Rover Scouts on cultural mission in Sharjah

Sharjah: Scores of male Rover Scouts from all over the world are attending a gathering in Sharjah that aims to strengthen ties and bridge the culture gap.

The sixth International Cultural Gathering for Rover Scouts 2014 kicked off on February 1. The event also aims to introduce youngsters to the role of Islamic culture in promoting tolerance and peaceful coexistence. Participants are being taken on tours of Sharjah to learn about the emirate’s rich culture. The event’s theme is ‘Come on to the Capital of Islamic Culture.’

The ten-day event has been organised by the Arab Scout Region in cooperation with the UAE Scout Association. It is being held in line with the directives of His Highness Dr Shaikh Sultan Bin Mohammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah.

“It’s an exceptional experience to be introduced to the landmarks of Sharjah,” Andrew Morrison, 25, a scout from New Zealand said.

He said he had enjoyed seeing traditional houses, buildings inspired by Islamic architecture and the emirate’s various museums and universities.

Activities continued on the fourth day with a call to build and encourage cultural exchanges and raise awareness.

“We seek to instil human and cultural values and morals among youth regardless of their religious and ethnic backgrounds,” Mohammad Ebrahim, Chairman of the Media Committee at the Arab Scout Region, said.

The event features a series of activities, contests, tours and cultural programmes designed to give participants an opportunity to network, share ideas and exchange cultures, to help bridge the gap among young people who constitute the future of the world, Ebrahim added.

The event is being hosted by the Emirates Scout Association and Sharjah Scout Mission. Sa’ad Zian, Director of Adult Resources, World Scout Bureau, said: “Scout associations are available in more than 160 countries, involving all religions… However, scouts must share cultural knowledge irrespective of their religion and hence they communicate and respect each other on the basis of ethics promoted by scout associations.”

“It’s the first time I’ve attended such an event and I am extremely happy to be part of it and be part of the idea of having all young people of different cultures get together in Sharjah,” Ahmad Mohammad Al Jasmi, 24, said.

Cyrual Kwaku, 23, from Ghana, said that he was very pleased to take part in such an event that helped him learn about new cultures and make friends with his counterparts from other countries.

Ahmad Mohammad Muneer, a sup-camp leader, 21, from Egypt, said that he had participated in previous international scout gatherings and believed things got better year after year.

Rovers are the senior branch of Baden-Powell Scouting, intended for those aged 18 and over.

The writer is an intern with Gulf News.