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Scouts of the World Award

Information and inspiration for the Scouts of The World Award.

What’s the Scouts of the World Award?

Scouts of the World Award (SOWA) is a Scout Network only award. It gives Scout Network members the chance to undertake a project of their choice within the themes of Peace, Environment and Sustainability, then take action on their chosen issue.

SOWA is the only award for young people provided by the World Organisation of the Scout Movement. It can be achieved by Scouts from over 50 countries worldwide, but the project can be undertaken anywhere in the world.

What do I need to do?

Discover the requirements you need to complete to earn this award.

Scouts of the World Award >
Discovery Events

Attending a Discovery Event is your first step in completing your SOWA. They’re held either in person or via a series of online calls.

At a Discovery Event, you’ll be introduced to the award, hear about previous SOWA projects and learn a variety of skills needed to complete the award. You’ll also be able to meet a group of like-minded new friends, who’ll support you throughout the award.

Would you like to put on a Discovery Event? Please fill in our Discovery Event request form.

The next Discovery Events are:

Oxfordshire (face to face discovery): November 29 - December 1 2024

Virtual Discovery: February/March 2025

Lincolnshire (face to face discovery): 22nd - 23rd February 2025

SOWA Discovery- project planning

Need some inspiration?

During the first Covid lockdown, Ammar set up a food bank in his community which fed hundreds of people who needed support during the pandemic. He put a plan together for the food bank to continue servicing the community upon the completion of his project

Sustainable Development Goal 1 - WikipediaSDG 2: Zero Hunger, Global Challenges and Solutions - GoumbookSustainable Development Goal 3: Good Health and Well-beingCommunications materials - United Nations Sustainable Development

Daniel worked in his local community to increase the number of bees by renovating land to make it bee friendly. He also educated others about bees. Daniel went a step further on his award by being an advocate to get more people with additional needs to take part in the award.

Communications materials - United Nations Sustainable DevelopmentCities - United Nations Sustainable Development Action 2015Sustainable Development Goal 15 - Wikipedia

Bailey, Emma and Dani set up a goat farm in Uganda which gave a living wage to local people and generated a surplus which funded teachers who taught at the local school providing quality education to many children.

Sustainable Development Goal 1 - WikipediaCommunications materials - United Nations Sustainable DevelopmentGOAL 8: Decent work and economic growth – Green Governance InitiativeSDG 9 Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure: How businesses can  transform their industry to be more sustainable - Green Business Bureau

   

Find out more about the SOWA award with our video introduction

To watch in full screen, double click the video

Trainers and mentors

Are you over 25, but keen to get involved? The fantastic impact of the SOWA wouldn't be possible without a team of Trainers and Mentors.

To become a Trainer or Mentor and support Scout Network members through their SOWA projects, please fill in this short form and one of the SOWA lead volunteers will get in touch with you.

The following resources are available to help you:

The next Train the Trainer sessions are:

September 17th, September 24th, October 1st 2024 - 19:00-21:00

Employability

Completing this award will help you to practice and develop many employability skills, such as project management, problem-solving, leadership and many more. Take a look at our Scouts and Employability guidance to make sure you make good use of your experience on your CV, in applications and in interviews.

Scouts and employability >
Scouts and United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals

SOWA projects need to be themed around Peace, Environment or Sustainability and must meet at least one of the United Nation’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Discover the contributions Scouts worldwide make to the Sustainable Development Goals.

Scouts for SDGs >