President: Broadening scout movement can help tackle multiple social issues

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih states that broadening the scout movement in Maldives can help tackle multiple social issues.

President Solih, the Chief Scout of Maldives, made the comment at the National Scout Day gala held in Kurumba Maldives to celebrate the 66th anniversary of the introduction of scouting in Maldives on Monday evening.

President Solih noted that the scouting movement currently primarily focuses on school students.

“Students are involved in scouting until they are 15 years of age, or until they complete grade 10. And some students are involved until they are 18 years, or until they complete grade 12. After that, there aren’t usually any scouting activities for them,” he said.

President Solih said that providing the opportunity for young people to continue in the movement after their graduation would shape them into productive members of society.

It would help idle youth from turning towards criminal activities, and help alleviate some of the main social issues plaguing the country such as drug abuse, gang crimes, domestic violence, and sexual abuse, he said.

“They divert from the right path with this idleness that comes at the most critical age,” he said.

President Solih said that the scout movement sought to contribute to the development of young people in achieving their full potential as individuals, citizens, and members of society.

He assured the council members of the Scout Association of Maldives of his administration’s commitment to assist in developing the movement in the country and announced his decision to designate an island for scouting activities under the Education Ministry.

At the gala event, the President presented badges and certificates to four recipients of the "Silver Tuna"—the highest honor in national scouting—and two recipients of the Scout Awards.