News
23/01/2007
Government backs World Scout Jamboree
Ed Miliband, Minister for the Third Sector, today put almost £1.5 million behind plans to host 40,000 Scouts from 216 countries at this summer's Centenary World Scout Jamboree.
The Office of the Third Sector, in the Cabinet Office, will give the UK Scout Association nearly £1.5m to support the event in Hylands Park, Chelmsford, between 27 July 27 and 8 August.
The Jamboree will see 40,000 young people taking part in community projects, and celebrations will have a special focus on social cohesion and increasing levels of volunteering. The Government is keen to support the incredibly valuable benefits this will bring, and recognise the work of one of the country's best-loved movements.
Ed Miliband, Minister for the Third Sector, said: 'I am proud that thousands of young people from across the world with all sorts of backgrounds and cultures are gathering together in Britain to celebrate a century of community participation. Today, it is every bit as important as it was 100 years ago to give young people the chance to get out and do practical things to improve their lives and the lives of others. This is a fantastic opportunity to build for the future with all those attending working alongside volunteers from other countries, sharing experiences and showing young people at their best.'
Bill Cockcroft Jamboree Director said ’I am very pleased that the The Office of the Third Sector has made a formal offer of a grant to The Scout Association for nearly £1.5 million. The grant helps us with a wide range of issues. For example it will help us to refund the visa fees to participants from those countries that need this support the most’.
Derek Twine Chief Executive of The Scout Association said: ‘The 21st World Scout Jamboree being held in the UK this summer will be a real adventure for 40,000 young people from over 200 countries around the world. It is an ideal opportunity for them to explore and develop their intercultural understanding which is so important in today's world where we are all global citizens with global responsibilities.’
'We are very pleased with the practical and financial support that the Government is offering our Leaders and young people in Scouting's Centenary year. For 100 years Scouting has been actively helping to change the world for the better; we passionately believe that this can be achieved by helping young people to fulfil their physical, intellectual, social and spiritual potentials. This funding will enable us to help 40,000 Scouts from over 216 countries around the world to live together in peace and friendship at the Jamboree.'
Image: Throughout the Jamboree, all participants will take part in community projects.
