Azerbaijani scouts demonstrate superiority over Armenian children: Azerbaijan Association of Scouts Chairman

Day.Az: You head the only scout organization in Azerbaijan. To what degree the Azerbaijani children are involved in a scout life?

Namiq Jafarov: First, I want to note that the Azerbaijan Scout Association was founded in 1997. We entered into the World Organization of Scout Movement in 2000. This allowed us to participate in all international scouting events. The meeting of the Regional Scout Organization was held in Baku in 2004. To hold such an event with participation of the leading countries of Europe was difficult for a young organization, but it took place in the highest level.

Since then scouting became more widespread in Azerbaijan leaving behind some neighbors for its scales. This is evidenced by the fact Azerbaijan annually holds international camp since 1998. We host young people from different countries. This is a big indicator for us. Azerbaijani children are happy to join us and represent the country at international events. Scouting has become a way of life for many.

Q: How many scouts does your organization have?

A: Currently, our organization brings together 1,800 scouts throughout the country. Each year about 500 children participate in scout camps organized by the association. Over 300 million people have joined scouts throughout the world.

We are open to all, but it does not mean that we accept all. The main thing for us is not to become a scout, and to remain a scout in future so that to play your role in society in a worthy manner. As many as 28 million of scouts in 216 countries around the world seek to change the world to the better.

Q: Is the key objective of scouting to organize leisure activities for children?

A: Scouting  is thought-out, pedagogically sound and proven system of education, training and recreation for children. Established by British intelligence officers Baden-Powell at the beginning of the century, the Scout method proved very effective and resilient. Having existed for nearly a century, it still has not lost its relevance.

Scouts are engaged in various activities including hiking, camping, talks and discussions. Scouts from different countries travel a lot and communicate with each other. They find friends in other countries and help each other. Scouting aims at unity, it has no boundaries.

All scouting programs are aimed at knowledge of nature, perfection and the formation of active integrated personality.

Q: You said that your children participate in international camps and communicate with other children. Probably, they often meet Armenian scouts ...

A: We can not avoid it. But I am heartened by the fact that our children demonstrate their superiority over the Armenian scouts in international meetings and camps.

Of course, we place great importance on training of our scouts. Our children are ahead of many scouts from the Eurasian region for level of development, communication skills and initiative at international events.

Q: Why so much importance is attached to scouting in the world?

A: Because today's scouts are future parliamentarians, businessmen and public figures of the country. It educates leaders and patriots.

Scouting is very popular around the world. The country which lacks a scout organization is consider undeveloped. It hurts the image of the country and is considered undemocratic. Therefore, many states establish scout organizations in their own country and allocate funds worth $200,000 for their development.

Q: And who supports you?

A: We have always received attention. We cooperate with Ministry of Youth and Sports, as well as with UNDP, SOROS, UNFPA, Save The Children, the World Organization of the Scout Movement, BP oil company, UNCEF and UNCER. Donors have helped us in organizing the camps and various projects.

This helps us to move along a path to development.

Day.Az