surviving Girl Scouts for their courage
During our stay in Colombo, the Asia Pacific and strength.
Regional Committee also took part in several
17 May 2011~08:34~MM
R:Asia PacificPublication and PromotionAP Link News2011MayAsia Pacific Link News May 2011 Final.doc

2. January 2011
It was the biggest earthquake and tsunami on joined the
the record in Japan. More than 20,000 people project
are dead or missing. Around 350,000 people, which was
including our Girl Scout members, need to held on
take shelter in uncomfortable surroundings or Saturday
have been evacuated from their home towns. and
More people living near Fukushima, including Sunday.
the Tokyo metropolitan area, are affected by The activities focused on protecting the
the serial accidents at nuclear power plants environment, tree planting and waste disposal.
and electricity shortages. But Japan will never They also plant vegetables as a source of food
give up. We will face this challenge and and income generation. In this way they learn
recover from the devastation of this disaster. how to plant and grow vegetables –
knowledge that is passed on to their families,
Girl Scouts of Japan is so grateful to our Girl friends and also their community.
Scouts and Girl Guide sisters who always
encourage and support us. Please give our
best regards to your fellow Girl Scouts and Girl Advocacy
Guides.
WAGGGS’ Vision is to be the voice of girls
I am sure that all the Girl Scouts in Japan will and young women to build a better world.
unite in gathering courage to face this difficult Advocacy is about speaking out and taking
situation with the Girl Scout sprit. action to influence others and bring about
positive change.
With sincere gratitude for all your support and
encouragement,
We not only speak out on behalf of girls and
young women everywhere, but also empower
Teruko WADA, President, Girl Scouts of Japan
young women to advocate for themselves.
GAT WAGGGS’ advocacy definition
Several definitions of advocacy exist already.
WAGGGS’ Global Action Theme (GAT) For WAGGGS, advocacy is simply: We
focuses on the UN’s Millennium Development influence people to take decisions that will
Goals (MDGs), eight specific goals to be met improve our lives and the lives of others
by 2015 that aim to combat extreme poverty In detail this means:
across the world. • we influence people (= by speaking,
doing and educating )
• to take decisions (= for example
GAT Champions
change policies or regulations,
WAGGGS encourages everyone to take action
allocate funding, provide support)
and change the world around them and 20
Member Organizations have made the • that will improve our life and the lives
commitment to ‘champion’ the GAT within their of others (= the result we are trying to
country and region. These 20 ‘GAT achieve)
Champions’ have contributed to the
development of the GAT resources. They have
worked on MDG topics in the past and have You can download an electronic copy of the
agreed to work with the GAT programme in a WAGGGS Advocacy toolkit for free in English
big way with their members. The diverse -
experience and advice of these ‘GAT http://www.wagggsworld.org/en/resources/doc
Champions’ will help every Member ument/view/3384
Organization to implement the GAT.
Support from Great Rivers Region,
There are four GAT Champion Member Australia Trefoil Guild to Bangladesh
Organizations in the Asia Pacific Region:
Australia, New Zealand, Pakistan and In 2009 the Nepean Valley Trefoil Guild
Thailand. sponsored a child and their family to cover the
costs involved in the Aussie Bangla Smile
Girl Guides Association of Thailand project. The project helps children in
implemented a community action project and Bangladesh who have cleft lips and
30 girls and young women aged eight to 18 deformities. Children with such deformities are
2

3. January 2011
likely to be ostracised by society. $200 self-esteem and improved skills through Girl
seemed such a small amount – yet it made the Scouting make valuable contributions to their
world of difference to this child and its family community.
who are then allowed back into the
community. Pakistan organizes International AIDS Day
On 2 December 2010 , Pakistan Girls Guides
In 2010 they managed to get other Trefoil
Association Punjab Branch organized a
Guilds from the Greater Rivers Region area to
programme in connection with World AIDS
sponsor a child as well, and provided 100 gift
Day in collaboration of Rahnuma – Family
packs for the children in Bangladesh.
Planning Association of Pakistan,” at the
These packs contained pencils, paper,
Guide
stickers, sharpener, toothbrush, and a Koala
Auditorium,
bear.
Lahore.
