A woman from Woodbridge was one of only 10 volunteers selected globally to help run a WAGGGS conference.

East Anglian Daily Times: Jess Shire in India. Picture: CONTRIBUTEDJess Shire in India. Picture: CONTRIBUTED (Image: Archant)

Jess Shire, a BT apprentice at Adastral Park Martlesham, flew to India to take part in the 36th World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS).

WAGGGS supports girls and young women to develop their full potential as leaders and active citizens of the world.

The world conference is the principal decision-making body of the WAGGGS and convenes in the last year of each triennium.

Jess, 20, said: “Although it was hard work it was an incredible experience.

“I did various tasks such as handing out bags and headsets to delegates and VIPs, I helped to run the WAGGGS shop, making room for stalls during the international night, directing delegates to their seats and even carrying the flag for the Bharat scouts and guides.

“I also got to witness history making moments such as Syrian girl guide becoming a full member of WAGGGS for the first time.

“Many wonderful speakers came to talk to us over the week such as the Princess of Denmark and even Malala Yousafzai sent us a video message.

“It was a fantastic experience and I loved every second of it.”

The theme of the 36th World Conference was ‘For Her World’.

The strap line has been created to show who WAGGGS are and what they do at a global level.

They want to send the message to girls that wherever they are from, whatever their background and experience, every girl deserves to be the best they can be.

Jess added: “I’ve learnt a lot from the experience, such as learning how to communicate with a variety of people regardless of what language they speak.

“Since this opportunity, I have been holding talks within my local community to promote the fantastic work that WAGGGS does and have also been encouraging girls within my local units to get involved with the international opportunities available within guiding.

“The experience was fantastic, I learned about the WAGGGS leadership goals, climbed a mountain, tried on a sari, ran activities at a local community centre for a day and got to explore Pune. I then travelled to Delhi for the conference.”