Scouting was introduced to the Maldives nearly five decades ago. Initially for several years it didn’t function as a structured activity and very little is known about the history of Scouting of that period. However, according to the National Centre for Linguistic and Historical Research, Scouting began in the Maldives in 1956. Along with the introduction of English medium education in Male’, various co-curricular activities also had its beginning.
In May 1961 the Scout Group which is still known as First Male’ Scout Group came into being in Majeediyya School. The Group began with Cub Scouting and later in the same year the Junior Scout Section came into being. Scouting in Maldives received some international recognition when the Scout Group of Majeediyya School was registered as the First Male’ Scout Group at the Imperial Scout Headquarters, London, in 1963 by Mr.C.Dymoke Green, Commonwealth Scout Commissioner. At this period the Chief Commissioner of Maldives was the late Honourable Mr. Ahmed Zaki.
The Association was first registered in 20th January 1984 as the “Maldives Boy Scout Association”. Later on the Association was renamed as “The Scout Association of Maldives” in 14th January 1994. The association was officially recognized as a member of the World Organization of the Scout Movement (WOSM) on 23rd July 1990.
Scouting in The Maldives Begins
Scouting was registered at the government of Maldives on 19 Shawal 1375 H, 30th May 1956.
Cub Scouting Started
In May 1961, Cub Scouting started in Majeediyya School with 18 Cubs.
Scouting in Maldives received international Recognition
Majeediyya School Scout Group was registered as the First Malé Scout Group at the Imperial Scout Headquarters, London.
First Chief Scout Commissioner
Honorable Mr.Ahmed Zaki.
First Investiture
First Cub Scout Investiture – 26th February 1963.
First Scout Investiture – 18th June 1963.
Sea Scouting Introduced
Sea Scouting was introduced in Majeediyya School.
First Camp
First historic 4 day camp was held in Hulhulé from 28th April to 1st May 1965.
Jamboree on the Air
First experience of World-Wide Brotherhood participation on 23rd September 1966. On that remarkable day Chief Scout Commissioner honorable Ahmed Zaki.
First International Contingent
First Maldivian Scout Contingent participated in the All Ceylon Rover Moot held at Panadura from 17th-28th August 1968 with 12 Sea Scouts.
Leader Trainings Started
Leaders Training Programme started – From 1980’s to 1988.
Scouting introduced to other Schools
26th August 1983 – Malé English School ( MES ), Started Scouting as 2nd Malé Scout Group.
3rd September 1983 – Madharusathul Ahmadhiyya Started Scouting as 3rd Malé Scout Group.
2nd September 1983 – Madharusathul Aliya Started Scouting as 4th Malé Scout Group.
Association was Established
Maldives Boy Scout Association was established on 20th January 1984.
First Chief Scout
His Excellency President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom accepted to be the first Chief Scout.
Leader Trainings Started in the Atolls
Introduction to Leader Trainings in the Atolls started with the hope that scouting would spread to the islands other than Malé.
First National Scout Jamboree
First National Scout Jamboree was held from 20th-23rd September 1986 at Kuda Bandos with 300 Scouts, 250 Cub Scouts and 300 Brownies and Girl Guides.
Spread of Scouting to Atolls
Many Scout Groups in Atolls from Haa Alif to Seenu started to register in the Association.
Second National Scout Jamboree
Second National Scout Jamboree held at Kuda Bandos
First Inter School Scout Competition
Held in Malé – 23rd June 1988
First Service Scout Camp & Investiture
First Service Scout Camp held at K.Gulhi from 11th to 14th October 1988.
First Service Scout Investiture held at Feydhoo Finolhu.
First Advanced Unit Leaders Training Course
The World Scout Bureau’s Asia Pacific Regional Training Team conducted this course at Kuda Bandos.
First Patrol Leaders Training Camp & Course
First Patrol Leaders Training Camp held from 15th to 17th March 1989 at Kuda Bandos.
First Patrol Leaders Training Course was held from 5th to 7th September 1989 at Kuda Bandos.
First International Conference
Maldivian contingent participates in 16th Asia-Pacific Regional Scout Conference in Taipei, Taiwan from 7th to 12th September 1989.
New Scout Groups Registered
13 new Scout Groups registered in Malé and 42 Scout Groups from the Atolls.
First SAARC Jamboree
First SAARC Jamboree held in Vihara Mahadevi Park, Colombo, Sri Lanka from 14th to 20th February 1990.
Cub Scout Leaders Basic Training
Held at K.Hura from 3rd to 8th July.
First Maldivian to Achieve Wood Badge
Ahmed Imad Mohamed was awarded the Wood Badge on 16th July 1990 by His Excellency President & Chief Scout Maumoon Abdul Gayoom.
Maldives joins the World Scout Movement
Maldives Boy Scout Association was officially recognized as a member of the World Organization of the Scout Movement on 23rd July 1990.
Second Advanced Unit Leaders Training Course
Held in K.Huraa from 8th to 14th March
First Silver Tuna Awarded
Chief Commissioner Late Hon. Ahmed Shathir was awarded the Silver Tuna.
First Silver Crescent Awarded
Scouter Ahmed Shiran was awarded the silver crescent for the bravery he has shown on November 3rd 1988.
First Bronze Coconut Awarded
Assistant Chief Commissioner for Training and Programme Scouter Ahmed Imad Mohamed was awarded the Bronze Coconut.
Third Advanced Unit Leaders Training Course
Was held from 24th April to 2nd May 1996 at K.Villingili.
40th Anniversary Celebration of APR
Celebration of 40th Anniversary of Scouting in Asia-Pacific Region.