Girl Scouts of Japan President promotes Mrs Nafeesa
Millennium Development Goal 3: gender Sikandar Malhi,
equality and empowering women (MDG 3) Provincial
Commissioner
The President of Girl Scouts of Japan (GSJ), Punjab, Dr.
Teruko Wada is a member of Subcommittee to Nighat Arshad and other Executive Members
Enlight to End Violence against Women which attended, along with 150 Guides and students.
is a part of Liaison Conference for the The seminar highlighted the importance of
Promotion of Gender Equality, Cabinet Office, Aids day and emphasized the importance of
Government of Japan. She attended the youth participation in disseminating
meeting on behalf of GSJ on 23 March 2011. information about HIV.
This subcommittee is working to promote
practice educational activities to help end Another seminar on health and HIV was
organized on 18 December, 2010, in
violence against women and makes policy
recommendations to the government. At the collaboration with “VITE N HOPE” at Pakistan
meeting, Teruko presented how Girl Scouts Girl Guides Association’s community hall. Mr
Abdul Qadir, a former cricketer, was the chief
and Girl Guides all over the world are working
for MDG 3, which was the theme for World guest and delivered a lecture on HIV/AIDS.
Thinking Day 2011. Furthermore, she The seminar was attended by 120 Guides and
announced that WAGGGS would be launching students.
a global advocacy campaign to end violence
against girls in July 2011. She asked support Philippines International Friendship
for these programmes and called on other Exchange (Infex) and DX Contest
organizations to establish a networking
platform. GSJ will implement education for
girls and development of leaders Senior and Cadet Girl Scouts exchanged their
strengthening cooperation with the Thinking Day greetings on the air through the
government and other organizations from now International Friendship Exchange (INFEX)
on. and DX
Contest on
Youth Activity Forum representation from 19 February
Japan 2011. This
activity was
On 6 February, the Youth Activity Forum was sponsored
held at Nippon Seinen-kan in Tokyo. On behalf by the GSP
of the Girl Scouts of Japan, Mari Kataoka, Scouts Ham
Deputy Secretary-General of GSJ, attended Radio
this forum as a member of a panel, addressing Enthusiasts
the 100 participants at the event. This event for Service (GSP SHARES) with the help of
was organised by the National Council of the Philippine Amateur Radio Association
Youth Organizations in Japan, which (PARA). A total of 23 Councils and 28 amateur
comprises major Japanese youth radio stations participated in the event.
organizations. Mari Kataoka delivered a
presentation on how Girl Scouting has been This Thinking Day activity aims to foster
implementing the programme for girls aged 12 international friendship and understanding
to 15, and the fact that girls with enhanced among Girl Scouts and Girl Guides across the
3

4. January 2011
globe and to communicate the message of
love and peace through the use of the ham The next training was held on 24 to 26
radio thereby enabling the girls to exercise February 2011 at the Alano Regional
their knowledge and skills learned in Ham Programme and Training Centre (Alano
Radio training. Girls who participated earned RPTC) in Toril, Davao City. Four regions and
badges on the Challenge of World Community 48 participants attended the event.
and Preparedness.
Chief Girl Scout Medal Presentation
Ceremonies
WAGGGS’ Goals
A total of 415
Senior and
Goal 1 – Leadership Cadet Girl
Development Scouts from
61 Councils
were awarded
International Award/Duke of Edinburgh
the Chief Girl
Award Leader Training held in the
Scout Medal
Philippines
at the
presentation ceremonies held on 5 February
The Girl Scouts
2011 at the SMX Convention Centre, Pasay
of the
City. The Chief Girl Scout Medal is the highest
Philippines
award of the Girl Scouts of the Philippines.
(GSP) offers
138 girls had worked on ecology, 38 on
limitless
livelihood, 227 on health and 12 on cultural
opportunities to
heritage. Through these projects, Girl Scouts
our girl and
developed their sense of responsibility,
adult members.
leadership and commitment.
