NAGA CITY – Scout media group initiated its second edition of Journalism Skills Training (JST) in Libmanan, Camarines Sur to expand its membership in Bicol region and to advance skills of the scouts against disinformation, August 1 – 4.
The Amateur Media Association of Philippine Scouts (AMAPS) aims to promote social awareness and responsible community journalism among Scouts since the group launched its program ‘Kamalayaan: Kalayaan ng Kamalayan’ in 2022.
“As Scouts, we are part of the youth sector and most importantly, we are Filipino citizens. We are from the masses and must write for the masses,” AMAPS Project Officer Cei Fernando said. “It is also a way to advance the journalism skills of the Scouts for the improvement of our nation and our people.”
The 4-day JST was attended by 56 Scouts all over Luzon which includes from Tarlac, Olangapo, Cabanatuan, Pampanga, Bulacan, Batangas, Marinduque, NCR, Quirino, and Camarines Sur.
According to Fernando, previous JST was held online during pandemic but was overwhelmed to conduct face-to-face with the growing team in Bicol. “Our Scouts from Central Luzon and NCR also explored and participated in this project,” she added.
“It is very important to be aware and show that the youth or these Scouts are not just doing camping. We can also be part to take the lead to free the press and society,” Fernando said.
“Although there are merit badges and required activities, but the Scouts do not have platform to really show their participation. If we are to be honest, the Scouts are locked up in campsites, in activities, and building tents,” Fernando explained.
It’s a continuous process to mobilize Scouts to raise social awareness according to AMAPS. Delegates were committed to educate themselves in the political, economic, social, cultural, environmental, and other issues that confront society at present.
Dominated by women participants during the event, the prominent advocacy of the scouts reflected was to eradicate gender-based violence in Scouting and the community.
Scouts Against Sexual Harassment and Abuse (SASHA), women-scout-led movement, aims to be the center of support for victims and survivors in telling their stories and holding their perpetrators accountable on violence happening inside and outside the Scouting movement.
“We encourage all Scouts to speak up, mobilize, and fight against sexual harassment and abuse and other gender-based violence happening,” Fernando said. “We need to write, speak, shoot , and fight.” | Red Magtoto
