In support of youth civic activity and patriotic stance, the President of Latvia Egils Levits has become the honorary president of the Latvian Scouts and Guides Central Organisation.
When addressing the assembly, the President of Latvia said: “It is a great honour to be accepted within your ranks! The scouts and guides are a very important organisation for youths and society in general as scouts and guides go back to their roots to be who they really are, they are able to spend their time and work outside of their comfort zone. This is necessary not only to build perseverance, but also to understand oneself, your own place in the world, nature and country. It is also crucial because the scouts and guides are a patriotic organisation. As an organisation in Latvia, it has always been closely linked with the state itself. That is your contribution to the state of Latvia — taking part in this organisation. Thirdly, it is also important because it is an international organisation uniting youths throughout the world. Scouts and guides visit each other in various countries, making friends around the globe. That expands youths’ horizons and shapes their personalities, which is especially important in these formative years.”
After the official ceremony, the President of Latvia together with youths and scout and guide leaders discussed the role in society of volunteer organisations working with children and youths, the challenges and opportunities, as well as means of strengthening volunteer NGOs in Latvia. The daily routines of the scouts and guides were also discussed, as was the importance of the organisation in Latvia and the youth value system.
After the discussion with the scouts and guides and their leaders, the President of Latvia also spoke with the board of the Latvian Scouts and Guides Central Organisation.
Young Leaders are the youngest rank of scout and guide leaders — these are youths aged 13 to 17. After completing their training they usually work as assistant leaders and group leaders in their units, organising weekly activities, hikes and camps for scouts and guides.
The Latvian Scouts and Guides Central Organisation is a national level, leading youth organisation in Latvia, which works with youth on a volunteer basis. There are 23 active units in the organisation with 80-100 volunteers working on a daily basis. Almost all presidents of Latvia have also been honorary presidents of the scouts and guides: Jānis Čakste (1923–1927), Gustavs Zemgals (1927–1930), Alberts Kviesis (1930–1936), Guntis Ulmanis (1993–1999), Vaira Vīķe -Freiberga (1999–2007), Valdis Zatlers (2007–2011).
