Girl Guides affected by fall in school rolls

Press, 6 November 1984, Page 6

Girl Guides affected by fall in school rolls

New Zealand has one of the highest percentages in the world for girls in guiding, says the Girl Guides Association’s chief commissioner, Mrs Joye Evans. However, for the first time the movement had

been affected this year by the drop in school rolls, she told the association’s sixtyfirst annual meeting last evening. “It is encouraging, though, to find we have retained our normal percentage of girls

— 27.1 per cent in Brownies, 20 per cent in Guides and 1' per cent at the age of 18. “From these figures we are challenged to encourage more of our members to move from one branch to the other,” said Mrs Evans. The year had been successful for the association, she said. A new branch for six-year-olds, Pippins, was launched, a new accommodation block planned for the national training centre Arahina, and new programmes developed. “Already the Pippins branch has 1000 members, with more units being formed every week. “For the first time in its history Arahina has achieved a milestone by making a small profit. Pre-

viously it had been a considerable drain on our finances,” said Mrs Evans. Community service done by many Rangers and adults put many people to shame, especially those who were critical of the youth of New Zealand. “It is very obvious that the training received through Guiding more than prepares girls for today’s world. “Employers seem very willing to accept the qualifications gained in Guiding as references and this is a tribute to our programmes and the teaching of our voluntary leaders,” she said. Certificates of appreciation were presented to a number of companies and individuals who have helped the movement. This is the first year the certificates have been awarded.