Sandile Maseko, Pack Scouter at the 1st Dwaleni Scout Group in the Mpumalanga Region recently graduated with his Diploma in Biotechnology at the University of Johannesburg. He spoke to Alice about how Scouting has guided him along his path to success. “Joining Scouting in 2022 marked a turning point in my life. The values, skills, and sense of community I found in Scouting gave me a renewed sense of direction, hope, and purpose”, explains Sandile. “Scouting is more than just outdoor adventures, Scouting became a source of personal empowerment that helped me refocus and push towards my academic goals.

Recently, I completed my Diploma in Biotechnology at the University of Johannesburg—a milestone that would not have been possible without the confidence and discipline I gained through Scouting. Wearing my Mpumalanga Regional scarf at graduation was one of the proudest moments of my life. It wasn’t just a symbol of where I come from, it represented the resilience, growth, and transformation that Scouting inspired in me. I extend my heartfelt thanks to my mentor, our Regional Commissioner Mr. Manqoba Dlamini, for believing in me, and to our veteran Scouts and my fellow Scouters in Mpumalanga. Especially those who proudly remind us of Scout Law number 11: ‘A Scout is not a fool.’