activities

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Tunde Folawiyo | DofE success stories from Ghana

Whilst each country has its own amazing DofE success stories, the accomplishments of those who have completed the programme in Ghana are particularly impressive. Emmanuel Odoi Laryea, for example, chose to set up a plantation business for the Skills section of his Award. Using the knowledge he acquired during his time with the DofE, he managed to create a very successful company, which is still in operation today.

Tunde FolawiyoThe business has done wonders for the local community, providing several young people with jobs; currently, Emmanuel has 25 full-time employees, as well as dozens of temporary workers, who join the team during the harvest season. The plantation grows tick trees, which are chopped up and used for the construction of housing and electrical poles. In addition to running this enterprise, Emmanuel also works as a volunteer for the DofE in Ghana, serving as the Head of Programmes and Administration.

Judith Otabel and Jones Viduku are two other participants whose involvement in the DofE has resulted in significant improvements in the lives of many Ghanaian people. After some research, they observed that the schools in the village of Pepease had extremely low attendance rates. Those with an interest in education, such as Tunde Folawiyo, understand how serious an issue this is. Jones and Judith decided that they would work towards creating educational opportunities for the children in this village, as part of the Adventurous Journey Section of their Silver Award.

Initially, they carried out a house-to-house promotional campaign, which focused on helping parents to appreciate the value of education. Following the completion of this activity, they then served as teaching assistants in the primary school, and raised funds which were subsequently used to purchase learning aids and essential school materials.

Their initiative was a resounding success, with attendance rates soaring within a matter of months. Judith and Jones’ work led to them being nominated for a prestigious award known as the Peter Cruddas Social Innovation Initiative. This prize is one which most people, including Tunde Folawiyo, are familiar with; it recognises the most outstanding enterprises created by Gold DofE participants. Only those whose projects can be classed as exceptionally socially innovative, in regards to their engagement with local communities, sustainability or ethical values, are eligible for consideration.

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Tunde Folawiyo | ScottishPower Foundation Renews Partnership with DofE

As part of its ongoing mission to direct today’s youth toward a brighter tomorrow, The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award has announced a continued partnership with ScottishPower Foundation, a well-known energy company based in Glasgow, Scotland. The partnership will enable more youths aged 14-24 to join the DofE organisation in hopes of turning their programme experience into a life-changing venture with everlasting rewards. Through the continued support of DofE proponents such as Tunde Folawiyo and millions of others throughout the UK and beyond, this partnership will continue to forge an impact on participants with hopes of improving conditions for not only themselves, but also the communities that surround them.

Tunde FolawiyoThe Duke of Edinburgh’s partnership with ScottishPower Foundation will benefit students in areas such as Liverpool, Knowsley and the Wirral, propelling them toward success in the areas of unique employability and social and personal development. The DofE has long been revered for providing the foundation for young people to explore the world around them, enabling invaluable personal development along the way.  The investments contributed by ScottishPower Foundation will be used to expand on the DofE provision, bringing new aid to local schools, youth groups, and charities, driving them toward becoming DofE centres.

Whilst ScottishPower has served as a valued partner of the DofE since 2010, the newly launched foundation, launched in May 2013, has pledged continued support in 2014, allowing thousands of students the opportunity to participate in the DofE. A counter to the cuts in youth services in the North West region, ScottishPower’s partnership with the DofE has aided nearly 10,000 young people to embark on their DofE journey. Of these, over 5,000 have received the prestigious Award, demonstrating the overwhelming success of such partnerships. It is the organisation’s hope that in 2014, 2,500 young people will begin their DofE experience with 1,850 will going on to earn an Award.

Since its founding in 1956, The Duke of Edinburgh Award has inspired millions of youths across the world to strive toward optimal personal growth and responsibility. Through a variety of training and assessments, participants are eligible for awards by demonstrating success in the areas of fitness, skill, volunteering and adventurous journey. These skill sets are immeasurable in creating a positive impact on a participant’s life and the lives of those in the communities surrounding them. Armed with the continued support of proponents of the programme, such as Tunde Folawiyo and countless others, the DofE will continue to have a long-lasting impact on thousands of young lives across the UK and beyond.

