Partnerships cemented with Scouting and international schools

LONDON, 24 MARCH 2009 – The International Award Association (IAA) has formalised its partnerships with the World Organisation of the Scouting Movement (WOSM) and the European Council of International Schools (ECIS). The aims of the agreements are to strengthen the links between organisations that share a common goal of developing essential life and work skills for all young people, irrespective of background or circumstance.

The Association has longstanding relationships with both WOSM and ECIS, however it believes that more formal partnerships will help the organisations to build on past successes. By sharing experiences and best practice as well as providing mutual support, even more young people should benefit from their global programmes. 

Luc Panissod, acting secretary general, WOSM, who signed the memorandum of understanding on behalf of WOSM said, “This is not an agreement to sanction the beginning of the relationship with the IAA, but more of a platform that will enable further development of the work between the two organisations. Although a different organisation, WOSM has much in common with the Award in that both encourage self-development through a duty to oneself as well as the community, while facilitating learning through doing.”

The Association, together with WOSM and ECIS, will promote and deliver programmes which are available to young people aged 14+ and provide opportunities for youth workers and educators to access the Award Programme to develop non-formal learning.

Pilar Cabeza de Vaca, interim chief executive director of ECIS commented, “Teachers have a responsibility to serve young people to ensure ongoing development; the relationship with the IAA helps us to facilitate opportunities away from the classroom that encourage skills required for professional development and to advance internationalisation through education.”

“Partnerships like the one we now have with WOSM and ECIS are key to the successful development of the Award Programme around the world,” commented Cristal de Saldanha Stainbank, head of Programme at the Association. “We believe that the Programme offers young people an internationally recognised qualification that complements and enhances the work of other youth development frameworks.”