Scouting will be made compulsory for all primary schools from next year.

Minister for Education, Dr Mahendra Reddy announced this at the Nausori Scout Council district rally at Krishna Vedic School last night.

Reddy says scouting is about developing children to be independent and better citizens of a country.

All Year 6 and Year 8 students will get the opportunity to participate in scouting programmes from next year.

Reddy says this will allow children to get exposure to basic skills learnt through scouting movements.

The minister reiterated to students that the FijiFirst Government will do its best to provide the best education to all children in the country.

He also highlighted the need and importance of parental support for child development.

170 scouts from 15 primary schools participated in the Nausori District Scouts rally this weekend.