Taipei, March 5 (CNA) President Chen Shui-bian praised the educational spirit of the boy scout movement Tuesday for its great contributions to the development of society and the nation.
Chen described the movement as not only a "perfect education" for a man but also a "moral education."
The purpose of the boy scouts is to educate a man to positively participate in service for local, national and international communities and dedicate himself for the future development, Chen said.
The Republic of China has been "praised by the world" for its achievements in politics, economics and science and technology for the past 50-odd years, Chen went on, adding that Taiwan faces many new challenges, including widening distances between the people, greed and gambling fever.
As a result, he went on, "traditional culture" faces a stiff challenge.
The boy scout movement can correct this "social deviation," Chen said in a speech delivered at a rally to mark Boy Scout Day which falls on March 5. The rally was held in Changhua County in central Taiwan.
Chen also expressed his gratitude to those who have dedicated themselves to promoting boy scout education in Taiwan.