Diverse communities and people fleeing persecution turn to Scouts for skills, support and belonging

The launch of the first ever Scottish Sudanese Scout Group is the latest of seven open or set to be established groups by minority and refugee communities including in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Bonnyrigg and Perth.

Chief Scout Dwayne Fields has today (26 December 2024) congratulated volunteers at the 20th AlFonj Scout Group – founded in Niddrie, Edinburgh – as he targets improved access to skills and nature for young people of all backgrounds.

The new Group is the first Scottish Scout Group created with the support of the Sudanese community, many of whom have come to Scotland fleeing conflict and hardship. That makes it the latest of five Scout Groups opened with the support of minority and refugee communities across Scotland, with two more set to launch in 2025.

With 20 adult volunteers and 40 girls and boys involved, the Group fills a vital gap, helping volunteers and young people integrate with and contribute to their community all while supporting them to develop life and employability skills. Research by the University of Edinburgh shows that young people who participate in Scouts are 35% more likely to enjoy better employability and long-term wellbeing. The think tank Demos have also revealed that 53% of participants in Scouts felt prepared to start work for the first time, compared to just 37% people who didn’t take part in any extracurricular activities.

Group Lead Volunteer, Fawzia Osman said:

“The children love Scouts because it’s fun and they get to meet their friends, they forget that they’re learning. More than that though the Scout Group has helped us volunteers connect with our community. Everyone is getting involved, and if you need something there is always someone who knows who to speak to, or how to find it locally.

“It’s particularly important for those who have come to Scotland fleeing persecution, who often have few possessions and no idea how to get started in a new country. I’ve seen Scouting help volunteers and young people gain confidence and restore their sense of belonging, but also support them to improve skills like creativity, planning and communication.

“This is home for us and the Scouts is helping make that happen.”

Scouts Scotland operates in more than 500 communities across Scotland, including over 100 in areas of relative deprivation (SIMD 1-3). Our 11,000 volunteers unlock the power of fun, physical activity and adventure for more than 35,000 young people aged 4-25, equipping them with the skills they need for life.

The 20th AlFonj Scout Group is just the latest to be set up with the support of minority communities, including those displaced by conflict.

Scouts Scotland is working in collaboration with the Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain (AUGB) on new groups in Edinburgh and Perth. The Edinburgh group – set to launch early 2025 – will support 10-17 year-olds displaced by war, providing stability, friendship and supporting integration.

Meanwhile the 7th Ehsan Scout Group and the 16th Clyde Group both opened in October 2024. The first Scout Groups in Midlothian and Glasgow opened to focus on the needs of the local Muslim community, they support 50 young people and are already connecting with other Scout Groups locally, fostering belonging as they become part of the wider Scottish and international Scout family. With Beavers and Cubs (6 – 10 year olds) sections already flourishing, both groups plan to open Scout Troops (10.5 – 14 year olds) in the new year while a second Muslim community focused Scout group in Glasgow is also set to launch.

They join two existing Muslim community Scout Groups already active in Scotland, with thriving Beaver, Cub and Scout sections.

Chief Scout Dwayne Fields added:

“The opening of three brand new Scout groups in Edinburgh, Bonnyrigg and Glasgow is the perfect example of how Scouting doesn’t just benefit young people, but can lift a whole community fostering belonging and an opportunity to give back. My priority is to make that opportunity accessible to all, ensuring everyone can benefit from the incredible skills, access to nature and wellbeing benefits Scouting has to offer.”

Ea O’Neill, Scout Scotland’s Lead Volunteer for inclusion, added:

“The strength of Scouting lies in volunteers—over 11,000 people from all background across Scotland dedicate their time to make Scouting happen in their local area. In doing so they become part of something far wider. Our research shows that our volunteers hugely benefit from the sense of community and belonging.

“By reflecting Scotland’s diversity, we ensure everyone is invited and can benefit from the incredible opportunities Scouting has to offer.”