El Bayadh – Abdelrahman Hamzaoui, the General Commander of the Algerian Muslim Scouts (SMA), officially inaugurated the 2024-2025 scouting season on Saturday, October 19, at the Mohamed Belkheir House of Culture and Arts in El Bayadh. The event, which took place under the slogan “We are the Youth, and the Future is Ours”, was attended by local authorities, scout leaders from across the country, representatives of the revolutionary family, and members of civil society.
In his speech, Hamzaoui emphasized the educational role of the Algerian Muslim Scouts in nurturing children and empowering young people, noting that the organization now has more than 300,000 members. He highlighted the scouts’ ambition to reach 500,000 members in the coming years, in preparation for the 100th anniversary of the organization’s founding in 2036, with the ultimate goal of achieving 1.5 million scouts.
Key Goals and Programs for the New Season
The new scouting season aligns with the celebration of two major national events: the National Migration Day and the 70th anniversary of the November 1 Revolution. According to Hamzaoui, the program for this season focuses on leadership development and training, especially for young people, to equip them with the skills needed to play significant roles both within the organization and in society at large.
Hamzaoui also announced the launch of the second batch of youth leaders, in collaboration with the Ministry of Youth and Sports. He revealed that starting in November, the organization will host the Arab Leadership Training Program, aimed at developing trainers within the Algerian Muslim Scouts. The initiative will also include expanded training sessions in various fields.
In alignment with the state’s focus on youth empowerment, this season will prioritize youth protection and support, complementing the efforts of other public institutions. Programs and curricula are designed to guide young people and protect them from social dangers and negative influences.
International and Regional Scout Events
The new season will feature several important scouting events, including the Arab Cub Scouts Meeting, which Algeria will host in December 2024, with the participation of various Arab scout associations. The program will also include the Arab Guides Conference and other scouting events aimed at fostering collaboration and exchange among scout organizations in the region.
Promoting Social Values and National Unity
Hamzaoui called for collaboration with partners to achieve a range of social objectives, emphasizing the importance of instilling national pride and civic responsibility. He encouraged efforts to promote successful initiatives in the community and combat harmful societal behaviors.
He also highlighted the digital transformation of the organization, noting the development of the SMA’s digital platform, which facilitates easy registration of members and the creation of scout clubs and groups throughout the country.
Achievements and Youth Leadership
Reflecting on the previous season, Hamzaoui mentioned that many of the organization’s structures were renewed, including at the provincial level and within scout groups, providing new opportunities for young leaders to assume responsibility. Over one-third of the scout leadership now consists of young people under the age of 35, reinforcing the organization’s commitment to youth empowerment.
On the international level, Hamzaoui celebrated the Algerian Muslim Scouts’ participation in the World Scout Conference, where, for the first time, the SMA earned membership in the World Scout Committee.
Ceremony Highlights
The opening ceremony included performances of national anthems celebrating Algeria and Palestine, along with the raising of both the Algerian and Palestinian flags. Attendees also viewed video presentations showcasing the diverse activities of the SMA across the country.
For more updates on this season and other community events, visit DZWATCH.DZ.
Author: nor-eleslam
Algerian Scouts, Youth Empowerment, Leadership Training, Community Engagement
