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 attend on a regular Tunde Folawiyobasis. Approximately 83% are enrolled, but only a fraction of these 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 KES30,000, which was then used to purchase a water tank. Further fundraising work brought in 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 her 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 her Award, she decided to set up a programme called Education and Life Empowerment in the afore-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 that 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 Bartabwa.

Chesire’s 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.

How the DofE has improved gender equality and access to education in Ghana

The DofE was first brought to Ghana 47 years ago, when it was given the name Head of State Award Scheme (HOSA). Being familiar with the DofE, Tunde Folawiyo is doubtless aware that over the decades, the award scheme has given over 180,000 young people in Ghana the opportunity to reach their potential, and gain practical skills which have helped them in both their professional and personal lives.

The efforts of participants have also had an enormously positive impact on many of Ghana’s towns and villages, particularly with regard to gender inequality, poverty and education. The former is a particularly significant problem in this country; more often than not, women have no option but to bear the burden of all of the household duties, and have little time left for education or socialising. The rate of illiteracy among Ghanaian women is 15% higher than among Ghanaian men, and while about 50% of men complete secondary school, only 29% of women make it past their primary education.

Tunde FolawiyoOne of the HOSA participants, Patricia Yeboah, decided to focus her Service project on helping marginalised women in Ghana to share their experiences and stories with the world, through photographs. This has not only helped to raise awareness of the country’s educational issues, but has also provided many young Ghanaian women with a creative and social outlet. The project is still running today, with groups of women meeting each weekend at local schools, to explore the art of photography.

Two university students from Ghana, Esther Chinebuah and Alice Agyiri, also used their HOSA award projects to help others. After some careful research, they observed that the people in the region of Pampaso were experiencing severe hardship; basic amenities like clean water, shelter and food were unavailable to many. Those who keep up to date with this award programme, like Tunde Folawiyo, might remember that these two students decided to launch a campaign called Take Action, which enabled them to share the story of the Pampaso people with the general public.

The first stage involved actively encouraging people around the country to donate food and clothing to the area’s most impoverished families. Following this, they set to work on the second stage, which consisted of supporting a government-led school lunch programme that now provides Pampaso students with one nutritious meal each day, for free. Lastly, they spoke to many parents in the local community, and helped them to understand the importance of sending their children to school. At the end of the campaign, over 60 new students had enrolled in the primary and secondary schools, and had been provided with the necessary school supplies and uniforms.

Films by South African DofE participants showcased at Cannes Film Festival

Those who are familiar with the DofE, such as Tunde Folawiyo, may know that in South Africa, this scheme is known as the President’s Award for Youth Empowerment. It has been in operation in this country for over three decades, during which Tunde Folawiyotime it has helped countless numbers of young people to reach their potential. Last month, two participants from South Africa had the films they created as part of their Award activities screened at the famous Cannes Film Festival.

They were offered this opportunity by Films Without Borders (FWB), a UK-based organisation that decided to collaborate with the Award committee, in order to offer filmmaking classes to disadvantaged youths around South Africa. The two participants each made a 10-minute film, using the skills that the FWB staff had taught them over the course of several months.

The two finished pieces, entitled Finding Ubuntu – Township Heroes, and The Robertson Challenge, were filmed during the summer of last year. The latter was created at the Robertson correctional facility, by a local youth group and a number of inmates, and tells the story of a prisoner who wants to become a successful chef. The former was made in Cape Town, and is a collaborative effort, made by the students of St George’s Grammar School, Rustenburg Girls’ School, and Chrysalis Academy. It features a series of interviews with residents of the Gugulethu township, and focuses on understanding the concept of Ubuntu (which roughly translates as ‘human kindness’).

The CEO of the Award in South Africa, Martin Scholtz, spoke to the press about the films’ inclusion at the festival, noting that he and his team were ‘thrilled’ when they heard the news, and that the experience had inspired the two participants to continue exploring the art of filmmaking through the Award programme.