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The Duke of Edinburgh Award Collaborates with Village by Village

As one of the world’s foremost proponents of youth development, The Duke of Edinburgh Award continues to implement new strategies to aid its mission of encouraging young people to strive toward greatness in all aspects of life. These initiatives can be seen through the DofE’s valued partnerships with various organisations throughout the UK and beyond, propelling the opportunity for social change with the potential to impact the lives of millions of today’s youth and the communities that surround them. With the aid of DofE supporter Tunde Folawiyo and countless others, the organisation will continue to flourish, utilising new tools to further its goals along the way.

Tunde FolawiyoA main focus of The Duke of Edinburgh Award is promoting an appreciation for charity and community service and as part of the programme, participants will be required to display an understanding of the importance of aiding fellow man. The DofE welcomes students to evoke positive change by empowering communities in rural villages in Ghana, Africa.

Village by Village, a DofE Approved Activity Provider is a professional charity that whilst based in the UK, focuses on offering aid to areas within Africa. Working in partnership with citizens of Ghana, West Africa, the organisation builds wells, improves sanitation and offers scholarship opportunities for children throughout the country. In collaboration with The Duke of Edinburgh Award, Village by Village offers Residential opportunities for participants to use during the process of completing the DofE’s Gold Award programme. Fundraising efforts used to fund projects in Ghana may also be put forth in successfully achieving the Volunteering portion of the Award.

Village by Village also offers Gap Month Residential Trips, giving young students and adults the opportunity to volunteer within the poverty-stricken areas of Ghana. Volunteers will work in remote rural regions and as such, there are a variety of roles for prospective volunteers to consider. Some of these roles include teaching English to children, construction work, sports coaching and healthcare duties. Each of these roles is invaluable in aiding the people of Ghana, whether by giving them hope through fun activities or teaching them skills and techniques they may have not yet been exposed to. One-hundred percent of money raised by volunteers goes directly to the charity, ensuring funds are sufficiently distributed toward aid efforts. Through the continued support from the DofE, proponents of the organisation such as Tunde Folawiyo and countless others throughout Africa and beyond, Village by Village will continue to create positive change throughout the less fortunate areas of West Africa.

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Tunde Folawiyo | The Duke of Edinburgh Award Granted Camping Exemption

As one of the world’s most revered proponents of youth development, the prestigious Duke of Edinburgh Award has continually served the world’s young people as a great source of encouragement. With the outstanding support of its proponents including Tunde Folawiyo, the Duke of Edinburgh Award continues to inspire today’s generation of bright young minds to strive toward greatness in obtaining social and educational skills.

Tunde FolawiyoSince its founding in 1956, the Duke of Edinburgh Award has grown exponentially, propelling it into the internationally recognised programme it is today. Recently, the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award was granted a 5 year Camping Exemption Certificate for England and Wales by Natural England, which will in turn allow D of E groups to utilise the land under less invasive restrictions. Under section 269 of the Public Health Act 1936, the following is permitted:

  • The use of any land owned by the exempted organisation (or provided or used by them) to be used for tented camping without the need for a site licence from the local authority
  • D of E participants (and adults) to put up tents on any site with the permission of the owner
  • D of E participants (and adults) to use land for the purpose of recreation or instruction, and to erect or place tents on the land for those purposes.

With its everlasting focus on promoting excellence within the areas of volunteering, physical fitness, and other unique skills, the DofE requires participants to successfully complete a variety of comprehensive assessments proving a great understanding of the aforementioned areas. Amongst these requirements is an adventurous challenge in which participants set forth on a unique set of goals in order to gain a worldly perspective that will inevitably lead to a profound appreciation and understanding of other cultures throughout the world. The new allowances set forth by section 269 of the Public Health Act 1936 will prove of great benefit to the many students wishing to embark on these journeys. Reaching over 300,000 young people in more than 120 countries throughout the world, the Duke of Edinburgh Award continues to partner with organisations across the globe in a joint dedication to fostering the hopeful participants of the DofE and providing them with the necessary tools to ensure success. Through the continued support of the programme’s proponents, including Tunde Folawiyo, the Duke of Edinburgh Award will continue to foster the development of bright young minds toward the ultimate goal of self-discovery.

