Duke of Edinburgh World Fellowship

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Tunde Folawiyo | How the DofE is improving school attendance rates in Kenya

Although the Kenyan government has been going to great lengths to ensure that all children are provided with free primary education, many young people are unable to Tunde Folawiyoattend on a regular basis. Approximately 83% are enrolled, but only a fraction go to school every day. Particularly in remote areas such as Bartabwa, the challenging conditions which many families find themselves in make it difficult to prioritise schooling.

However, a number of young DofE participants in Kenya have been doing their best to rectify this situation. Tunde Folawiyo, and others who are familiar with the DofE, may know of Rachel Wanjohi; for the Services section of her Gold Award, Rachel decided to encourage children in Wairuri to attend their local primary school. After visiting the school, she saw that a lack of basic facilities, such as a library, sports equipment, first aid kits and clean water had deterred many parents from sending their children there.

Rachel launched a number of fundraising projects to address these problems; her initial efforts helped to raise KES 30,000, which was then used to purchase a water tank. Further fundraising work raised even more money, and gradually, as the school facilities improved, attendance rates began to increase. Rachel’s work vastly improved the quality of life for many children in the local area, and of course, also helped help to achieve her Gold Award. Since then, she has gone on to work as Kenya’s Ambassador for Tunza Eco-Generation, and now aims to promote the eco-friendly initiatives being organised around Africa.

Judy Chesire is another former DofE participant whose work had an enormously positive impact on the education system in Kenya. For the Services section of the Award, she decided to set up a programme called Education and Life Empowerment in the above-mentioned area of Bartabwa. She started off by arranging motivational talks, during which she and other guest speakers discussed the importance of education.

She then addressed the issue of staff shortages in the local school, by enlisting the help of her fellow university students, who were able to fill in as substitute teachers when necessary. In addition to this, she encouraged local children to see school in a different light, by making learning more enjoyable for them; she organised music and PE lessons, as well as games which helped children to view education as fun, rather than as a chore. As a result, both attendance rates and grade averages have risen dramatically in Bartawa. Her work led to her being recognised by the Peter Cruddas Social Innovation Initiative, and attending a showcase for the foundation in London. Anyone who is familiar with the Peter Cruddas Foundation, like Tunde Folawiyo, will understand what an honour it is to be asked to participate in this type of event.

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Tunde Folawiyo | The Duke of Edinburgh and the Flag a Munro Challenge

In its quest to foster the personal development of promising youth across the globe, the Duke of Edinburgh Award continues to implement new activities to aid in their mission of encouraging DofE participants toward a brighter future for themselves and their surrounding communities. In keeping true to this tradition, the DofE is a supporter of the Commonwealth Games. “Flag a Munro” seeks to connect these young people with their local heritages by encouraging physical activities and an appreciation of Scotland’s magnificent landscape. Proponents of the DofE, such as Tunde Folawiyo, may find inspiration in the Commonwealth Games, the “Flag a Munro” challenge and the thrilling adventures to which they expose the exceptional participants of the Duke of Edinburgh Award.

Set to take place between April and June 2014, “Flag a Munro”, an initiative of the Commonwealth Games, invites participants to display flags and photos from their treks up some of the Scottish landscape’s most majestic mountains.

Tunde FolawiyoA Munro is defined as a mountain in Scotland boasting a height of over 3,000 ft. These were named for Sir Hugh Munro, who compiled the first list of these hills – Munros Tables – during 1891. Today, the most widely-recognised of the Munros is Ben Nevis, the British Isles’ highest mountain. Climbing Scotland’s Munros is a thrilling experience not to be missed.

There are a variety of ways to become involved with “Flag a Munro” at the Commonwealth Games. DofE Leaders will be responsible for registering participants. Groups of at least 4 are welcome. Upon registration, participants, along with the assistance of their group leader, will choose a Munro or group of Munros to climb. Groups will then be sent a flag which will be displayed upon completion of a climb. Photos from climbs will be put forth toward a college to be displayed during a special exhibition in Glasgow during the summer season. Climbs such as this allow DofE participants to exercise team work, determination, physical skill and problem solving. The culmination of these efforts provides participants with invaluable opportunities for self-discovery.

Throughout its history as one of the world’s foremost programmes for youth, the Duke of Edinburgh Award has partnered with groups across the world to ensure great opportunities for DofE participants. Tunde Folawiyo and other supporters of the organisation may continue to be inspired by these bright, young students and the adventures on which they embark as part of their road to self-discovery. For more information on how to become involved with the “Flag a Mundo” challenge, visit www.munromagic.com.

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Tunde Folawiyo | Bristol Rugby Club Announces DofE Initiative with Dallaglio Foundation

Tunde FolawiyoPartnered with the UK’s Dallaglio Foundation, the Duke of Edinburgh Award welcomes Bristol Rugby Club as the first to offer the prestigious DofE to its young players. At a presentation at London’s Saint James’s Palace,  DofE CEO Peter Westgarth and Paula Robertson, the Head of Programmes for the for the Dallaglio Foundation, presented the DofE license to several representatives in attendance including Bright Sparks Programme Manager Craig Capel,  Bristol Rugby and CEO Ben Breeze along with Bristol Rugby Community Foundation. Tunde Folawiyo and other supporters of the DofE may be pleased with the announcement and its impact on the growth of the programme.

