Namibia
The Girl Guides Association of Namibia
Girl Guiding/Girl Scouting introduced: 1923
Number of Girl Guides/Girl Scouts: 1278 (01/01/2006)
Status:
Full Member
Guiding Introduced on: 01/01/1923
Admits boys: No
WAGGGS Region:
Africa
Contact us
Chief Commissioner
PO Box 6368
Ausspannplatz
WINDHOEK
Email: aase@iafrica.com.na
Click here to view additional information on this organisation
Promise:
I promise that I will do my best:
To do my duty to God and to my country,
To help other people at all times,
and to keep the Guide Law
Law:
1 A Guide is to be trusted.
2 A Guide is loyal.
3 A Guide is helpful.
4 A Guide is friendly.
5 A Guide is polite and thoughtful of others.
6 A Guide cares for the earth and living things.
7 A Guide is obedient.
8 A Guide is brave and cheerful.
9 A Guide is thrifty.
10 A Guide is pure in all that she thinks, says and does.
Age groups:
Young Leader 18 - adult
Ranger 15-18
Guide 11-15
Brownie 7-11
Development of the movement:
Guiding was established in the Territory of South West Africa (known as Namibia since 1968) in 1923 as a Region of the Girl Guides Association of South Africa. During the years 1985 to 1990 when the political independence of Namibia was being discussed by the world community, the Girl Guides Association of South Africa assisted the region of Namibia in its preparation to become an independent organization. In 1990 when Namibia became an independent sovereign country, the Girl Guides Association of Namibia was established. In 1993, the national organization became an Associate Member of WAGGGS. In 1999 the Girl Guides Association of Namibia was granted Full Membership of the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts. The national headquarters are based in Windhoek, the capital of Namibia. Since then, the Association has worked steadily towards the development of its own structure and the namibianisation of its programme. In 2003, a new structure was approved and the Association has since worked towards the realization of that structure.
In 2007 the revised Constitution was approved by WAGGGS. This was followed by the revision of the Terms of Reference which details the leadership profiles of the Association. In December 2008, the Training Scheme was accredited by WAGGGS. Attention has been given to the training of young guide leaders as the future leaders of the Association. Several young guide leaders have recently attended JLS seminars, as well as Trainings for Trainers and Co-operative Workshops of the South South Partnership. They have also been part of the delegations to Africa Region meetings and to World Conferences. The value of these experiences has already been shown in the Association.
Programme:
As an educational programme which was approved as a non-formal subject in all schools by the Ministry of Education, Guiding in Namibia enables girls and young women to develop their personal growth through training and the patrol system, based on the spiritual and moral values underlined in the Guide Promise and Law. The programme encourages members to develop a readiness and an ability to serve others. Although the South African programmes and handbooks were originally used, these have since been namibianised in English and are now being translated into the language of the largest ethnic group in Namibia, to assist with the transition to the official language, English. The handbooks are supported by a number of other publications and guidelines. Namibia now, also has its own uniforms which are made in Namibia.
Relationship to society:
Small service projects are undertaken by units in different regions. One such community activity is the support of an Anglican Church Feeding Scheme for destitute persons which has been undertaken for many years. There is a determined effort to develop other projects in different regions.
Communication and Co-operation
The Association maintains a good contact with the Ministry of Education , the National Association for School Principals, the Churches, as well as Non-Governmental organizations such as Fawenna. With its diversity of 13 different cultures and traditions, Namibia offers members of the Association many opportunities for the forging of bonds of friendship and co-operation in both regional and national communities. There is still much to be done in regard to the development of links and exchanges with other member countries. This is also an important part of the action plans.
Outdoor and Environmental Activities
Since Namibia enjoys a sunny, dry climate, outdoor activities such as camping are enthusiastically undertaken. The safety of members and access to water and medical services, is always considered when planning outdoor activities.
Training:
National and regional trainings are held regularly in accordance with the Training Scheme and regional trainers are being prepared for their task. In addition, training guidelines and manuals have been prepared to support trainers in their task. The shortage of leaders in the sparsely populated country continues to be a problem, aggravated by the great distances between towns and settlements. Fundraising for travel and accommodation has been undertaken. Plans for an extension to a guide hall in the Central Region, to develop a Training Centre, have been completed and there is an action plan to raise funds for the appointment of a paid field worker for the rural area. Our JLS graduates have also formed a team for the recruitment and retention of adult leaders and supporters.
