Scouting will be made compulsory for all primary schools from next year.

Minister for Education, Heritage and Arts Mahendra Reddy announced this at the Nausori Scout Council district rally at Krishna Vedic School last Saturday.

Mr Reddy said scouting was about developing children to be independent and better citizens of a country, and so all Year 6 and Year 8 students will get the opportunity to participate in scouting programmes from next year.

“It is interesting to note that the Nausori Scouts Rally is organised at a time when we want it to be; after the Year 6 and Year 8 exams. This is the time we will want it to happen next year for all schools and it will be compulsory for every child in primary school for Year 6 and Year 8,” Mr Reddy said.

Mr Reddy said it would allow children to get exposure to basic skills learnt through scouting movements.

“Scouting is about encouraging children to move out of their comfort zone and learn to do things on their own.

“The whole movement is designed to prepare children for life beyond the comfort zone, for a life that you may be faced with without your parents and loved ones. If we don’t do this, we will be lacking in our responsibility to develop better citizens,” Mr Reddy said.

The minister reiterated to students that the FijiFirst Government will do its best to provide the best education to all children in the country.

“Children are full of dreams, aspirations and potential. To unlock the potential, we need to guide them.

“We need to nurture them and give them what they deserve. The Bainimarama Government is here ready to unlock that potential and ensure that they grow and become better citizens of this country.

“Children need to be protected and nurtured. My message to children is that Government and the Education Ministry will support them.

“We will remove all obstacles so children attain the level of education they want to and have a successful, bright and progressive future ahead,” Mr Reddy added.

Mr Reddy also highlighted the need and importance of parental support for child development.

“There is no substitute for parental love and care. The 30 minutes or one hour spent with your child makes a huge difference.

“They should get on a daily basis assurance from parents that they are there to guide and support their children for a secure future.”

Meanwhile, 170 scouts from 15 primary schools participated in the three-day Nausori District Scouts rally last weekend.