The state will continue to support the Plast movement in Ukraine, which should expand its reach in communities and the Ukrainian diaspora and engage as many children and young people as possible. Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Kyrylo Budanov said this at the opening of the new Plast scouting year in Kyiv.
Kyrylo Budanov congratulated Plast on the start of the new scouting year and emphasized that the movement has always demonstrated love for Ukraine and fostered such important qualities in young people as self-reliance, organizational skills, and an appreciation for friendship.
“Friendships formed at Plast camps stay with a person for decades and last a lifetime. This is very close to my heart, and today I saw for myself: this school works, and it is truly effective,” the Head of the Office of the President emphasized.
Kyrylo Budanov noted that President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy had approved, by decree, the concept for the development of the Plast movement through 2035.
“I believe we will see new chapters in Ukrainian communities and across the diaspora, and more opportunities for thousands of children. Plast knew how to raise Ukrainians even when it faced persecution for doing so and its activities were banned. Imagine what it will be capable of now that the state has begun providing this support,” he emphasized.
Kyrylo Budanov presented representatives of Plast with certificates of honor from the Office of the President of Ukraine.
Deputy Head of the Office of the President Iryna Vereshchuk noted that Plast should become a mass-membership organization accessible to children in cities and communities, as well as in frontline regions and abroad.
“However, the state must not turn Plast into a state-run organization. Its strength lies in self-governance, voluntary participation, and a vibrant community. Our task is to help Plast expand, support its scout leaders, camps, and chapters, foster cooperation, and open up more opportunities for Plast,” she emphasized.