The new partnership, dubbed ‘Powerful Together’ sees Lawrence Dallaglio Foundation join forces with the DofE to encourage surrounding rugby clubs to employ the Duke of Edinburgh Award for their young rugby players, ranging from aged 14 – 24. This initiative will serve as a major stepping stone in achieving the organisation’s goals of a brighter future for promising youth across the United Kingdom. Tunde Folawiyo and countless others may be aware of the DofE’s tremendous impact.

Students enrolled in the DofE programme are required to engage in volunteering, getting fit, learning a skill and planning and executing an adventurous expedition throughout a six to 18 month timeframe. These requirements are meant to promote a set of key life skills for its participants, including confidence, team work and commitment.

As one of the world’s foremost achievement awards for youth, the Duke of Edinburgh Award recognises sports as a valuable tool in encouraging young people to focus on personal development. Founder of the Dallaglio Foundation, Lawrence Dallaglio spoke of the potential sports carries for social change. He noted the DofE as the perfect charity to assist in achieving his goal of encouraging youth to explore success. The DofE plans to roll out the newfound initiative across Bristol during September.

Since its establishment, the DofE programme has sought to encourage young people across the United Kingdom and throughout the globe. In its quest to inspire youth to strive toward optimal self-development, the organisation continues to employ new projects meant to serve as a connection between the DofE and surrounding communities. Focusing on fitness, skill, adventurous journey and volunteering, DofE participants are pushed are encouraged to push their limits in hopes of awakening a newfound passion for self-improvement. Through the valued support of DofE proponents such as Tunde Folawiyo and numerous others around the world, the organisation will continue to thrive as it welcomes new participants every single day.

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Tunde Folawiyo | DofE to host Clay Shoot at Windsor Great Park in June

As an organisation, the Duke of Edinburgh Award continually strives to bridge the gap between young people and their communities. The goals of the DofE revolve around encouraging youth throughout the globe to explore the world around them as they embark on the ultimate journey to self-discovery. On Thursday 12th June 2014, the DofE will host a Clay Shoot to be held at Windsor Great Park. Events such as these serve as a wonderful means of togetherness, a great opportunity to join students and DofE advocates for a day of fun. Tunde Folawiyo and countless other DofE proponents throughout the world may participate in these events to gain a better perspective of the organisation’s ongoing mission of a brighter future for millions of youth around the world.

Tunde Folawiyo The DofE is currently the only charity granted permission to hold a shoot at the Great Park by HRH The Duke of Edinburgh. Regardless of shooting experience, students, clients, colleagues and friends are all invited to participate in the day’s thrilling events. The day will begin with breakfast, followed by a shooting competition. A three course lunch will follow, after which an award ceremony honouring the day’s winning teams will take place. Additionally, there will be an auction to raise money for the DofE.

Throughout its history as an organisation, the DofE have employed a variety of methods to ensure a wonderful experience for their thousands of participants yearly. Through volunteering, physical fitness, harvesting skills and participating in adventurous journeys, DofE participants are expected to gain a worldly perspective of the issues to be encountered by the communities that surround them. As one of the world’s foremost charities for youth development, the DofE remains a highly respected organisation within the United Kingdom and several other nations around the world. DofE sponsored events such as June’s Clay Shoot serve an invaluable purpose of teaching young students new skills and encouraging them to remain active and involved with others in their communities.

For more information about the Clay Shoot or how you can further contribute to the DofE’s mission, please contact Tori by e-mailing Tori.Griffiths@dofe.org or by phoning 0207 798 2882. Tunde Folawiyo and countless others have already lent their support to the DofE and its thousands of worldwide participants. Through these continued efforts and the assistance of other valued advocates, the DofE will continue to forge a positive impact upon millions throughout the world.

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Tunde Folawiyo | How the DofE is reducing crime rates in South Africa

Anyone who is familiar with the DofE, like Tunde Folawiyo, is probably aware of the fact that its introduction in South Africa has benefitted many people; the work of participants has had a ripple effect, resulting in incredible changes not only in their own lives, but also in the lives of those around them. Take for instance, Ross McCreath, a teen who joined the DofE (or the President’s Award for Youth Empowerment, as it is known in SA) a few years ago.

Ross noticed that there were a worryingly large number of youths in the Nolukhanyo township involved in criminal activities. He decided to create a diversion of sorts, which would help his peers to channel their energy into something more positive. He formed a cricket team, got in touch with the local authorities to hire out a playing field, and began to arrange matches.