The two films were showcased at the Cannes Film Festival in May; anyone with an interest in this subject, like Tunde Folawiyo, will know that this is an extremely prestigious event, which has been held each year since 1946. FWB, which helped the Award participants to create these films, is a registered UK charity that offers filmmaking workshops to teens aged between 15 and 19. It has worked with disadvantaged youths in Palestine, Rwanda and Israel, as well as South Africa, and since 2010 has received support from the Earl of Wessex.

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award in Africa

As one of the world’s leading initiatives to engage with, and promote positive accomplishments amongst the world’s youth population, the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award has continued to inspire and help young Tunde Folawiyopeople achieve their potential throughout the world. In no other region has this been more apparent than in the continent of Africa.

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award empowers those between 14 and 25 years old to be active, enthusiastic contributors to the world around them. In Africa this has culminated in a variety of initiatives and projects set up across many different countries in that region. Those who run the awards hope that through engaging with young people in numerous places, that the biggest possible positive impact can be made. The success of the organisation can be seen through a range of impressive statistics which show that each year 300,000 people take part in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, many of whom come from difficult or underprivileged backgrounds.

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award has a team operating in Africa which has had a significant number of successes. This team coordinates with projects across the African continent ensuring that an increasing number of young people in that part of the world have access to the life affirming, confidence building, and fun activities which are offered by the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. Edwin Kimani and Martin Matabishi, in their capacities as the Africa Regional Director and Africa Regional Programme Manager respectively, work with 21 national operators across the continent as well as a further 20 independent Duke of Edinburgh’s Award centres.

Initiatives carried out in Africa have included engaging with communities in Ghana through a charity called Village by Village. Through volunteering with this organisation, individuals under 25 can add this achievement to their Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. Volunteers contribute their time to help teach English to children of West African communities in Ghana, assist construction workers to complete the important amenities and buildings required for the region to prosper, coach children in a variety of sports, assist professionals in providing health care and health clinics, offer business advice to developing businesses, or capture the spirit of Africa in photographs which will go on to promote the cause.

Initiatives such as Village by Village show the impact that the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award has on an international level, providing both, philanthropic services, as well as helping young people develop into well rounded and conscientious adults.

Operating since 1956, the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award offers a World Fellowship initiative where successful business people and philanthropists such as Tunde Folawiyo (for more information please visit this Tunde Folawiyo bio) continue to contribute their time and resources to helping the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award change the lives of as many young people as possible, for the better.

How the DofE is helping to rehabilitate young offenders

Those who are familiar with the DofE, such as Tunde Folawiyo, may know that whilst many of its participants are school-going teens, in recent years, the programme has also been made available to young offenders. These people are offered the chance to complete each stage of the Award whilst they serve Tunde Folawiyotheir sentences. This supports the rehabilitation process, as it gives them a sense of achievement, builds their self-esteem, and provides them with practical skills which will allow them to make better choices after they are released.

Danielle is a young woman from the UK who was given a two-year sentence when she was 17. Prior to her this, she had been involved in the DofE; and although she didn’t initially want to continue with it, her Award Leader encouraged her to carry on with the programme whilst she was at the juvenile detention centre.

Danielle followed her leader’s advice, and over the next year, she finished her Physical, Service and Skills activities, eventually going on to receive her Gold Award. After her release, she completed her Bachelors and Masters degrees in Psychology, and she now has a career as a youth worker. In addition to this, she also serves as an Award leader at her local youth centre, and has been selected as the representative for the UK DofE Award at the Canadian IGE (International Gold Event.

Danielle’s inspiring story is just one example of many around the world. As Tunde Folawiyo is no doubt aware, young offenders in South Africa are also offered the chance to get involved in the DofE. Erol De Souza completed his Award in 1994, three years after he had been sent to St Albans correctional centre. Receiving the Award in the presence of Nelson Mandela was a great honour, and inspired Erol to continue serving as a fieldworker for the DofE after his release, as he wanted to make sure that other young offenders knew that there was hope, that they could still go on to achieve great things. In an interview, he noted that the Award dramatically reduced re-offending rates, and that true rehabilitation was only possible in prisons where this programme and others like it, were offered to inmates.

