Scouts in Barbados are being trained to respond to the key issues facing young people on the island today: HIV/AIDS, drug abuse and disaster awareness. The Scouts are learning about these issues in order to support others, live healthier lives and be better prepared for the hurricanes which hit the island annually.

Scouting in Barbados is active in all parishes across the country. It is therefore in a strategic position to work with government and non-governmental organisations to undertake community projects to support issues facing the community, particularly related to young people.

Scouts of all ages are learning about HIV/AIDS and substance abuse and following a special badge programme, supported by the National HIV/AIDS Council of Barbados. The older Scouts and their leaders are helping to spread this information in their communities.

The project is gaining much support from the community. Many members of the community have joined the information sessions and asked to be involved with this Gifts for Peace project. Some of the partners involved in the project have been so impressed with the work so far that they have offered to sponsor the badges and materials.

In addition, the Scouts are also doing training for disaster management, which will help all young people to be prepared for the hurricanes which arrive annually and to support the community in the aftermath of severe hurricanes.

The training for older Scouts will involve peer education and community projects so that Scouts can train others and the impact in the community will be greater. It is envisaged that the creation of a resource centre and library will be part of the project.