They increase
girls’ and adult
GSP National President Dr Salud A. Bagalso
members’ participation and bring international
presented the Chief Girl Scout Medal. She
ventures to local communities. With this in
was assisted by GSP 1st National Vice
mind, GSP has partnered with the
President and Programme Committee
International Awards Association (IAA) in order
Chairman Mrs Susan R. Locsin, GSP 2nd Vice-
to deliver the International Award, also known
President Dr Cristina Lim Yuson and National
as “The Duke of Edinburgh Award”. To
Executive Director Ma. Dolores T. Santiago.
effectively implement the award, two separate
Presidential sister, Ms Kris Aquino
Award Leader Training activities were
represented His Excellency Benigno Simeon
conducted for the selected pilot councils of the
C. Aquino III as the Guest of Honor and
six GSP regions. Mr Rob Oliphant, Regional
Speaker. She was invested as a Girl Scout by
Manager for Programme of the IAA-Asia
Dr Bagalso after her speech.
Pacific, facilitated the sessions which
consisted of lectures, discussion, group
Life skills project run in Thailand
activities, exercises and games.
Fifty-three girls and young women aged 11 to
The first training took place on 17 to 19
18 years old from underprivileged and rural
February 2011 at the Helena Z Benitez
communities attended the “To teach life skills
National Programme and Training Centre
for living a meaningful life and develop
(HZB NPTC) in Tagaytay City. It was attended
community” project between 1 to 30 April
by a total of 28 participants from the Northern
2010. Some of the participants were orphans,
and Central Luzon Regions.
while the rest were from large families living
below subsistence level and unable to pay
GSP National Executive Director, Mrs Ma.
education expenses. This project was funded
Dolores T. Santiago, and GSP National
by the 3L Project grant provided by the
President, Dr Salud A. Bagalso spoke at the
Friends of Asia Pacific WAGGGS (FAPW).
opening ceremony, which was also attended
by Dr Amelita Dayrit-Go, GSP International
The activities included Guiding activities as
Commissioner. The closing ceremony address
well as training in various skills such as career
was given by Mrs Susan R. Locsin, GSP 1st
improvement skills, basic skills such as
National Vice President and Programme
weaving, sewing, crochet and patched
Committee Chairman.
4

5. January 2011
material work, handicraft, cooking, basic
computer training, and many more.
Goal 2 – Strong and
Growing Member
In 30 days, all the girls and young women
gained knowledge and experience in various Organizations
skills which they can use to adapt to their daily
lives. They learnt how to earn additional Cooperation in Cambodia
income while studying. The training also
allowed them to develop as role models for The beginning of this year has seen a busy
other girls. time for Girl
Guides
Wassana Saetor, a 14-year-old participant Association of
who attended the training, said: “It made us Cambodia.
feel that we can rely on GGAT to teach us life From 11 to 16
skills more than what we learnt at school. They February 2011,
taught vocations, sewing and embroidery, Della Salway,
flower arranging as well as the English WAGGGS
language. This project is a very good project. Treasurer
My parents have permitted me to participate in visited the Girl Guides Association of
this project every year since I was 10 years Cambodia (GGAC). The Minister of Women’s
old. I like to make desserts and learn how to Affairs warmly welcomed Della’s visit to
use the computer, because I have no such Cambodia.
opportunity at school. I think I learnt a lot from
this project. Although there are computers in On 7 March 2011, at Peace Building of the
the schools, they are not enough for every Ministers’ Cabinet, the Girl Guides Association
student to have a chance to learn. of Cambodia participated in the celebration of
100 years of International Women’s Day
Irada Malah, a 15-year- hosted by the Ministry of Women Affairs.
old participant, said
“When participating in On 20 March 2011, the Girl Guides
the project, I gained Association of Cambodia received support
more self-confidence, from Sokimex Co.Ltd for running a Day Care
able to think and share Centre Srey Praseur at Takeo province for one
my views. The trainers year. The Day Care Centre benefits 60
gave us the opportunity children aged three to five years old for early
to express ourselves childhood education.
freely. I also learned
vocations such as Anniversary Celebrations for Malaysia
sewing, crocheting, arts. I also learnt self-
discipline as well as computer and the English Girl Guides Association Malaysia (GGAM)
language. This provides me with the Perak Branch celebrated its 90th anniversary
opportunity to develop my life-skills more than on 26 March 2011 in Taiping. It was a great
my other friends at school. In my school I show of solidarity among sister Guides. They
organize a group to make desserts for sale to put up a stage show which mesmerized the
find supplementary income for my education. It crowd with their excellent showmanship and
helps to relieve my parent’s burden as well as creativity. The
being able to make valuable use of my free Branch
time. I am very happy and proud to be able to Patron
participate in this project. I will be a role model Tuanku
to my junior friends at school and for this year, Bainun and
I volunteer myself to be a teaching assistant, President,
to give advice and take care of young girls Raja Nor
who will join in this project. I want to thank Mahani Raja
everyone who support such a good project like Shahar Shah
this and also hope that this project will and GGAM
continue for the benefit of girls who are under- Chief Commissioner Datin Seri Zalillah Mohd.
privileged like us and other young women in Taib were among those present. Happy
the future.” anniversary, Perak!
