The people of the North African nation of
Algeria face challenges we Americans can only imagine.
Agonizing poverty and the threat of terrorist activity are everyday
realities from the crowded cities to the desert refugee camps. But
amid the turmoil that affects the lives of thousands, there is one
group that subsists on hope. They are called the Algerian Muslim
Scouts, and they are our sisters and brothers.
In November 2006, at the request of the American Embassy in Algeria, a
mission of brotherhood and sisterhood began as a small delegation –
two representatives of Boy Scouts of America and two from Girl Scouts
of the USA – traveled to Algeria to share ideas and messages of
harmony with their Algerian counterparts.
Souraya Arfan, a 22-year veteran
staff member of GSMD and Membership Specialist in charge of outreach
in the Arab community, was asked to make the trip, and agreed to go
despite potential risks. “Security was tight everywhere we went, but
we were welcomed with open arms.” Being fluent in Arabic helped
Souraya form an instant bond with the Algerian Scouts and dignitaries
she met. “They would greet us in English, and were very surprised
when I would answer them in Arabic.”
Throughout their ten-day trip, the delegation worked fourteen hour
days and visited Scouting sites in large modern cities such as Algiers
and in desert communities where residents still grind their own grain
with hand tools. Wherever they went, the group was met with
enthusiasm. Once they were greeted by a crowd of
500 people who welcomed them with
music and dancing.
Although there were outward differences (including the fact that in
Algeria, boys and girls are part of the same Scouting organization),
Souraya and her traveling companions quickly discovered that all are
kindred spirits in their devotion to helping others. “Almost
everywhere we went we did a service project.” The American delegation
joined the Algerian Scouts on missions including bringing wheelchairs
to a hospital (gifts from the American Embassy) and planting trees in
low-income communities.
Now back at home, Souraya is preparing for yet another outreach effort
– welcoming an Algerian Scouting delegation to Metro Detroit this
summer.
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