For the past 115 years, Girl Guides South Africa has been equipping young girls with survival and practical life skills, fostering valuable leadership qualities which enable well-rounded women to face life’s challenges head on.
In the past 48 years, units which fall under the leadership of Gauteng East, have flourished with new units being adopted under its banner.
Through its activities, members not only participate in outdoor adventures but they remain committed to being of service to others as well as their community.
At the movements’ 48th AGM on February 22, at Blue Forrest, the Girl Guide’s regional headquarters, in Rynfield, the executive committee, parents and Guides of various ages gathered to get the wheels in motion for what is expected to be another thrilling year.
Outgoing regional commissioner of Gauteng East Clair Murphy said that the beyond its ongoing activities, guiding is cemented in friendship and the support.
Honey Pot recipient Eliana Theron (Cutty Spark) with Clair Murphy (outgoing regional commissioner of Gauteng East). Absent: Athur Sprich (Bedfordview), Caylin Trautmann (Boksburg) and Kayden Fourie (Boksburg).
“Our region is steeped in history, starting out as the Transvaal Region and evolving to keep in line with our country’s transformation,” she said.
“It is wonderful that through the years we have been able to keep our organisation running in spite of numerous challenges.”Reporting on some of the previous year’s successes Murphy was overjoyed that 62 new members were enrolled into various units across the Gauteng East region.
“New units were established and we successfully welcomed new adult leaders to our ranks,” she said.
“Three new groups were adopted and include the Explorer Pioneers, central Johannesburg, the Lesedi group, Heidelberg and Sinethembe Group in Delmore informal settlement, Boksburg.”
SupportCelebrating growth in previously unserved areas, Murphy noted with concern that long running suburban units are struggling to maintain membership as well as recruiting new guides, noting that despite the growth in Brownies packs, older guides fade out of the movement during adolescence.
“Our units have been very active, from hosting fun-filled fundraisers to putting their skills to the test against the Scouts at its annual Kontiki raft race,” said Murphy.
“Community service projects further included collecting milk for baby rhinos, knitting blankets and beanies for the Mandela Day challenge and making sleeping bags for the homeless.”
Receiving their Chiefs Challenge awards are (back): Aydin van Staden (Bedfordview), Abby Dry (Bedfordview), Hannah Mapondera (Boksburg), Kunashe Nyika (Benoni) and Clair Murphy (outgoing regional commissioner of Gauteng East). Front: Beulah Lotz (Bedfordview), Siobhan Evans (Bedfordview), Tshamiso and Tsama Letshaba (Germiston).
She lauded the Benoni Trefoil Guild group for their active support to the region and the Girl Guides as a whole. Announcing a hiatus from the movement, due to personal reasons, Murphy extended her thanks to her beloved Guiding family as well as the regional committee, for the past three years.
“I would not have managed without your support and guidance but the time has come for me to hand over the reins,” she said, her voice strained.
“Girls, keep shining your guiding lights and show the world what we are capable of.
Following an emotional farewell, Murphy concluded the meeting by handing over Honey Pot, Golden Hand, Chiefs Challenge and Protea Awards to the a group of young ladies proudly donning their Girl Guide uniforms.
For more information about joining local Girl Guide groups or attending future events in Gauteng East, visit www.east.girlguidesgauteng.org.za or connect through social media platforms @ Girl Guides Gauteng East.
Recipients of the Golden Hand award.
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