Shortly after the 40 team members began to practice, crime rates in the township started to drop. In addition to helping local teens, and making his community safer, Ross’s efforts also allowed him to complete his Gold Award. At the end of his DofE journey, he travelled to London for a celebratory event, during which he and other Gold Award recipients were given the opportunity to share their stories. Both the Duke of Edinburgh and the founder of the South African branch of the DofE attended this occasion; in his speech, the Duke praised Ross, stating that he was greatly impressed by all of his hard work. Tunde Folawiyo

It might surprise Tunde Folawiyo, and other supporters of the DofE, that this is just one of many examples in which the DofE has helped to lower crime rates in South Africa; an Award Leader named Sharene has also spoken of how effective the programme has been at helping young offenders to turn their lives around. Having served in a number of capacities within the Department of Correctional Services, she has seen firsthand just how much of an impact the Award has had on teens.

Those who choose to undertake their DofE whilst finishing their sentences at juvenile correctional facilities can get involved in a huge number of activities; depending on their particular interests; they can renovate buildings, take art classes, play a sport or learn an important life skill, such as conflict resolution. Sharene says that the teens who finished their Award in this way seemed to develop a far more optimistic outlook, and were less inclined to return to criminal activities after being released.

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Tunde Folawiyo | DofE Award Recipients Give Back

In striving to uphold its everlasting mission of a brighter tomorrow for youth across the globe, The Duke of Edinburgh Award continues to implement new initiatives in hopes of forging an impact on impressionable youth determined to make a difference within their communities. Armed with the valued support of DofE advocates such as Tunde Folawiyo and millions of others throughout the United Kingdom and beyond, the DofE will continue to encourage participants to create better conditions not only for themselves and their families, but the communities that surround them, as well.

Since the organisation’s establishment in 1956, the DofE has continually inspired millions of young people worldwide to strive toward productive personal growth and sense of responsibility. Through a wide variety of assessments and trainings participants may become eligible for varied Tunde Folawiyoawards upon demonstrating success in areas such as physical fitness, volunteering and skill as well as adventurous journey. Each of these may prove immeasurable in nurturing positive impact for the participant and the people and communities that surround them.

Upon completion of the DofE’s varied awards, participants may find themselves eager to remain tied to the organisation, and there are many ways to accomplish this. Award recipients are encouraged to share their stories of success in hopes of inspiring other youth. Provide contact details to keep in touch with fellow alumni and programme organizers.

Those who have completed the programme are also urged to volunteer. The ability to assist others on their journey is a great honour that is sure to elicit joy amongst all parties involved. The DofE is currently searching for group leaders! In furthering its commitment to youth success, the DofE is preparing to launch LifeZone, a website meant exclusively for past participants. The site will support with career and employment guidance in addition to a variety of other perks such as advice from reputable CEOs. Supporters of the DofE are also encouraged to submit monetary donations in order to ensure the organisation is able to continue its work in fostering our next generation of leaders. The support of past Award recipients provides an enhanced sense of confidence in new participants, demonstrating the importance of life-long connections.

Through the constant support of the programmes’ proponents such as Tunde Folawiyo and millions of others across the world, the DofE will ever continue to form a meaningful, long-lasting impact on countless youth throughout the United Kingdom, Africa and many countries beyond.

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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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D of E success stories from across the African continent | Tunde Folawiyo

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award has been up and running in many African countries for several decades now. Supporters of this type of programme, such as Tunde Folawiyo, are probably aware that over the years, the D of E has provided countless numbers of young people with the guidance they needed to overcome Tunde Folawiyodifficulties in their lives, and discover their talents and abilities. Here, we’ll be discussing the experiences of two youths from Kenya and South Africa, whose involvement in the D of E helped them to flourish, in spite of the challenging circumstances in which they grew up.

In Kenya, the award is known as ‘PA-K’ or the President’s Award-Kenya. Throughout the last 48 years, the programme has helped many young Kenyans to develop important life skills that have helped them to not only make positive changes in their own lives, but to also make a difference in the lives of those around them.  Take for example, Julius Irungu Krush; this young man grew up in complete poverty, residing in the Mathare slums, where there was often no electricity or running water.

During his childhood and teens, Julius has no role models or authority figures in his life that he could look up to, or seek advice from. Discussing his upbringing, he explained that by the time he reached his teens, he began to feel as if there were no hope for the future – an opinion which changed quite dramatically when he discovered the award programme.

In particular, it was the Service activities which spurred Julius on, and made him feel far more optimistic about life. Tunde Folawiyo, and others who are familiar with the D of E, understand how valuable this particular aspect of the programme can be. Through the Services section, Julius discovered a passion for community work, and set up an initiative called Raising Hope, which focuses on mentoring children living in the Mathare slums, and helping them to cope with the problems they face in their environment. Julius’ experience in the programme inspired him to return to it, as a voluntary leader, after he completed his activities and received his Gold award.

A similar story was shared by a South African participant named Vionaver Booysen, at a D of E event held in Franschhoek last year. The programme here is called the President’s Award for Youth Empowerment, and has been in operation for over three decades. Vionaver Booysen grew up in a poor neighbourhood call Hanover, where the opportunities for education and employment were virtually non-existent.

But rather than allowing her situation to determine her future, Vionaver decided to take action. She joined the award programme, and began to work on a project called CASE (Community Action towards a Safer Environment) which focuses on improving the living conditions of the residents of Hanover. After becoming a Gold award recipient, Vionaver went back to work for CASE full-time, as a Youth Co-ordinator.