Meeting The Needs of Refugee Girls And Women
Girl Guiding/Girl Scouting is an activity for girls and young women, undertaken in their free time, that offers those who take part adventure, challenge and purpose. It gives girls the opportunity to try many different interests, and at the same time learn self-reliance and develop self-esteem. It aims to prepare them to be resourceful, responsible and to think for themselves. Girl Guiding/Girl Scouting emphasizes the importance of specific values and contributing to the community in which Girl Guides/Girl Scouts live. It works by giving opportunities to girls and young women where they can learn and grow by making decisions, doing and discovering for themselves and having fun at the same time.
Girl Guiding/Girl Scouting can help refugee girls and young women to deal with problems they face every day. It provides a non-formal educational structure with adult leaders and links to community services. The skills and experiences gained through Girl Guiding/Girl Scouting will have effects that will carry on into refugee girls' adult lives and into new places where they might be resettled.
Girl Guiding/Girl Scouting has something unique to offer girls and young women, particularly refugee girls and young women. The more marginalized and disadvantaged the girls and young women are, the greater potential for impact Guiding has on their lives. Part of Guiding's unique contribution is the ability to implement programs that meet the specific needs of girls and young women - and at the same time, work with the family and community.
More information about implementing Girl Guiding/Girl Scouting programs in refugee camps is available at www.wagggsworld.org.