Celebrating 50 years of the Award in Hong Kong

LONDON, 30 NOVEMBER 2011 – This month saw Hong Kong celebrate its 50th Anniversary of delivering the Award for Young People (AYP). Since its humble beginnings back in 1961, AYP has grown considerably with currently more than 56,000 young people participating in the Programme across 17 registered Operating Authorities. As in so many countries, the Award has helped change the lives of thousands, equipping young people with the skills to succeed in life.

To mark this momentous occasion, AYP held a spectacular Gala Dinner attended by HRH The Earl of Wessex KG GCVO. Guests at the dinner were honoured to be joined not only by royalty, but also by the first male and female Gold Award holders from Hong Kong. Chow Wing Chan and Rosanna Peeling achieved their Gold Awards in 1963 and 1965 respectively, and both gave proud and inspirational speeches about their Award journeys and their lives beyond Gold.

“The Award equipped me with a tough mind, perseverance and determination, which has helped me tackle so many challenges throughout my life. I believe AYP will keep providing young people with magnificent memories and life-changing experiences,” said Chow Wing Chan – Hong Kong’s first Gold Awardee. To coincide with the 50th Anniversary celebrations, The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award World Fellowship also held two exclusive luncheons in Hong Kong that were attended by both current and potential supporters of the Award.

AYP is a pioneer of non-formal education in Hong Kong and was recognised as one of the high-quality options of ‘Other Learning Experience’ under the curriculum reform by the Education Bureau in 2009.