Paul Reynolds is another success story from the UK; he began to participate in the Award when he was midway through his sentence. As a result of the DofE, he was able to organise fundraising events, which generated a significant sum of money for several children’s charities. He explained that the Award changed his outlook entirely, giving him the confidence to believe that he can do something good with his life, both during his incarceration, and after his release.

Folawiyo has supported the work of the DofE for some time now. Those who wish to learn more about him should take a look at the bio on Tunde Folawiyo in Business Week.

Duke of Edinburgh Award Participants Partner with TEACH to Empower African Youth

Tunde FolawiyoAlmost 200 million people in Africa today are between the ages of 15 and 24, giving the country the youngest population in the world. This massive demographic segment of the population is largely overlooked as a potential source for positive change in African society and is often left without the education and training they need to improve their lives and those in their communities. TEACH (Time to Empower Africa’s Children), a nonprofit, charitable organisation, is endeavoring to alleviate poverty in Africa through the power of education and the engagement of new skills. One of the ways the organisation does this is by partnering with the youth of the UK, through the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE) programme, offering volunteer opportunities for them to help empower African youth, while meeting the criteria for the DofE Award.

TEACH was founded by two sisters from the UK, Krupa and Shivani Patel, in 2008. Inspired by the experiences they shared while volunteering in Ghana, the sisters returned to the UK and began establishing an organisation that would incorporate their core values and increase the scope of their work in Africa. Today, TEACH is committed to educating, engaging and empowering youth in Africa and the UK. By partnering with schools and colleges across the UK, TEACH is able to spread awareness of the needs in Africa as well as create a sense of global citizenship that can develop into positive social change in future generations. They achieve their mission through three primary platforms – Community Participation; Business Enterprise Initiative and Global Citizenship.

One of the major contributors of youth volunteers is the participants in the DofE Award programme. The programme, which has many supporters such as Tunde Folawiyo, established in 1956 by HRH the Duke of Edinburgh, is concerned with youth development in certain key areas. TEACH offers many opportunities for UK youth to fulfill their objectives in these areas, which include volunteering, physical improvement, skills development and expedition completion, whether it is working in Moshi as part of their “Be the Change” programme in youth leadership or organising fundraisers for an expedition to Mount Kilimanjaro with part of the funds going to TEACH initiatives. Through their active participation in fundraising events or hands-on building and educational projects, DofE Award participants help raise the awareness of the poverty that reigns in areas such as Tanzania, while building a firm foundation of future global responsibility and sustainability.

Businessman Tunde Folawiyo is one of the dedicated World Fellows of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, who supports the endeavours of the programme in its continuing efforts to mobilise the youth of Africa and the UK.

Come September: DofE’s Annual Team Challenge

As a worldwide leader for youth advocacy, the DofE implements a wide variety of events to further connect with DofE participants and the communities that surround them. In keeping true to a quest for excellence, the exciting DofE Challenge will take place in September of 2014. The event will take place over a two-day period in which teams will embark on a variety of thrilling activities to test both their physical and emotional strength through challenges. Tunde Folawiyo and other proponents of the DofE and its mission for a brighter future for today’s youth may find the DofE Challenge to be amongst the most exciting events sponsored by the organisation.

Tunde FolawiyoThe themed event will take place on the 20th to the 21st of September in the UK’s Peak District. Teams comprised of four to six participants will be subject to a £2,250 upon registration. The number of teams may range from 20-25, demonstrating the great popularity of the annual event. Teams will camp out overnight, hiking more than 30 miles spanning a two-day period. During this time, they’ll tackle a variety of activities like archery, abseiling and rafting.

