Campfire songs in a war zone: Syria's radical girl scouts earn their stripes | Rebecca Ratcliffe

Arabic could become the fourth official language of the world Girlguiding movement, as Syria’s girl scout network wins international recognition

Badges are hard to come by, and camping trips difficult to arrange – but despite the war in Syria, a growing girl scouts movement will soon get official recognition.

Six years of vicious conflict have devastated the country and left 45% of the population displaced. But throughout, girl scouts have continued to work in government-controlled areas, running camping trips as well as sessions on citizenship and self-esteem. This week, Scouts of Syria will become an official member of the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts, while Arabic could become the organisation’s fourth official language – following English, French and Spanish.

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