The world’s largest digital and radio scouting event, the 67th Jamboree on the Air (JOTA) and the 28th Jamboree on the Internet (JOTI), was held at Daffodil International University (DIU).
Organized by the Bangladesh Scouts Air Region and supported by the Daffodil International University Air Rover Scout Group, the three-day (October 18-20) event saw the participation of over 200 scouts and 20 scout leaders from Dhaka District Air and Kurmitola District Air.
The inauguration ceremony was graced by Squadron Leader Mohammad Masud Rana, Secretary of Bangladesh Scouts Air Region, as the Chief Scout Personality. Professor Dr. Syed Akhter Hossain, Dean of the Faculty of Science and Information Technology of DIU, was present as a special guest. The event was presided over by Dr. Mohammad Nadir Bin Ali, Registrar of DIU. Professor Dr. Bimal Chandra Das, Associate Dean of the Faculty of Science and Information Technology of DIU and Farhana Rahman, Deputy Regional Commissioner and Assistant Leader Trainer, Bangladesh Scouts Air Region. Teachers, amateur radio operators, organizing committee members, volunteers, and scout members were in attendance.
In his speech, the Chief Guest stated, “We have entered the era of technology, and its proper use is crucial for our youth. Through initiatives like this, scouts will explore new horizons using modern technology and build bridges of friendship worldwide.” The Special Guest remarked, “I see this event as a significant step forward. Scouts will be able to create new opportunities for education and communication by utilizing modern technology.” The President of the event commented, “Daffodil International University has always played a leading role in social activities and youth development. This program will help develop leadership qualities in young people.”
For participation in JOTA-JOTI, completing the “Safe from Harm” course was mandatory, which provided essential knowledge on online safety and guidelines, ensuring that scouts could engage in online activities securely. To better manage and successfully carry out the event, participants were divided into 15 patrols and further organized into five main groups, each led by a scout leader and a volunteer. Activities took place under the guidance of skilled scout leaders across five venues, including the Erasmus+ CBHE Harmony Lab and the Data Science Lab. The event was coordinated by President’s Rover Scout Md. Nazmul Hasan, Rover Scout Leader of the DIU Air Rover Scout Group.
With the theme “Scouting for a Greener World,” this year’s JOTA-JOTI was a unique blend of online, offline, and radio-based experiences. Scouts participated in various online challenges using digital platforms, such as Scouts for SDGs, Life Skills Challenges, Digital Adventure Challenges, Health and Wellbeing Challenges, and International Friendship Challenges. Additionally, they enriched their skills and experiences by engaging in events like webinars, interactive games, discovery science activities, faith and beliefs discussions, and live shows.
For radio-based activities at DIU, an amateur radio station was set up, where scouts communicated directly with scouts from other countries via radio frequencies, with support from BTRC-licensed operators. They learned the basics of radio communication, including the use of the phonetic alphabet and Q-codes, and gained hands-on experience in radio operations, offering a unique educational experience in electronics and radio technology.
As part of the offline activities, scouts took part in nature-based hiking and visited the Innovation Lab to learn about new technologies and innovative projects. Each day concluded with a campfire event, where scouts showcased their talents individually and in groups, enjoying educational presentations that fostered new ideas and perspectives.
Recognized as the world’s largest digital scouting event, this year’s JOTA-JOTI united scouts from over 178 countries, including Bangladesh, in a global educational experience that blended technology, outdoor skills, and international fellowship. The program’s success underscored the event’s value in delivering an integrated and meaningful learning experience for scouts worldwide.