Around 1200 Girl Guides from 189 schools in
the city of Kuala Lumpur also braved a heavy
5

6. January 2011
downpour in a 2km parade in conjunction with which has branches in 14 other countries
its branch level World Thinking Day including the UK.
celebration on 16 April 2011. A fleet of vintage
cars ferried past Patrons, Presidents and State Everyday for a month the Star advertised the
Commissioners. Datuk Yeoh Soo Keng, event online and in print, and everyday there
Branch President said it was a proud day for was a page
the Association as it also commemorated 95 of news
years of Girl Guiding. The celebration was reporting on
particularly memorable for Branch Vice fundraising
President Puan Sri Janaki Athinahapan who efforts,
was instrumental in helping set up the Girl including
Guides, KL Chapter. The event also saw past efforts by
patrons and pioneer members being honored Girl Guides
with medals. of different Branches in Malaysia. Maybank
helped by encouraging customers using
Maybank ATM machines to make a donation.
Goal 3 - The Voice of Girls Whenever anyone used a Maybank ATM
and Young Women machine during the month, they received a
message asking for a donation to the Girl
Greener x Greener project with UNIQLO in Guides-Maybank tsunami fund for Japan and
Japan they could donate directly from their bank
account using the ATM machine.
Girl Scouts of Japan has built a partnership
with UNIQLO, The fundraising effort ended on 20 April.
a Japanese GGAM President Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor
clothing firm, presented the cheque to the Japanese
for the Peace Ambassador Masahiko Horie, who received it
Project on behalf of the Japanese Red Cross, at the
named Prime Minister’s residence on 20 April 2011.
"Greener x "The humanitarian effort reflects the close ties
Greener". between Malaysia and Japan which is going
UNIQLO has through a difficult time," she said. The
already been campaign was featured on the National TV
cooperating with UNHCR and they reuse and channel prime time news and in national
recycle all used products. Each year in March, newspapers.
June and September they promote recycling
activity months and they will launch a State Commissioner for Sarawak Annie Sim
campaign in the future. Girl Scouts were in said the campaign has been beneficial in
UNIQLO shops with UNIQLO staff and educating young members about the
UNHCR on 5 to 6 March in Tokyo, and 19 to importance of helping those in need.
20 March in Hyogo. They promoted recycling Organizing chairperson Datuk Yeoh Seoh
used clothes and also handed out leaflets Keng praised and thanked members of the
introducing "Greener x Greener" project. It Movement for their tireless efforts in ensuring
became a very good opportunity to raise the success of the project.
awareness on Girl Scouting for huge amount
of people. This cooperative activity will be Pakistan forms Young Leaders Committee
rolled our throughout Japan in the future. and holds Youth Forum
Girl Guides Association Malaysia Lend a Pakistan Girl Guides Association, Punjab
Hand Branch, has formed
a young leader
Members of the Girl Guides Association group which aims to
Malaysia (GGAM) have successfully raised support girls and
RM 1.8 million in aid of Japan’s tsunami and young women in
earthquake victims. Over a period of one skills, confidence
month, GGAM ran their fundraising activities and leadership
with the support of the Star, the most widely development.
read English newspaper in Malaysia, and Elections for the group were held on 17
Maybank, one of the major banks in Malaysia August 2010. Senior Guides selected their
6

7. January 2011
President, Vice President and Reporter from accommodation, meals, conference
different colleges and universities. facilities/materials and airport transfers.
A Centenary Youth Forum was held on 10 Each Member Organization of the Asia Pacific
April 2011 at Pakistan Girl Guides Association Region is invited to send two participants and
National Headquarters, Islamabad. It was register two reserves. Reserve participants will
arranged as the initiation of a Mega Youth be considered upon availability of more places
Forum at National Level and to celebrate the and are not eligible for grants.
