To become active citizens, young people need to develop:
- A sense of belonging and ownership;
- A sense of responsibility;
- A sense of duty and care to their community and environment;
- A set of skills so the can become agents of change;
- Knowledge, values and attitudes so they can make informed choices about the actions they are taking.
The Europe Region represents national Girl Guide and Scout Associations in 38 European countries, providing non-formal educational programmes for over one million young people throughout
Europe.
Our mission and vision puts the development of girls and young women as active citizens at the heart of our Movement.
WAGGGS believes that young people, particularly girls and young women, should be:
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autonomous - able to make choices and to control their personal and social life as an individual and as a member of society;
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supportive - able to show concern for others, to act with them and for them, and show their concern;
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responsible - able to take responsibility for their actions, keep commitments and complete whatever they undertake;
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committed - able to assert themselves in respect of values, a cause or an ideal, and to act accordingly.
The educational method of Girl Guiding/Girl Scouting develops young people to be active citizens in the following ways:
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the system of progressive self-development which encourages young people to exercise self-motivation and freedom of choice;
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learning by doing, which invite young people to take part in challenges or activities in a practical way, encouraging them to contribute to the best of their ability and make a positive contribution to ensure their success;
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the patrol system, an important early example of democracy in action, where young people learn to work with others as part of a team, and develop joint and individual responsibility;
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service in the community - which provides opportunities for Guides and Scouts to become involved in their local, national and global community and learn at first hand about the difference volunteering can make to the development of their society
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active co-operation between young people and adults, where younger members have the opportunity to work alongside adult leaders in a system of mutual fellowship
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the international dimension of Girl Guiding/Girl Scouting. This provides young people with the opportunity to develop an appreciation of, and respect for, the diversity and similarity of peoples and cultures, preparing them to live and work in increasingly multi-cultural societies
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our projects. These develop young people’s confidence, decision-making capacities and life skills also contribute to the development of young people as active citizens.
The Education of Young People A statement at the dawn of the 21st century" produced by the
Alliance of Youth Executive Officers.
