Congo

Promise:

On my honour, with the grace of God, I promise to do my best:
To serve God, the Church and my country,
To help others at all times, and
To obey the Guide Law

Law:

1 A Guide is loyal.

2 A Guide puts others before herself.

3 A Guide is generous; she is ready to serve.

4 A Guide is friendly and has team spirit.

5 A Guide, sister to all other Guides, is helpful to all.

6 A Guide discovers nature and sees in it the work of God.

7 A Guide is obedient.

8 A Guide does not fear hard work. She does not do things by halves.

9 A Guide likes her work and respects the work of others.

10 A Guide has self-control, she is pure and jolly.

Age groups:

Ranger 17-25

Guide 12-17

Brownie 8-12

Development of the movement:

Scouting was introduced to Congo in 1927 by a French missionary of the Spiritains Fathers, a Catholic priest, called Father Le Baye. Between 1927 and 1960, as in all French-speaking African countries, Guiding evolved as an extension of Les Guides de France.

When the country became independent in 1960, l’Association des Guides du Congo was created, led by Congolese who had been trained by Les Guides de France.

As the Republic of Congo had opted for a Marxist/Leninist political system, in 1963 the Government banned Scout and Guide Movements in the country, creating one youth movement called ‘Les Pionniers et Pionnières de la Révolution’ (Pioneers of the Revolution).

In 1991, with the arrival of democracy, Guiding was relaunched after a 27-year break. Through the impetus given by former Scouts, Guides, Eclaireuses and Eclaireurs leaders, the former Catholic Scout and Guide leaders formed a joint organization, officially recognized in 1992.

WAGGGS, being concerned with the development of Girl Guiding in the country, sent several representatives to assist in the relaunching of the Movement, to organize a formal structure and train leaders, and to develop its Constitution and Bye-laws.

Les Guides du Congo forms a joint organization with Les Scouts du Congo. The General Assembly, the highest body of the Association, meets every three years, and is chaired by the President. The National Council, which meets once a year, is the executive body of the General Assembly and is also chaired by the President.

The Chief Commissioner is responsible for the day-to-day running of the Association. As a joint organization, the Association is represented at all levels of the structure. The headquarters are located in the parish of Notre-Dame de l’Assomption in Brazzaville.

Programme:

The programme is based on the Fundamental Principles, and aims to offer girls and young women the possibilities of self-training in character development and service to others. It also focuses on mind development, acquisition of skills, relationship with others and appreciation of outdoor life. The programme is relevant to the realities of Congolese youth, taking into account their needs and aspirations. A committee is responsible for programme development.

Relationship to society:

Service projects undertaken include child health care, care of the environment, and cleaning of public places.

The Association is very aware of its international dimension and international activities feature regularly in unit and company meetings. Thinking Day is celebrated each year, and forms an important part of the Guiding calendar.

Communication and Co-operation

The Association enjoys good relations with all sectors of the community, including the Government and the Church.

It works closely with le Ministère Chargé de l’Intégration de la Femme au Développement, and le Ministère de la Jeunesse et des Sports.

Representatives from the above ministries regularly attend events of the Association, and also attend the General Assembly as observers.

The Association collaborates with other NGOs and UN agencies in community development projects.

The Government and religious authorities in the country see Guiding as playing an important role in the education of girls and young women, especially in the post-communism era.

The Association has produced some leaflets for use by leaders, and also uses publications from the Africa Region.

Training:

The National Training Commissioner is responsible for the training of Regional Commissioners, trainers and leaders. Training is usually held over weekends or during public holidays.

The Association has greatly benefited from training courses organized by the Field Executive Trainers, Africa Region, and trainers from Les Guides de France.

*Information compiled in 1997

Projects

• Assistance to Child Victims of Armed and Non-Armed Conflicts
• Aids Education