BAGHDAD, Iraq, March 2, 2004 — Thousands of children throughout Iraq will soon be able to participate in an Iraqi Boy Scout and Girl Scout program, according to Coalition Provisional Authority officials.
The scouting initiative was launched recently with the backing of the World Scouting Organization, the Arab Scout Organization, and some 100 former scouters serving in Iraq.
The program will allow boys and girls of all ethnic and cultural backgrounds to join together in activities that promote good citizenship, community service, honor, and self-confidence.
Volunteer scouting was first introduced to Iraq in 1921 but was terminated during the Saddam Hussein era. Coalition officials said the reestablishment of scouting signals a brighter future for Iraq's youth and is another step forward in reconnecting Iraq with the world community