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Tunde Folawiyo | Amey Partners with The Duke of Edinburgh Award

In keeping true to its commitment to guiding today’s youth toward bright futures, the Duke of Edinburgh Award welcomes Amey, one of the UK’s foremost leading public and regulated service providers as a pioneer partner in their Tunde Folawiyoefforts to promote goodwill among young people around the globe. Through the continual support of the many proponents of the charity including Tunde Folawiyo, the Duke of Edinburgh Award and its partnership with Amey will serve as a great source of inspiration for millions of students throughout the world.

The prestigious Duke of Edinburgh Award has long inspired today’s brightest students and, as an organisation, continues to implement new initiatives in order to ensure these goals come to fruition. These efforts are none more evident than in the vast number of proud students who have successfully completed the programme since its establishment. The new national agreement brought forth by the organisation’s partnership with Amey will assist in allowing over 165,000 young people from disadvantaged backgrounds to participate in the teachings of the D of E across the UK and beyond. This exciting partnership stems from a close 12-year relationship with the D of E in which Amey has provided an immeasurable amount of support for students of the DofE and the charity’s goals as a whole. Through their efforts, over 220 apprentices are currently taking part in the programme with 36 apprentices have completed the Award requirements to date. In addition to their contributions to the D of E, Amey as a company promotes passion for community involvement within their employees, further demonstrating a commitment to the spread of goodwill.

The Duke of Edinburgh Award is composed of four mandatory sections including fitness, skill, volunteering and adventurous journey. Participants must prove a great understanding of each in order to merit the prestigious award. Through a host of comprehensive exams and presentations, prospects will demonstrate excellence in a variety of areas to ensure their preparedness in initiating social change. As a not-for-profit organisation, the Duke of Edinburgh Award relies heavily on the continual encouragement and monetary support of various individuals and organisations in order to successfully maintain the operations of the programme. Those interested in contributing to the Duke of Edinburgh Award are encouraged to visit the organisation’s website at https://www.dofe.org/en/content/cms/supportus/.

Through numerous partnerships and the ongoing support of the programme’s proponents such as Tunde Folawiyo and millions of others throughout the world, the Duke of Edinburgh Award will continue to motivate and inspire young students to reach for a better tomorrow for the communities that surround them.

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Amey establishes new campaign with DofE | Tunde Folawiyo

Just recently, the DofE established a partnership with one of its long-term supporters, Amey. The latter intends to support local communities, by helping at least 165,000 teens from disadvantaged backgrounds to participate in the DofE programme.

Tunde FolawiyoAmey is a well-known UK organisation based in Oxfordshire, which offers works with clients in the public sector; it handles services relating to everything from infrastructure and waste disposal, to utilities. This company is committed to investing in its employees, and in particular, it is concerned with helping its younger staff members to reach their full potential.

Being familiar with the DofE, Tunde Folawiyo may know that Amey provides all of its employees, who are under the age of 25, with the opportunity to complete the Bronze, Silver and Gold levels of this programme, so that these young people can develop the skills they need to fulfil their professional ambitions. Thirty-six of Amey’s apprentices have already received their Gold Awards, and a further 220 are currently working towards this goal.

The management team at Amey does its utmost to ensure that the process of getting involved in the DofE is as easy as possible for its staff members. They believe that the skills which young people acquire as a result of their participation in this programme – things such as creative thinking, determination, teamwork and communication – can benefit both the participants, and their employers.  Although currently, this company only supports the provision of the DofE programme within the Oxfordshire area, it has announced that it will be expanding this offer to young people living in Birmingham as well.

Most people, including Tunde Folawiyo, are doubtless aware that whilst the DofE Award is available to everyone between the ages of 14 and 25, it can be difficult for those who are living in challenging circumstances to get involved. For instance, teens that have health issues, or are experiencing problems in school or with their families, may be too preoccupied with these other aspects of their lives to even consider joining the DofE. It is hoped that Amey’s new collaborative campaign with the DofE will encourage teens in these types of situations to get involved, and get back on the right track.  The CEO of Amey, Mel Ewell, stated that this initiative will have a very positive impact on the lives, and the future prospects of many teens in the UK; he added that he and his team are particularly glad to be able to offer a helping hand to young people from disadvantaged backgrounds.