To many, the event serves as a mini expedition during which participants will encounter various mental and physical obstacles. A thrilling atmosphere and a great sense of comradery and team morale make the experience a most memorable one for participants.

Day One

Participants will arrive at the designated Peak District location during the early morning of Saturday, 20th of September for registrations and team briefing. Teams will then embark on a 15-20 km hike during which they will visit a series of control points spanning an exciting eight-hour time period. Upon completion of the day’s trek, the participants will dine, relax and rest at the campsite in preparation of an exciting day 2.

Day Two

After a tasty breakfast and a fun race walk filled with challenges, attendees will participate in a water activity. Upon completion, a prize ceremony will take place with participants free to leave by 2:30 pm.

Since its establishment, the DofE has long sought to promote a healthy, active lifestyle and a great sense of community amongst its participants. Events such as these serve as a great bonding experience, encouraging friendly competition and teamwork. Tunde Folawiyo and other proponents of the DofE across the UK, Africa and beyond may continue to regard events such as these as a wonderful stepping stone toward a brighter future for today’s youth. For information about more charitable organisations throughout Africa, view Tunde Folawiyo Dailymotion page.

The extraordinary accomplishments of DofE participants

Being familiar with the DofE, Tunde Folawiyo is probably aware that it has been in operation for several decades now; without a doubt, its enduring popularity is due in no small part to the flexibility which it offers, in terms of activity selection. Participants are given the opportunity to follow their passions, and delve deeper into the subjects that truly interest them.

Tunde FolawiyoFor Christian Owen, a young deaf student, the lack of understanding regarding BSL (British Sign Language) was his biggest source of frustration. He decided to use his involvement in the DofE to do something about this; he wanted to make this language more accessible to the general public, and so chose to produce the world’s first ever manual for BSL.

Prior to this, the only options for those who wanted to learn BSL were to take formal lessons, or to use the standard BSL dictionary; whilst the latter is a very valuable resource, it is widely acknowledged as being a very complicated book for beginners to use. Christian hoped to provide a less daunting, self-help style manual, which would encourage people to learn the basics of BSL, and thus help to break down the barriers of communication between the non-hearing and hearing communities. His manual has been very well-received, so much so that Christian has continued on in his efforts to improve access to this language, by organising BSL lessons during after-school hours.

Kate McDevitt is another participant whose involvement in the DofE allowed her to discover where her interests lay. Despite suffering from severe health issues – she was born with hydrocephalus, a hole in her heart and three kidneys – Kate persevered with her Award activities.

Due to her own health problems, she was particularly passionate about the volunteering section. She chose to raise money for HAFAD and Children in Need – two charitable organisations which most people, including Tunde Folawiyo, will have heard of. She also ran campaigns relating to disability rights. A progression and training employee at HAFAD, named Esme Young, praised Kate for her determination and hard work. HAFAD (now known as Action on Disability), aims to create a fairer society, in which people with disabilities are afforded the same opportunities and rights as others. Based in West and Central London, this organisation not only campaigns for disabled people’s rights, but also provides such people with access to activities which enable them to live independently..

In addition to raising money for charities, Kate also undertook many other activities, including serving as an assistant in a nursery, hiking, swimming and sailing. Discussing her experience, Kate said that the programme had given her confidence, and shown her that she can achieve anything that she puts her mind to.

Folawiyo has been a supporter of the DofE for quite some time. More information about the Goodwill Ambassador Tunde Folawiyo is available online.

History of the Duke of Edinburg’s Award

As a global leader in youth development, the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award continues to inspire millions of outstanding young people throughout the world. Since its establishment in 1956, the charity has sought to encourage millions of youth to explore their true potential. Through promoting a variety of life skills such as physical fitness and volunteerism, the DofE ensures its thousands of yearly participants are equipped to go forth and initiate positive change within their respective communities. Tunde Folawiyo and millions of others throughout the UK and abroad may continue to regard the DofE as a great source of encouragement for exceptional youth worldwide.

