BuaNews (Tshwane)
Luyanda Makapela
8 July 2008
Boksburg — Communities, government and associations such as the Girl Guides have the responsibility to guide young girls to realise their dreams, says Deputy President Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka.
"We have a responsibility to guide these young girls and allow them to realise their dreams," said Ms Mlambo-Ngcuka while addressing the 33rd World Association of Girl Guides and Girls Scouts (WAGGGS).
"This requires that we work together as it takes a village to bring up a child."
The Deputy President said the conference was held at a time when youth were faced with the many challenges of moral degeneration.
"As social and economic challenges in our communities evolve, we need solid and vibrant Girl Guides Associations that will be at the forefront of addressing these difficulties," she said.
The conference was held under the theme: "Join in - Reach Out - Change Lives" at the Birchwood Conference Centre in Boksburg on Monday.
Ms Mlambo-Ngcuka cited the recent attacks on people from other countries and locals in different parts of the country which also saw violence against women, both young and old.
However, despite this, within each girl there is a hero inside, said the Deputy President.
"Of everything we can give to the girls, I believe the inner strength is the most important so that whether they have an economically protected life, poverty of face pressure, they can have the capacity to make the right or best choices," she said.
The Deputy President said education at home and at school was vital for young girls and women as it taught them about their inner strength.
"I also believe that as gender activists, we have a collective responsibility to ensure access to education for these girls as a weapon no one can take away once acquired," she said, adding that there was a need of working together to keep girls at school.
"As sisters and mothers, we must know and live up to the saying that 'Motho ke motho ka batho!' [meaning we are what we are because of others]."
Ms Mlambo-Ngcuka said the girls should be assisted especially those in difficult situations to ensure they grow and better themselves in life.
The Girl Guides and Girl Scouts is the largest association in the world for girls and young women.
Founded in 1928, it is now represented in 144 countries worldwide with a membership of over 10 million girls and young women.
Through its member organisations in each country, WAGGGS provides high quality, non-formal education programmes that deliver values-based training in life skills, leadership and decision-making.
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