Centenary of Girl Guides Movement. Twenty
young leaders (with international exposure) The delegation should consist of the following
from Punjab, Balochistan, Sindh, AJK, Gilgit two persons:
Baltistan and ICT participated in this forum. Participant 1: Person responsible for the
The forum was inaugurated by National review and delivery of training for adult leaders
Commissioner of Pakistan Girl Guides in the Member Organization. This person
Association, Mrs Farhana Azim. In her should also be an experienced trainer who is
opening remarks she shared the Mission, currently training, AND
Vision and structure of PGGA. She foresaw Participant 2: Potential trainer aged 35 and
the young leaders as successors of the below, with a minimum of three years’
Executive Committee of PGGA. The experience in leading girls.
participants shared their key learning from
international events with other young leaders. Circular 1 and application forms for the
workshop will be sent out soon. Therefore, we
After comprehensive discussion, the young suggest that Member Organizations start to
people prepared suggestions and identify suitable applicants and budget for the
recommendations which were presented to the costs to attend this workshop now.
Executive Committee Members of PGGA.
Friends of Asia Pacific
Events
WAGGGS
Joint Asia Pacific-Arab Regional Training
of Trainers Workshop 3rd General Assembly
The Joint Asia Pacific-Arab Regional Training The 3rd General Assembly of the Friends of
of Trainers Workshop will be held from 28 Asia Pacific WAGGGS (FAPW) was held at
November to 3 December 2011 at Grand the Yeungdeungpo Youth Hostel, Seoul, South
BlueWave Hotel, Shah Alam, Selangor, Korea on 20
Malaysia. The 4-day workshop with the theme – 24 April
“T=C3 (Trainers = Create, Challenge, Change) 2011. Whilst
is expected to bring together 100 participants a General
from both the Asia Pacific and Arab Regions. Assembly is
the major
Date: 28 Nov to 3 Dec 2011 (Arrival on 28 meeting of
Nov, departure on 3 Dec) FAPW and a
Venue: Grand BlueWave Hotel, Shah Alam, time to report
Selangor, Malaysia on the activities of the past triennium, the
(http://www.bluewavehotels.com/) (Arrival gathering of members from countries across
Airport should be Kuala Lumpur International the Region is an important opportunity to show
Airport (KLIA) or Kuala Lumpur Low Cost support for the work of the APR Committee
Carrier Terminal (LCCT)) throughout the Region, renew friendships and
Fees: meet new people. Through the social events
GBP 300 arranged by FAPW Korea as well as the
per business meetings, this Assembly achieved all
person these expectations and more. There were a
(Twin total of 154 participants from thirteen
sharing) / countries, namely Australia, Cambodia,
GBP 420 Denmark, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea,
per Malaysia, Maldives, Philippines, Singapore, Sri
person Lanka, Taiwan and Thailand.
(Single occupancy). Fees will include
7

8. January 2011
The Membership Presentation Ceremony and Susan Locsin (Philippines) to join the three
International Night are very important aspects who remain – Chempaka Emalin Pahamin
of all FAPW gatherings. Presentations were (Malaysia), Annette Woo (Hong Kong), Soon
carried out by our Patron, HRH Crown Duck Chung (Korea). Following this, the
Princess Azizah of Pahang, Malaysia who also Working Group elected Chempaka as
provided an inspirational address to those Chairman for the next three years with Susan
present. This was followed by a most as Vice Chairman. The retiring Working Group
enjoyable meal and performances by members were thanked for their contribution.
participants. A total of 67 new Silver members, The Working Group has been careful to
24 Gold, 10 Diamond and 19 Major Donors maintain membership donations at a level
received pins during the ceremony. During the within the financial scope of a vast majority of
General Assembly period, a total of GBP potential members within the Region. Until
9,217 was collected (this does not include now, membership donations have been
money of new members directly sent to offered in both US dollars and GB pounds.