Tunde FolawiyoThe organisation was first spearheaded by HRH The Duke of Edinburgh as a programme for boys. Consisting of four segments – rescue, expeditions, public service and fitness – the programme sought to provide a stable environment for young boys to acquire vital life skills to aid in their progression toward adulthood. By 1957, over 7,000 boys had begun DofE programmes, with one thousand Awards achieved since its establishment. One year later, the DofE for Girls is established, focusing on the areas of living, interests, adventures and services. The programme’s first Gold Award was presented at the famed Buckingham Palace. During this same year, pilot projects were initiated in eleven other Commonwealth nations.

The turn of the 1960s saw over 40,000 young people participating in the DofE programme, demonstrating the phenomenal growth achieved in just a few short years. By the middle of the decade, three area and regional offices were established throughout the UK, with the programme operating in more than twenty countries around the world. By 1975, one million participants were enrolled in the DofE.

The programme grew exponentially over the next decades, with HRH Prince Edward achieving the Gold during 1986. The following year saw the DofE reach a great milestone with its 100,000th Gold achieved. By the end of the 80s, the number of participants surpassed two million with over one million DofE awards achieved by 1992. In the coming years, the numbers continue to soar, with the charity celebrating its 50th anniversary during 2006. By 2009, a variety of initiatives had been implemented to provide participants the utmost rewarding experience. Tunde Folawiyo and others involved with the DofE may continue to forge a great impact upon the future success of millions of young people around the globe. Follow Tunde Folawiyo projects to learn more of the worthy causes he supports.

The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award in Africa

The International Award Foundation work tirelessly in Africa to bring the programme to young people across the continent, an endeavour close to the heart of Fellow of the Duke of Edinburgh’s World Fellowship, Tunde Folawiyo.

Founded in 1956, the ethos of the Duke of Edinburgh Award is to help young people, whatever their adversities, to reach their full potential.  Through practical activities and teamwork, the aim is to develop mind, body and soul, building confidence and self-esteem.  By 1975 over 1,000,000 young people had participated in the scheme. In 1986 the Duke of Edinburgh’s third son, HRH Prince Edward, achieved his Gold Award. In 1988, the International Award Association was established to promote the award globally.  Prince Edward continues to play an active role in the charity both as a UK and International Trustee.  He is Chairman of the International Council, which governs the programme in 140 countries.

Tunde FolawiyoThe Duke of Edinburgh Award has changed the lives of millions of young people for the better, and none more than Kenyan, Julius Irungu Krush, who grew up in the slums of Mathare.  The makeshift shelters have no electricity; no running water; no sanitation.  Julius and his family were under constant threat – both from opportunist crime and their exposure to the elements.  Julius is the youngest son of a single mother who had three other children to care for.  Schooling fees and learning materials slid from Julius’s grasp as his mother struggled to put food on the table.

Julius recounts the despondency of the slums – the bleak acceptance of those around him that there was no escape from the poverty trap. Julius dropped out of school twice. Surrounded by negative peer pressure and with no dreams, confidence, aspirations or ambition, Julius attempted suicide.

This young boy’s life was turned around when he was introduced to the Duke of Edinburgh’s International programme. Within six months he had achieved his Bronze Award, quickly rising through the ranks to Silver and Gold. Along the way, Julius said he reaped so many rewards: confidence; inspiration. The experience changed his life forever. Through the Service section, he learnt the importance of community, so much so that after achieving the Gold Award he went on to start a mentorship programme himself called Raising Hope, to inspire the children of the slums of Mathare.

Stories like Julius’s are an inspiration to us all, and none more than Tunde Folawiyo, a long-time supporter of the Duke of Edinburgh Award. As director of the African Leadership Academy, entrepreneur Tunde Folawiyo is committed to helping young people to achieve their full potential.