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Alumni of the DofE – Jay’s story | Tunde Folawiyo

Jay Passmore is a former member of the DofE programme, who received his Gold Award in October of last year. Today, he has his dream job, working within the fostering service in Devon. However, life was not always quite so happy for Jay; he had a tumultuous, difficult childhood. From the age of ten and upwards, he was passed from one foster care home to another, never being given the chance to settle down and have a normal upbringing.

Most people, including Tunde Folawiyo, understand how important it is for young people to have stability in their lives; the absence of this led to Jay becoming very rebellious. However, when he turned 17 and left foster care, he began to look at his life from a different perspective. Unsure of what his next step should be, he chose to start helping other youngsters who were still in the system, by working as a volunteer for a foster child support group. It was whilst in this position that Jay became aware of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. Other people in the group had already become involved, and he decided that he should do the same.

Despite feeling somewhat apprehensive about taking on such a monumental task, he ignored his worries and signed up. Jay now says that it was this decision which changed the course of his life. It allowed him to develop important new skills, find friends with similar interests, and perhaps most importantly, it gave him the confidence he needed to apply for his current job.Tunde Folawiyo

Over the course of his time with the DofE, he managed to raise enough money to travel to South Africa for his expedition and residential activities. During these trips, he worked with a Zulu tribe, camped out in a rainforest and learned about the importance of teamwork, as he had to spend a total of three weeks with a group of strangers.

Those who are familiar with the DofE programme, like Tunde Folawiyo, will be aware that the organisation arranges a celebratory awards ceremony for those who have completed their Gold level activities. Jay received his award at St. James’ Palace last year; afterwards, he was publically interviewed by the DofE’s communications manager, who asked him to discuss his experience of the programme,

Jay spoke of his difficult childhood, of how the Award had changed him, and of his goals for the future. After he received his certificate, he and the other recipients were given tours of several of the State Rooms. Speaking to the press at a later date, he described it as one of the best days of his life, adding that all of the hard work he had undertaken during the programme had been worth it.

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St James’s Palace hosts national DofE Gold Award ceremony | Tunde Folawiyo

Most people, including Tunde Folawiyo, are familiar with the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award programme, and understand how significant receiving the Gold Award is. The ceremony is Tunde Folawiyousually held in St James’s Palace, as the DofE committee feel that this grand setting befits the importance of this occasion.

Just this month, hundreds of young people from all over the UK travelled to London, to collect their Gold awards at the palace. They received their certificates from Anthea Turner and Prince Edward, both of whom spent a few minutes speaking to each of the recipients about their experiences. Anthea spoke at length with one girl in particular – Hannah Holden from Milton Keynes. Hannah undertook two expeditions in Wales, during which she walked an average of 20 kilometres a day, whilst carrying all of her supplies – including food rations and a hefty tent – in a rucksack.

The expedition she chose consisting of ‘wild camping’, which involves making do with what you can find around you; for instance, Hannah had to source her drinking water from streams. In addition to her expeditions, she spent time in the Peak district on an adventure and conservation course, and also learned to dance, sing and play the guitar. Having had such a wonderful experience herself, Hannah is now hoping to become a DofE leader, and help other youngsters to complete their own bronze, silver and gold awards.

A significant number of the attendees at the awards event hailed from Lancashire, and had completed their gold activities with the help of the Lancashire County Council. One young man by the name of Ciaran Bassey got involved with the DofE programme after joining the Explorer Scouts Unit. To achieve his Gold, he spent just over a year working as a volunteer leader with the Scouts, and went on a residential trip with a group of his peers.

Four students from Queen’s College in Somerset were also in attendance; these included Hope Pointing, Hannah Clarke, Abi Sanders-Dutton and Richard Venn. The headmaster of their school came to the event to support them, and spoke to the press about their achievements. He stated that he and the rest of the staff were very proud of what the four teens had managed to accomplish, adding that it had taken a great deal of commitment to complete the bronze, silver and gold activities. He finished by saying that the students had clearly benefitted from their time within the DofE programme; not only had they developed friendships and created wonderful memories, but they had also become far more confident in themselves as a result of their expeditions and residential work. This is why people such as Tunde Folawiyo like to support youth development schemes; they help young people, who are at a very important stage in their lives, to develop the skills and the tenacity needed to achieve their goals.

