The Tribune

The BAHAMAS GIRL GUIDES ASSOCIATION, established in 1915, continues to provide more than 2000 Sunflowers, Brownies, Guides and Rangers with the opportunity to develop mentally, physically, morally and spiritually, through a comprehensive programme anchored in the Guide Promise and Law. Guides on New Providence, Grand Bahama, Abaco, Eleuthera and Spanish Wells, Andros, Long Island, Exuma, and Inagua will join their 10 million sister guides around the world, to once again celebrate Guide Week and Thinking Day under the theme: “Education for All - Seize the Opportunity”, beginning Sunday, February 16, and ending on February 22.

During this week, the Bahamas, as a member of the 10 million strong World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts will reflect on the importance of education as a fundamental tool for the total development of girls and young women, and for the nation as a whole. The association believes that education at all levels and periods in life must continue to be built upon four pillars, as prescribed by UNESCO: to know; to do; to be; and to live together.

“We join with parents, teachers, educators, and youth leaders to encourage the youth and Bahamians of all ages to seize the opportunities provided for education and training in order to realize their fullest potential. As we challenge our girls to see themselves as leaders, we also encourage them to make a difference for others; to be empowered; and to put their learning into action for themselves, their families, schools, communities and for their country,” said the association.

The special celebrations include a church service, a community march, an afternoon of fun day with books, including a range of literacy activities. There will also be a fun day and a “Lock Down” at Camp Discovery.

The Rangers will invite parents, teachers, educators to EDSUP on February 21 at St Benedict’s Hall on the grounds of St. Francis Xavier Cathedral. The young adults will discuss what they perceive to be the barriers to education in the Bahamas.

On February 22, all members inclusive of the Girl Guides Patron, President, Council, parents, former guides and invited guests will gather at Xavier’s Lower School to celebrate Thinking Day - the joint Birthdays of founders, Lord and Lady Baden Powell.

The Association invites parents, teachers and leaders who are interested in either having their girls and young women become a Sunflower, Brownie, Guide or Ranger Guide or for establishing a group at their church or school, to contact the Girl Guides Headquarters at 322-4342 or email bahamasgirlguides@msn.bs.