Mona Burgin
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Annie Mona Burgin | |
 |
|
| Born | March 11, 1903 Isle of Man |
|---|---|
| Died | June 15, 1985 (aged 82) Howick, Auckland, New Zealand |
Annie Mona Burgin MBE (1903-03-11 – 1985-06-15), usually known as Mona Burgin, was a teacher and active in the Girl Guiding movement. She is principally known for her role training adults.
Burgin was the daughter of Anglican clergyman John Robert Burgin and his wife, Henrietta Jane Woollcombe. Born on the Isle of Man, she came to came to New Zealand with her family at the age of 6. At age 17, she began training as a teacher at Auckland Training College. Burgin taught junior boys at Dilworth School from 1929 until 1960. Then she became headmistress of Hilltop School, remaining there until her retirement in 1968.
While still a teenager, Burgin corresponded with and met Lieutenant Colonel David Cossgrove, the founder of the Girl Peace Scouts' Association. She revived interest in the movement in Auckland and started the St Andrew's Girl Peace Scout Troop in Epsom in 1921 as their Guider.[1] In 1923, this group became the Epsom Cavell Company. In 1932, she spent a year in the UK, to gain experience and qualifications. Back in New Zealand, Burgin started the Rahiri Ranger Company in 1939.
Burgin was leader of the first GIS team into Germany after World War II. Later, she led the first team from the World Association Training scheme, briefed to find and support Guides living in displaced persons' camps. She was awarded the Silver Fish, the highest international guiding honour, in 1945.[1] In 1946, after she returned to New Zealand, she gained the Chief's Diploma.
In the 1950s Burgin wrote the first New Zealand handbooks for Guides and Rangers, based on the British programme, but with local variation. Her teaching and training methods had a significant influence on the shaping of the Girl Guide movement in New Zealand. In 1959 she was made an MBE for services to youth.[1] She held several national positions, including Commissioner for Training, Commissioner for Camping, (both relinquished in 1948) and National Ranger Adviser (1953 - 64).[1]
Burgin never married, and died at her home in Howick, Auckland on 1985-06-15.
GirlGuiding New Zealand Foundation Mona Burgin Scholarship is a scholarship enabling adult leaders from New Zealand to attend an overseas or New Zealand event or training, in order to refresh their enthusiasm and gain new ideas.[2]
[edit] Works
- (?): Otimai: 1927-77
[edit] See also
[edit] References
| Persondata | |
|---|---|
| NAME | Burgin, Annie Mona |
| ALTERNATIVE NAMES | Burgin, Mona |
| SHORT DESCRIPTION | Teacher and member of Girl Guiding movement |
| DATE OF BIRTH | 1903-03-11 |
| PLACE OF BIRTH | Isle of Man |
| DATE OF DEATH | 1985-06-15 |
| PLACE OF DEATH | Howick, New Zealand |