WAGGGS). A further amount of GBP 942 was This has meant variation in amounts being
raised in the bazaar. received by the World Bureau, caused by
currency fluctuations. The decision was made
A very fitting closing to the Assembly was a in 2010 that, following this Assembly,
dinner cruise on the River Han – watching the membership donations would be GB pounds
sun gradually set and the lights of the City take only. Additionally, entry level for Silver
over. Entertainment was provided by two category would be increased to 80GBP. This
young singers whose music again inspired is the only change in membership donation
dancing by participants. levels since the inception of FAPW in 1999.
They also launched the new FAPW
Participants also took part in the Girls’ Day of Membership Brochure. The new membership
the Girl Scouts of Korea. It was indeed the fee tier and brochure can be downloaded at
event of the year, with more than 30 booths the Asia Pacific microsite.
set up to exercise cognitive learning for girls in
various skills ranging from personal health FAPW Korea as well as Girl Scouts Korea
care, emergency health response, mentoring were congratulated on their wonderful
to women, environment care, modern art, volunteers and hard work to help make this a
cultural art, promotion of international camp, very happy and successful event.
etc. More than 6,000 girls and young women
joined the event.
Young Women’s World
The business meetings provided an
opportunity to hear a report of activities and
Forum 2011
achievements of FAPW over the past three
years and a report of projects undertaken with At 14.30GMT on 20 March 2011, delegates
the support of funds raised by FAPW. from 82 countries gathered in WAGGGS’ four
We talked more about the Terms of World Centres in India, Mexico, Switzerland
Reference, the role of Country Co-ordinators and the UK for the opening ceremony of the
and heard about FAPW activities in several Young Women’s World Forum. The ceremony
countries. The Olave Baden-Powell Society was also broadcast online, with people tuning
and the new membership scheme which in from countries as far afield as Brazil,
enables donations to FAPW be accumulated Singapore, Mauritius, Latvia and Tunisia.
and taken into consideration for OBPS
membership was also introduced. Guest Delegates and viewers renewed their
Speaker Dr. Kwang Tae Kim, Chairman of the Promises, committing to help build a better
Permanent Fund Committee for Korea world and contributing to the achievement of
Rotary International, addressed the group on the United Nations Millennium Development
the importance of fundraising for the survival Goals.
of organizations and some ideas of how to
approach fundraising. One viewer said that when they heard the
Promise said in so many different languages
At the end of each triennium three members of from people all around the world it gave them
the Working Group of six stand down and “goose bumps on my arm, even after all these
three new members are elected. The new years!”
Working Group members elected are – Helen
Hargreaves (Australia), Junko Satoh (Japan),
8

9. January 2011
WAGGGS World Board Chairman, Margaret Development Goals and concerning Guiding in
Treloar encouraged Girl Guides and Girl our home countries, with a group of vibrant,
Scouts around the world to take responsibility passionate, committed and concerned group
for being agents of change in their own lives of young women. Discovering that Veronique
and in their communities. from Guyana was running a 'Trash Up' Day
with a concept almost identical to Clean Up
“You are at the start of what will be a very Australia Day, as well as a Life Skills
exciting and life-changing week. You will be programme similar to one run in South
debating global issues of enormous Australia brought home just how universal
importance – ending hunger and poverty, many of these issues are. Further, it gave us
achieving gender equality, and environmental an opportunity to discuss sharing resources (I
sustainability. Our individual actions and have already committed to sending information
voices together create a powerful Movement, about various parts of the Australian Guiding
and you as individuals have a responsibility, Programme to Hungary, Guyana and the
and the opportunities, to fulfill your potential to Ukraine, as well as emailing some information
become agents of change.” Margaret Treloar, to the Maldives and Papua New Guinea!). We
WAGGGS World Board Chairman. discussed, we planned, and we committed
ourselves to action at home. How much of
You can read about the daily updates on the what we set out to achieve actually eventuates
remains to be seen, but the effects of the
WAGGGS website -
http://www.wagggsworld.org/en/YWWF2011 forum will certainly be felt within WAGGGS
and the wider community. We have prepared
the way, and in 2012, a further group of girls
Anna Baulderstone from and young women will be taking what we have
Girl Guides Australia learned and what we have done out into the
Incorporated writes on her community.”
