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Scouting History
Roots
The roots of Scouting in the Maldives trace back to the early 1960s, though there are photographs from the 1950s that show boys in Scout uniforms at national events. However, no records exist to confirm organized Scouting activities during that earlier period.
With the introduction of English-medium education in Malé, co-curricular activities gained momentum. One of the earliest and most enduring of these was Scouting, which began in 1961 at Majeediyya School under the leadership of Principal Mr. J.V. Hill. The initiative was spearheaded by Mrs. P. George, a pioneering educator, who formed the first Cub Scout Pack with eighteen children. In October 1961, the Junior Scout section was established under the guidance of Mr. R.E. Abraham and Mr. Cyril, and Sea Scouting was later introduced in 1964.
Scouting in the Maldives gained international recognition in 1963 when Majeediyya School’s Scout Group was registered with the Imperial Scout Headquarters in London as the First Malé Scout Group, thanks to the efforts of Mr. C. Dymoke Green, Commonwealth Scout Commissioner. At the time, Hon. Mr. Ahmed Zaki served as the Chief Scout Commissioner.
Early Years
Scouting in the Maldives gained international recognition in 1963 when Majeediyya School’s Scout Group was registered with the Imperial Scout Headquarters in London as the First Malé Scout Group, thanks to the efforts of Mr. C. Dymoke Green, Commonwealth Scout Commissioner. At the time, Hon. Mr. Ahmed Zaki served as the Chief Scout Commissioner.
Key milestones during the early years include:
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First Cub Scout Investiture: 26 February 1963
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First Scout Investiture: 18 June 1963
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First Camp: A historic four-day camp at Hulhulé from 28 April to 1 May 1965
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First Participation in Jamboree on the Air: 23 September 1966, with a message broadcasted by Chief Scout Commissioner Hon. Ahmed Zaki
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Introduction of “Chip-a-Job” Week: November 1966, fostering a culture of service
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First Overseas Participation: A contingent of twelve Rovers at the All-Ceylon Rover Moot in Panadura, Sri Lanka (1968)
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First Scout-Themed Postage Stamps: Issued on 1 January 1968, with five more releases by 1988
Challenges and Revival
Despite its strong foundation, Scouting faced a significant decline between 1972 and 1979 due to a lack of trained leaders and institutional support. The First Malé Scout Group eventually lost its affiliate status with the Imperial Scout Headquarters, and the movement remained confined to Majeediyya School. However, Cub Scouting endured during this challenging period.
In 1979, Scouting was revived at Majeediyya School. A turning point came in June 1983, when three Scout Leaders began a Leader Training Programme aimed at expanding Scouting to other schools in Malé.
This effort bore fruit:
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Male’ English School began Scouting on 26 August 1983
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Madhrasathul Aaliya and Madhrasathul Ahmadhiyya followed on 2 and 3 September 1983, respectively
The contributions of Mr. Navaratne were pivotal during this period. His commitment to training and organizational development helped sustain momentum, enabling trained Scouts to support and manage the activities of the Maldives Boy Scouts Association (MBSA).
Formation of the Scout Association of Maldives
On 28 January 1984, the Maldives Boy Scouts Association was officially registered under the Ministry of Home Affairs and Social Services. A sister organization for Girl Guides was also formed. Both were housed at the National Youth Centre.
Key figures in this transformation included:
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President H.E. Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, who became the Chief Scout of the Maldives
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Madam Nasreena Ibrahim, appointed as the first Chief Guide
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Hon. Ahamed Shathir, a veteran Scout and then Minister of State for Religious Affairs, appointed as Chief Scout Commissioner
The inaugural Council included the Chief Scout, Chief Scout Commissioner, five Commissioners, a Secretary, and a Treasurer. A full-time Scouter, Mr. G.L.D. Edwin Silva, was also appointed for training leadership.
Expanding Nationwide
With leadership development as a priority, a series of Scout Leader Training Programs began in 1984. In 1985, the focus expanded to include teacher trainees from the Institute for Teacher Education, many of whom later started Scout Groups in the atolls where they were posted. As a result, Scouting expanded from Haa Alif Atoll in the north to Seenu Atoll in the south, creating a truly nationwide movement.
Key events from this period include:
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First National Founders Day Celebration: 22 February 1985
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First Combined “Chip-a-Job” Week: October 1985
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Start of Service Scouting: 27 November 1985 at the National Youth Centre
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First Scout Leaders’ Meeting: 23 August 1985
The Landmark Year – 1986
The year 1986 marked a turning point in the history of Maldivian Scouting:
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Scouting officially expanded to the islands outside Malé
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The First National Scout Jamboree was held from 20–23 September 1986 at Kuda Bandos
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Participants: ~300 Scouts, ~250 Cub Scouts, ~300 Brownies and Girl Guides
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Attended and addressed by Chief Scout H.E. Maumoon Abdul Gayoom
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A Unit Leaders Seminar on Scouting Fundamentals was held in February
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Mrs. P. George celebrated 25 years of service as Cub Scout Leader
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The first combined Scout entertainment event and Patrol Leaders' Training Camp were also launched at Kuda Bandos
Milestones between 1987–1988
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First Inter-School Scout Competition: 23 June 1988
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Inauguration of Interviews for President Scout Award: 14 August 1988
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First Advanced Unit Leader Training Course: 20–27 August 1988 at Kuda Bandos, conducted by the Asia-Pacific Region Training Team
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Led by Mr. J.P. Silvestre, Regional Executive Commissioner
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This course marked a key step toward the Scout Association of Maldives gaining associate membership in the World Organization of the Scout Movement (WOSM).
Outlook
From its modest beginnings in a single school to a movement spanning the entire nation, Scouting in the Maldives has grown into a vital force for youth leadership, service, and community development. Thanks to the tireless efforts of early pioneers and visionary leaders, the Scout Association of Maldives now stands as a proud contributor to the global Scouting community.
Today, Maldivian Scouting continues to uphold its founding ideals, discipline, service, adventure, and unity. Inspiring future generations of responsible and committed citizens.