Tuesday

Here comes the last day of our Conference. Delegates are sad to have to leave friends, old and new, but also pleased with what they have achieved on the path of progress and prosperity of the Movement. They are all determined to keep in touch and to work together as one hand and one voice; to turn the decisions they have reached into reality that support and back up girls and young women of the Arab Region. 

First session

The day started with a reflection from Kuwait and then delegates focused on the election of the new members of the Arab Region Committee. The room was full of joy and excitement.

 

The 18^th Arab Regional Conference has elected Essia Fathallah (Tunis), Abla Abu Nawar (Jordan), Sagda Gasem Alholy (Kuwait), Noura Noomani Jaroudi (Lebanon), Monjeya Ahmad Alghadamsy (Libya) and Mona Abdel-Ghany Alshal (Egypt) as the new team to direct the work of the Arab Region WAGGGS for the next three years.

 

The new Committee has chosen Essia Fathallah as the new Chairman and postponed the election of the Vice-chairman until the next committee meeting in February 2008.

 

 

This was followed by the presentation from the Olave Baden-Powell Society (OB-PS). Ginny Radford, former WAGGGS’ Chairman, introduced the great job that OB-PS is doing around the world, helping the development and growing of the Movement and investing in the future of WAGGGS and each girl and young women.

 

Following the inspiring and motivated session, Mary-Lynn Myers, Deputy Chairman of WAGGGS World Board, talked about WAGGGS’ centenary, which is going to be celebrated from 2010 to 2012.

 

Young delegates got involved on the preparation and shared with Mary-Lynn the ideas for future events. Everyone is looking forward to be part of the celebrations and make their voices and opinion heard. 

Second session

There were many excellent ideas and suggestions from all participants during the workshop on WAGGGS centenary. One example was the following:

 

Each Member Organization can send one representative with a small handful of soil from their country. These representatives come together at one site, mix the soil from all countries and together plant a tree to symbolize the Movement. The roots grow deep - they are our foundation and our traditions – the trunk grows strong -it is our united organization – the branches are our Member Organizations throughout the world, with our millions of diverse members as its leaves. Trees are a key ingredient of life in our world as is our Movement.

 

As for the workshop on the involvement of girls and young women, a recommendation was accepted to have at least two young women as members of the National Board.

Third session

The final decisions of the 18^th Arab Regional Conference were presented. Afterwards, the flag of the Arab Region was handed to Lebanon, the hosting country of the next Arab Conference. 

Closing Ceremony

In a friendly atmosphere, participants received the attendance certificates as well as appreciation certificates to those who gave a lot of their time and efforts towards a smooth running of the conference and a comfortable stay for all delegates.

 

The Tunisian Scouts kindly presented each delegation a trophy to remember their wonderful time in Tunis.