The Scout Association of Guyana on Friday opened a library and computer room at its headquarters on Woolford Avenue, Georgetown.
The opening coincided with observances for the 156th birth anniversary of the founder of the Scout Movement, Lord Baden Powell. Powell was born on February 22, 1857, a press release said.
It is also in keeping with the Scout motto, ‘Be prepared’, Scout Association President Ramsay Ali said.
“What we are demonstrating on Baden Powell’s day is preparing the young ones for the now and for the future. The computer and library will play an integral role in spreading knowledge and promoting literacy, thereby equipping our young people with the tools necessary for a successful future,” he said.
According to Ali, the Association will be approaching head teachers at nearby schools to make arrangements so that students from those schools can access the facilities. Scout leaders will also be called to volunteer their efforts to ensuring its success.
“I make a special appeal to the young leaders to volunteer their time and make an effort to play a part in the operation of the library and computer room,” Ali said.
Scout Association Chief Commissioner Zaida Joaquin said the idea for embarking on this initiative stemmed from the realization that reading and knowledge of the computer were challenging some scouts. She also urged scouts and leaders to donate books that they no longer use so that others can benefit from them.
Joaquin noted that the initiative would not have been possible without vital support from Sterling Products Limited, Hand-in-Hand, E-Networks, the Rotary Club of Georgetown, Food for the Poor and Ali.