Brotherhood beyond borders: Italian Scout Leaders visited Ukraine to support Plast and local communities

“Jubilee of Hope” initiative organized by MEAN in Kharkiv

“The opposite of war is not peace, but the ability to build bonds of brotherhood.”
These words by Alberto — a volunteer working in frontline Kherson — became the guiding theme of our recent gathering.

Italian Scout Leaders Visit Ukraine

This week, Plast — Ukrainian Scouting — had the honor of welcoming friends from MASCI (Movimento Adulti Scout Cattolici Italiani) and AGESCI (Associazione Guide e Scouts Cattolici Italiani).
Their visit to Ukraine took place within the Jubilee of Hope, an initiative organized by MEAN (Movimento Europeo Azione Nonviolenta).

The goal was clear:
to witness the war with their own eyes, stand with those who continue to believe in peace, and strengthen bridges of brotherhood that transcend borders.

Dialogue on Peace, Volunteering, and Cooperation

Together, we discussed:

• the role of volunteering during wartime,
• the realities that communities in Ukraine face daily,
• and the power of international cooperation.

Plast representatives shared more about our mission — shaping a generation of responsible, conscious young Ukrainians. Through educational programs, we help young people become active changemakers in their lives and communities.

Meeting Communities and Listening to Stories of Resilience

For our Italian friends, this visit was also an opportunity to meet church communities, local leaders, and civic activists.
They listened to stories of resilience told by educators, mayors, and women leading humanitarian and anti-corruption initiatives.

A particularly meaningful part of the journey was meeting Ukrainian scouts and guides, who continue working with children and youth despite the challenges of war.

A Brotherhood That Knows No Borders

We are deeply grateful to our friends from MASCI and AGESCI for their presence, solidarity, and unwavering support.
Your visit is a powerful reminder that scouting is a global brotherhood — one that continues to stand for peace, hope, and humanity, even in the darkest times.

Together, we build not only peace — but bonds that endure, even in war.