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Guiding light

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Abu Dhabi’s girlguiding programme is thriving – so much so, the local after-school group is searching for adult volunteers to help them expand

 

The UAE branch of the British Guides in Foreign Countries (BGIFC) is looking for women to volunteer to help with its growing membership.

BGIFC is part of Girlguiding UK, an organisation founded in 1910 in the UK to help young girls gain valuable life skills.

Today, it is the largest voluntary organisation for girls and young women, with more than half a million members.

Bridget McAuslan, a longtime volunteer leader based in Abu Dhabi, says, “The objective is to help girls and young women develop emotionally, mentally, physically and spiritually, so that they can have a positive contribution to their community and the world.”

The members are categorised under three divisions: Rainbows (five to seven years old), Brownies (seven to ten years old), and Guides (ten to 14 years old).

“They do various activities such as making crafts, playing games and engaging in outdoor activities including camping and cooking on camp fires,” explains Bridget.

Currently, the group has around 200 members in Abu Dhabi – with two Rainbow groups, four Brownie groups and two Guide groups stationed on Saadiyat, the main island and Khalifa City A.

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Having additional adult guide volunteers will enable the group to accommodate aspiring members who are on the waiting list.

“There are various roles in guiding,” says Bridget. “Many adults give their time as leaders or assistants for guiding units. Others take on admin responsibilities or help out on an occasional basis.”

Previous experience is not required for interested guides, as a mentor will help train new leaders.

“Although we are not paid, it is extremely rewarding to see the girls in our care grow in confidence and self-esteem, and we have great fun doing it,” says Bridget.

Want to volunteer? Then register at enquiryv.girlguiding.org.uk

Ferdinand Godinez

 

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