YWWF experience at Our
Chalet: “From 19 to 26
March 2011, around 160 World Centres
young women from
around the world Volunteering at Pax Lodge- A life time
gathered at the four World Experience
Centres to participate in
the Young Women's Pax Lodge is the WAGGGS World Centre in
World Forum (YWWF) 2011. I was lucky London,
enough to attend Our Chalet. We were situated next to
following up on the declaration drafted by the the World
YWWF delegates in 2010. With roughly 45 Bureau. All
WAGGGS nations represented, it was World Centres
undoubtedly the most diverse group of women have a regular
I have ever encountered, but we nonetheless programme for
had much in common; a passion for Guiding, a volunteer girls
willingness to overcome cultural boundaries to come and
and a deep commitment to pursuing the stay to work,
Millennium Development Goals in our home learn and get an international experience.
countries. The focus of the week was
developing our advocacy skills. We learnt Azka Ejaz from Pakistan Girl Guides
about managing diversities, about using Association Punjab branch was the first girl
different methods of communication to convey from Pakistan Girl Guides Association to work
a message, about lobbying and campaigning as a volunteer at Pax Lodge.
and about knowledge management. We also
had an amazing opportunity to visit the United She worked as resident volunteer at Pax
Nations for a day trip. We saw the General Lodge from 1 November 2010 to 1 January
Assembly room, as well as hearing from a 2011. As resident volunteer she was
speaker on environmental sustainability. responsible for housekeeping and at times
Seeing the place where so many decisions are conducted evening programmes or assisted
made to change our world was inspiring, and a with day events. During her stay at Pax lodge
once in a lifetime opportunity for most. What she participated in a seminar and conducted
really made this forum special for me, international nights. She also worked on
however, was the opportunity to discuss MDGs.
issues, concerning the Millennium
9

10. January 2011
delivery of our strategy in the Region. As a
Azka Ejaz thanked the Pakistan Girl Guides key member of the Global Operations team,
Association for providing her such an you will also actively participate in and
opportunity and stated that she had an contribute to our global initiatives. Working in
experience of working in a multicultural partnership with volunteers and through
environment. “I gained a lot of confidence and member organizations, you will support and
leadership skills. Life at Pax is very exciting encourage the development of Girl Guiding
and very busy but it teaches you lessons for and Girl Scouting in the Region and beyond.
life and strengthens you as a female, shapes Willing and able to travel extensively, you will
you as a person and enriches your soul. I will be fluent in English and a highly effective
forever cherish these memories. I strongly communicator at all levels.
recommend other girls with good English skills
to have this experience and represent Please give this vacancy your full
Pakistan.” consideration, and please use your personal
Pax Lodge website: and professional networks to make this
http://paxlodge.org/en/home vacancy as well known as possible. Closing
date for applications is 25 May 2011.
First interviews by telephone will be held on 1,
Announcement 2, and 3 June 2011. Final face-to-face
interviews will take place in the week of 13
June, location to be confirmed but likely to be
Farewell to Mengfei Wu London, India or Singapore. We would like the
successful candidate to start their contract as
We informed you in March that Mengfei Wu soon as possible. If an early start is not
will complete her time with WAGGGS at the possible, then we would still like the successful
beginning of June 2011. Mengfei has decided candidate to attend WAGGGS’ World
to move on to the next chapter of her life, and Conference in the UK from 9 to 15 July.
we wish her well. During her time as Regional
Director, Mengfei has supported the Asia
Pacific Region Committee to develop its
operational plans, to strengthen the Region,
and to implement programmes to build
capacity in the Member Organizations.
We thank Mengfei for her work with the
previous Committee under the Chairmanship
of June Cameron. More importantly, Mengfei
gave support and advice to Jeng and the new
Committee in the crucial months after being
elected. This put the Committee on a firm
foundation to begin work as a new Committee
with a new Chair. We are extremely grateful to
Mengfei for this and we wish her all the very
best.
Recruitment of new Regional Director, Asia
Pacific Region
It is with eager anticipation that we announce
the opening of the vacancy for the Asia Pacific
Regional Director. Please look on WAGGGS’
website and the Asia Pacific microsite where
you will find a full job description and for more
details
(http://www.wagggsworld.org/en/about/
jobsopportunities ). We are looking to
appoint a Regional Director to lead the
development, implementation and evaluation
of our work in the Asia Pacific Region. An
experienced manager, with practical
knowledge of the region, you will drive the
10