At its 40th Anniversary celebrations in the Philippines recently, the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS) Asia Pacific region donated gift packs not only to children in need, but also to those affected by Typhoon Parma. The packs were delivered by members and supporters of WAGGGS Asia Pacific region who gathered in the Philippines to attend the Regional Summit and celebrate the 40th anniversary.

Members of the Sri Lankan delegation who attended the Summit

Girl Scouts Philippines (GSP) has been supporting relief operations for girls affected by the typhoon since it hit on September 26, 2009. The week after the typhoon, Girls Scouts and adult leaders in areas not badly affected were mobilized to help in the relief operations. As an immediate response to the disaster, 80 girls and adult leaders volunteered to repack relief goods for a major TV network's relief operations.

The inaugural Regional Summit was attended by 100 participants from 16 countries around the region. Themed "Kaleidoscoping the Future", the Summit was aimed at strengthening the Guiding
experience to ensure relevance and sustainability so that more girls and young women can harness the
opportunities inherent in the Movement.

One of the agenda items was the implementation of the WAGGGS Global Action Theme (GAT), girls
worldwide say "together we can change our world." This educational programme which focuses on the eight United Nations' Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) encourages girls, young women and members of all ages to make a personal commitment to change the world around them.

HRH The Crown Princess of Pahang, Malaysia, Princess Azizah Iskandar who was also present at the Summit commented: "I am proud to be here not as Patron of the FAPW, but as a member of this big Girl Guiding and Girl Scouting family to exemplify that we are steadfast and prepared to go through all obstacles together, in the spirit of Girl Guiding and Girl Scouting."

Events in December

• The Projects Branch of the Sri Lanka Girl Guides Association commemorated World Aids Day on December 1 with an educational exhibition and poster competition in Anuradhapura
• Christmas carols were organized by the Guides and Little Friends of the Colombo Zone for the 96 inmates of St. Mary's Home in Maradana on December 3
• The awards ceremony for the Adolescent Health programme carried out by the Sri Lanka Girl Guides Association in conjunction with the Family Planning Association of Sri Lanka (FPASL) was held on December 5 at the FPASL
• The Little Friends of City High School, Dehiwela at their very first Pack Holiday
• The Little Friends of Lyceum International, Nugegoda at the Christmas party given by them for the orphans from the Angela Children's Home
• The Little Friends of Royal Institute, Nugegoda joining in enthusiastically at the bonfire at their Pack Holiday
• The donation of stationery to HIV/AIDS affected persons at LankaPlus