Let's disarm our children!

There is a culture of gun ownership in Brazil and the population is becoming more aware that guns often convert simple conflicts into irreversible tragedies. Brazil has a national campaign for voluntary disarmament and the Scouts want to contribute to this campaign to help young people realise that owning a gun is not a necessity in life. Difficulties, differences and conflict resolution can be managed in a peaceful manner, without reverting to the use of guns.

Scouts in Brazil have developed a programme to help to develop the following behaviours in young people:

Intellectual Development

• to be able to think quickly when confronted by different situations, by developing abilities to think clearly, assessing risks and innovate so that new situations can be met without fear
• to be able to express yourself clearly, sharing thoughts and feelings to create a climate of openness where people can meet and share without fear.

Social Development

• to abide by rules laid down by the government

• to engage in community activities, contributing to a more participative, fairer and friendlier society

• to promote international co-operation, developing greater understanding between different nationalities and the need for a more peaceful world

Emotional Development

• to be able to act assertively and be affectionate to others, without aggressiveness or inhibitions

• to accept that the family is the foundation of society with the nucleus being parents and brothers and sisters

Character Development

• to use the Scout Law and Promise as the building blocks for our lives

• to act in accordance with our values

• to face life with joy and a sense of humour

Spiritual Development

• to incorporate religious principles into one's behaviour, seeking coherence between faith and personal life and one's involvement in the community.

All 1060 Scout Groups in Brazil are being encouraged to work with partners in their local community e.g. churches, schools and community centres. They will work together to identify suitable venues and dates for the activities for young people.

Children and young people will be asked to give up toy guns to participate in the events. Games and activities to promote peace and understanding will be organised by the local Scout Groups. These are based on a resource published by the Brazil Scout Association entitled 'Games for peace and understanding among human beings”.

The projects in the local communities can be developed to include:

- music festivals
- plays, dancing groups and choirs
- painting, sculpting and other artistic works

Young people handing over their toy guns is a key media opportunity. The guns will then be disassembled, into their component parts and the different materials will be recycled.

The young people in Brazil will take this learning into their adult lives, helping to break the cycle of gun ownership and use in Brazil.