Award Programme surpasses seven million

Launched in the UK in 1956, the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award was first founded for boys. Since then, the Award has grown into an international programme for all young people. Currently offered in 130 countries, the Award is a self-development programme that is transforming lives.

Some of the Programme’s participants include young offenders, street kids, youths from indigenous populations and children living in post-conflict situations. For these marginalised groups, the Award can prove a decisive turning point in their lives, and also for the lives of those around them.

Honoured

Gold Award holder and Secretary General of the International Award Association (IAA) Gilly Shirazi says she’s proud to be a part of the seven million participants who have taken part in the Programme.

“Reaching over seven million young people is an amazing achievement for a programme started in post-war Britain, and it is the diversity of these young people which is of particular importance.

The Award is for every young person no matter what their background or circumstances and it enhances their lives and that of the communities in which they live.  I am proud to be one of the seven million and honoured to help extend this transformational programme to even more young people.”

Global impact

The Award’s impact can be found right across the globe, from the townships of South Africa to the shores of the Solomon Islands. For Jassin, a refugee in Finland, the Award offered a fresh start.

“I was born in war-torn Afghanistan. The world seemed very cruel to me. My toys were used as bullets and it was not safe to play outside with other young people. Life was very hard after losing my father at the age of 13 and we had no choice but to leave Afghanistan.”

Having fled to Finland, Jassin had to start his life again.

Courage

“The Award gives a young person courage and makes them a mature individual who is ready to grow. I feel revolutionary changes in me. There is a big difference in the Jassin of 2001 and today. All credit for this goes to the Award.”

Avarrti - the Award in Finland - has been working with young people from immigrant communities since 2001, helping them to overcome barriers, so that they and their families can adapt to their new lives and contribute to the communities in which they lives.

Identity

For Johanna, a Gold Award holder from Canada, the Award Programme gave her the confidence to achieve more.

“Having Down’s syndrome has not affected the way I look at life. Many people with Down’s syndrome hold jobs, live independently and enjoy recreational opportunities in their communities, and this is me,” explains Johanna.

“I enrolled on the Award and didn’t see that having Down’s syndrome was a problem. I felt I was as capable as the next person at completing each section. I was ecstatic when I received my Award and have learnt so much more than I would have ever thought possible. I now have my own identity and more self-confidence to push myself further. I would do the Award again if I could!”

Extending the Award

Delivering the Programme to as many young people as possible is key to the IA A’s work.  As well as introducing the Award to university students and employers, we have been able to offer the Programme to youth in new and non-traditional communities though Open Award Centres, including those living in migrant communities.

By extending the Award we are enabling more young people to reach their full potential and make a positive contribution to their local community and society as a whole.

Seven words

To celebrate reaching seven million participants, the IAA asked its members to describe the Award Programme in just seven words:

1. Alistair Sonaram, Bronze Award participant from Guyana: “Confidence, trust, loyalty, development, empowerment, knowledge, leadership.”

2. Andrew Forde, Gold Award holder and Award leader from Ireland: “Our world - Your inspiration - My adventure continues!”

3. Vynnette Frederick, Gold Award holder from St Vincent and the Grenadines: “Transforming lives through the strength of self.”

4. Ramanathan Thurairajoo, Gold Award holder from Singapore: "Leap of faith tocreate positive change."

5. Ricky Nigel Simeon, Gold Award holder and Youth Representative from the Seychelles: “Challenging, surprising, encounter and it is fun.”

6. Norma Andrade, Award participant from Brazil: “Important include young people building participatory society.”

7. Cardelle St. Louis-Fergusson, Gold Award holder and leader from Grenada:  “Means of broadening horizon, making lifelong friendships.”