Creating quality learning experiences for youth and adults by using the Girl Guide and Girl Scout Method and the Girl Guide and Girl Scout Leadership model in a brave, youth driven, and girl-centred spaces are an essential foundation of the Girl Guide and Girl Scout Movement. It is important that children and young people take part in our work in a way that is safe, inclusive, and meaningful. To support meaningful participation6, WAGGGS uses the concept of ‘REAL’ to promote Relevant, Exciting, Accessible and Learner-Led experiences. Within a safeguarding context this means:
Relevant
Deliver preparatory and de-brief activities so that participants understand the purpose and benefits of their participation as well as any known risks
Design activities that are suited to the interests, needs and ability of participants
Work in ways that are culturally sensitive and celebrate and respect the diverse nature of our Movement
Engaging
When providing opportunities that challenge, encourage risk taking or embrace debate and tension in sensitive or taboo topics, do so in a way that never compromises safety
Actively engage children and young people in their own safety and well-being and encourage personal and peer responsibility
Accessible
Always recognise and accommodate different needs of children and young people with special attention to the diverse cultural contexts we operate in. For example, consider how digital literacy skills, access to technology, language, learning styles, cultural norms and tradition may affect participation
Always gain consent in an informed, accessible, and meaningful way
Provide clear and accessible versions of information relating to safeguarding – this includes considering the format and language uses and removing unnecessary jargon
Learner-Led
Proactively build in opportunities to listen to girls and young women’s ideas for how to identify risks and improve participation (risk assessments, evaluations, project feedback focus groups)
6 Participation: the involvement of participants (especially girls and young women) in decisions that concern them, and to do so in a way that their perspectives, needs, and concerns influence WAGGGS vision, decisions, and projects.
