9th PAN-HOMENETMEN Scouts Masters Conference in Cairo Concludes

After four days of discussions, working sessions, and meetings, the 9th PAN-HOMENETMEN Scouts Masters Conference concluded on Saturday, August 31, at 8 p.m. in the "Karakashian" Hall of the "Housaper" Center in Cairo.

During the conference, 38 leaders representing 24 Regional and Solitary Homenetmen Chapters attended numerous lectures that sparked deep discussions. The first lecture, titled “The Purpose and Role of Scouts Conferences,” was presented by Yeghpayr Fadi-Khajag Kazandjian, a member of the Central (Executive) Committee of Homenetmen. Kouyr Taline Ordoghlian, also a member of the Central (Executive) Committee of Homenetmen, presented "Homenetmen Scouting Today,” which included detailed statistical data. Meanwhile, the participants, divided into working groups, explored the programs of scouting orders and Homenetmen publications, presenting their suggestions and viewpoints for reform.

Additionally, the participants discussed the topic "The Challenge of Modernizing Homenetmen Scouting," with Yeghpayr Hagop Khacherian, the chairman of the Central (Executive) Committee of Homenetmen. Following this, participants engaged in practical field tests on how to perform scouting ceremonies. The agenda also included pan-continental scouting initiatives, which will be among the main innovations for the upcoming phase.

The second day of the conference

On the second day of the conference, five topics were presented:

“Homenetmen Scouting Regulations” – Yeghpayr Vahe Tanashian, a Homenetmen Central (Executive) Committee member.
“How to Promote Homenetmen Scouting Activities” – Yeghpayr Viken Avakian, a Homenetmen Central (Executive) Committee member.
“Homenetmen Scouting and Modern Technology” – Yeghpayr Shant Demirdjian, head of the Homenetmen Technical Division.
“The Scouting Ararat rank” – Kouyr Taline Ortoghlian, a Homenetmen Central (Executive) Committee member.
“The Scouting Vgayal rank” – Yeghpayr Avedis Dervishian, a Homenetmen Central (Executive) Committee member.

The lectures were followed by discussions and the development of proposals and resolutions in working groups. Conference participants also addressed issues related to group leaders' assignments, scouting positions, regulations, and the conditions for ceremonies, as well as questions concerning their implementation and standardization.

Sightseeing in Egypt

On the third day of the conference, Homenetmen leaders took a break to explore the historical pyramids of Saqqara and Giza, which are considered among the Seven Wonders of the World, along with the Sphinx statue. Later that evening, they attended a dinner hosted by Homenetmen “Ararat” in Cairo, celebrating its 110th anniversary.

The fourth day of the conference

On the fourth day of its proceedings, the participants examined proposals for reforming the scouting regulations and listened to an online presentation about the structure of the international scouting movement and Homenetmen-HASK's presence within that framework. The presentation was delivered by kouyr Sandra Vartanian, a member of the Homenetmen Central (Executive) Committee. The agenda included topics such as Homenetmen scouting specialty badges, the importance of national education in scouting activities, manpower training, the creation of a scouting information database, the upcoming 13th General Assembly of Homenetmen (2026), and the establishment of an online scouting library and store. During the closing session of the conference, Yannis Melakhrinudis, a high-ranking official of the Greek scouting movement in Egypt, visited the Homenetmen leaders. He welcomed everyone and expressed a willingness to collaborate between Armenian and Greek scouting on behalf of the Greek scouting community abroad. In return, the Homenetmen leaders expressed their appreciation for the esteemed guest's visit and emphasized the importance of Armenian-Greek historical unity and future cooperation. The conference concluded with a flag ceremony, which included the performance of the "Haratch Nahadag" anthem.

A VISIT TO THE NATIONAL PRELACY OF EGYPT, CHURCH, AND CEMETERIES

On Sunday, September 1, the Homenetmen leaders participating in the conference visited the National Prelacy of Egypt, St. Gregory the Illuminator Church, and the Armenian cemeteries. There, they laid wreaths to pay their respects to the founder of Homenetmen, Haik Djiizmedjian, as well as to the third Prime Minister of the First Republic of Armenia, Hamo Ohanchanian, and the honored individuals who have found their eternal rest in the pantheon of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation, including Vahan Navasaratian, Gabriel Lazian, Srpuhi Tiryakian, Benjamin Tashjian, Onnik Madjarian, and other Armenian ideologues.