RIYADH: The King Abdullah International Foundation (KAIF) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) worth SR1 million with World Scout Foundation to help scouting efforts in Congo, located in the Central Africa.

The MoU was signed between Prince Turki bin Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz, CEO of KAIF, with Director of the World Scout Foundation John Geoghegan to support world scouting’s efforts to promote peace in Democratic Republic of the Congo.

The aim of the MoU is to help the people there to overcome the effects of war, disaster and also to spread a culture of peace and awareness of the importance of coexistence and reconciliation to build a brighter future for the nation. The Democratic Republic of Congo is the largest country in the Central Africa, with a population of about 80 million people. It has suffered devastating civil wars, and has had negative effects in large-scale development, health, education, and various aspects of life.

In his brief speech following the signing ceremony, Prince Turki said it was the wish of the late King Abdullah to spread the message of peace to all parts of world. The project is being undertaken to promote such efforts in Congo.

Thanking the initiative taken by KAIF, Geoghegan said the funds donated by the KAIF will help the organization finance scout programs which will include workshops to train and build the capacity of scout leaders in various regions of the Congo, publish training manuals, and provide guidance to the scouts for peaceful living.

King Carl XVI Gustav of Sweden, is the honorary chairman of the World Scout Foundation, which aims to create 20 million messengers of peace in the world scout movement.

It contributes actively in resolving disputes and conflicts in regions that suffer from wars and unrest, as in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and other countries.