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How the DofE can assist disadvantaged youths | Tunde Folawiyo

Those who support the DofE, like Tunde Folawiyo, might know that the programme committee encourages all young people, regardless of their background or circumstances, to get involved. For teens that may be Tunde Folawiyogoing through a difficult period in their lives, perhaps as a result of health or family issues for instance, the DofE activities can provide them with a sense of stability, and offer them with something positive to focus their efforts on.

There are countless stories of DofE alumni who have managed to overcome enormous obstacles, complete their bronze, silver and gold activities and go on to lead happier, more fulfilling lives. Here, we’ll be discussing two such people – Edward Hampton-Matthews, and Emily Mailes.

Edward was diagnosed with joint hyper-mobility and rheumatoid arthritis at the age of three; doctors told his parents that he would never be able to swim or ride a bike. But just four years later, with physiotherapy and a great deal of determination, Edward began cycling. It was this strength of character and perseverance which would allow him to complete the bronze, silver and gold level activities as a teenager, in spite of his chronic health problems.

He camped in cold, wet conditions, and trekked for many miles, even though these activities were extremely challenging, from a physical perspective. Additionally, he also learned how to sail, gained his first aid and RYA Day Skipper qualifications, and began teaching sailing to other youths at his local club. In 2010, he received his Gold Award, four decades after his own grandfather, Mike Hampton, had done the same. Mike attended the ceremony, and spoke proudly of Edward’s achievements, adding that getting involved in the DofE is a ‘fantastic thing to do’.

Emily experienced a different set of challenges growing up, but like Edward, she successfully overcame them by participating in the DofE. She became a mother at the age of 16, which led to her leaving school without qualifications. Most people nowadays, including Tunde Folawiyo, understand just how much a lack of education can affect a person’s life, particularly when it’s a young parent, who has a child to support.

But Emily was determined to improve her life, and after joining a youth group in her local area, designed specifically for teenage parents, she began to work towards getting her bronze, silver and gold awards. The activities she completed gave her the confidence to return to education, and as she neared the end of her time with the DofE, she took up courses in youth work, media and film-making. Her experience with the DofE was so positive, that she also began to serve as a voluntary expedition leader. Today, she has a job as a youth services co-ordinator.

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The Adventurous Journeys of the Duke of Edinburgh Award | Tunde Folawiyo

With a long-lasting impact on the fostering of today’s youth, the prestigious Duke of Edinburgh Award has long inspired today’s brightest students to strive toward greatness in many aspects of life. These goals could not appear more evident than in the vast number of participants who have successfully completed the programme since its establishment. Through the continual valued support of the many proponents of the charity, including Tunde Folawiyo, the Duke of Edinburgh Award continues its mission in encouraging participants to strive for a better tomorrow for them and the communities around them.

Tunde Folawiyo In its efforts to promote the growth of today’s youth, the Duke of Edinburgh Award encourages the utmost integrity among its students, proven in a variety of skills including personal discovery, self-reliance, perseverance and service to their communities. Through initiatives, the Duke of Edinburgh Award has made great strides in its quest to improve the lives for thousands of young people, instilling hope, confidence and goodwill throughout the United Kingdom and beyond.

Within the Duke of Edinburgh Award programme lays several areas requiring completion. To complete the adventurous journey portion of the programme, participants must plan, train for and complete a self-reliant expedition, challenging their skills in a variety of significant areas. Each participant must endure training, a practice expedition, a qualifying expedition and a final presentation in order to complete the programme successfully. All of these must be accomplished by the participant’s own physical efforts with minimal assistance, truly testing the collective skills of each participant.

There are several steps to be taken to ensure success in the adventurous journey portion of the programme. Preparation for the adventure involves distinguishing team members, the mission’s aim, travel arrangements and leadership of the mission. During the practice expedition portion of training, participants must demonstrate an ability to travel safely in order to gain permission to proceed with the mission. The qualifying expedition and final assessment will follow, ultimately deciding whether a participant has successfully completed each portion of the programme, rendering them deserving of the award. The prestigious nature of the Duke of Edinburgh Award honours those that have gone above and beyond to demonstrate their passion and appreciation for life, while the leadership skills incurred throughout the journey serve as an immeasurable value.

Through the constant backing of the programme’s supporters such as Tunde Folawiyo and millions of others throughout the world, the Duke of Edinburgh Award will continue to motivate young students for years to come.