Ukraine Expands Support for Plast Scouts

The Ukrainian government will continue supporting the Plast scouting movement and plans to help expand its presence in communities, frontline regions and the Ukrainian diaspora, officials said at the opening of the new scouting year in Kyiv.

Kyrylo Budanov, head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, said Plast helps young people develop self-reliance, organizational skills and strong community ties. He praised the movement’s role in fostering patriotism and presented Plast representatives with certificates of honor from the presidential office.

Budanov said President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had approved a concept for developing Plast through 2035. The plan is intended to create more opportunities for children and young people and broaden the movement’s reach across Ukraine and abroad.

Deputy Head of the Presidential Office Iryna Vereshchuk said Plast should become accessible to more children while retaining its voluntary and self-governing character. She said the state’s role was to support scout leaders, camps and local chapters without turning the organization into a state-run body.