Late November 2025, the Durban Scouts hosted a Young Reporters for the Environment (YRE) workshop at the Malvern Scout Hall. The session was facilitated by the WESSA and focused on equipping young scouts with practical skills to investigate, document and report on environmental issues affecting their communities.
Building reporting skills for environmental action
The programme introduced participants to the Young Reporters for the Environment methodology, which guides young people through identifying local environmental challenges, conducting research, and communicating findings through articles, photography or video. Structured activities and group discussions enabled scouts to develop story ideas related to local biodiversity and waste management.
The workshop concluded with participants expressing interest in submitting entries to the national YRE competition. The Durban Scouts will now begin preparing their submissions, contributing youth-led perspectives to environmental reporting and awareness efforts in South Africa.
Regional scouting leaders support environmental learning
The workshop was attended by key representatives from the KwaZulu-Natal Scouts leadership, reinforcing the role of environmental stewardship within Scouting programmes. Special guests included KZN Scouts Regional Commissioner Mr Greg Southey, Regional Training Chair Mr Lynton Cloete, Group Scout Leader Mr Guy Caw, and Assistant Troop Leader Ms Jenny Powell.
All were actively involved in the session and supported the engagement with participating scouts.