The Girl Guides Association Cook Islands are today celebrating their 93 years of “guiding” in the Cook Islands.

Girl guiding is one of the oldest non-government organisation (NGO) groups in the Cook Islands.

It was first established in Takamoa Grounds on October 26, 1928, and the first Company was endorsed by Makea Nui Tinirau Ariki (1928-1940).

The Girl Guides Cook Islands national president Ngara Katuke said the association teaches girls life skills such as embroidery – the various stiches of tivaivai, knitting, sewing, cooking, survival techniques and conduct several outdoor activities.

“Many girls and women have been through the Girl Guiding company, today, some are now grandmothers who are still active and support the programmes we do,” said Katuke.

Katuke estimates that the current membership for the organisations stands at 350 to 400 for Rarotonga and 200 to 250 in the Pa Enua.

“Although our membership has decreased a lot since Covid-19, in the past people had also moved overseas for further education and employment and personal reasons.”

The Girl Guides and its National Council members will commemorate the special occasion with a birthday cake, devotion, presentations and entertainment this evening at 5pm at the Sinai Hall in Avarua.