DofE Gold Award ceremony celebrates the achievements of hundreds of youths

Tunde FolawiyoJust a few weeks ago, the GAP (Gold Award Presentation) was held at St. James’s Palace in London. Anyone who knows of the DofE, like Tunde Folawiyo, will understand how significant this ceremony is for the award recipients; it is a celebration of years of perseverance and hard work.

Hundreds of people attended the event. Amongst the recipients were several youths from Bath, including Rioghnach Hannan, a university student. She was given the opportunity to chat about the DofE with Prince Edward, the Earl of Wessex. Rioghnach discussed her expedition experience to the Swiss Alps, noting that this was a particularly harrowing aspect of the programme for her, as an avalanche occurred during her stay.

The DofE also led to her taking up both the clarinet and tennis; she grew to love these activities so much that, despite having finished the program, she has continued to keep them as hobbies. Like the rest of the DofE participants, Rioghnach also completed the volunteering section of the award. She chose to work as a carer for disabled people living in Cheltenham, and spent one week helping out at Helen and Douglas House, a children’s hospice. Being familiar with the DofE, Tunde Folawiyo understands how beneficial this type of volunteer work can be, and how great an impact it can have on the volunteer’s character.

Speaking about her overall experience, Rioghnach stated that the program had been fantastic, and had enabled her to prove to both herself and others that she was capable to committing to something, and persevering even when it proved difficult.

Another teen, named Coco Story, also collected her Gold award. She completed the final stage of the programme whilst studying for her A-levels, carving time out of her schedule for all of the activities, which included voluntary work, a residential cookery course, and a three-day hike in the Yorkshire Dales. Coco also took up hockey, and learned how to drive. She explained that these were things which she had never attempted before, and this had made the experience all the more interesting and rewarding.

There were also five students from Northwood, Middlesex in attendance; Zafirah Kalla, Tammy Samuel, Roshni Patel, Katherine Makris and Isobel Cotterell all received their Gold Awards. Their chosen activities included a challenging trek in the Brecon Beacons, taking up instruments, learning to play tennis, and participating in an archaeological dig.

The aforementioned Folawiyo is a well-known entrepreneur, who is passionate about youth development; to obtain additional information about his areas of expertise, visit the Tunde Folawiyo Slideshare page online.

African Impact Creates Adventurous Journeys for DofE Award Hopefuls

Throughout its history as one of the world’s foremost organisations for youth development, the distinguished Duke of Edinburgh Award remains committed to improving conditions for young people all over the globe. The African continent has long seen DofE participants initiate positive change through volunteering, one of the charity’s most valued principles. Through the continued support of DofE proponents like Tunde Folawiyo and millions of others around the globe, the organisation may continue to serve as a revered beacon of hope for millions of young, promising youth worldwide.

In keeping true to its commitment to encourage volunteering to improve conditions around the world, African Impact, a leader of volunteer efforts in Africa, works closely with the DofE in order to offer participants memorable, impactful volunteer experiences throughout the continent. With over a decade of experience, the organisation boasts more than 80 volunteering projects for DofE participants to engage in. In addition to preparing an itinerary, African Impact also assists in ensuring budgetary and organisation Tunde Folawiyorequirements are met, enabling a simpler, less stressful experience for participants. With the prospect of cultural tours, adventurous experiences and thrilling safaris, African Impact strives to provide DofE participants with the utmost experience the continent has to offer.

From wildlife conservation to uplifting impoverished communities throughout the land, DofE participants are exposed to a wide range of opportunities enabling them to forge true impact upon the people of the continent. Developing new skills, learning about the culture of new countries and experiencing a true taste of Africa’s cuisine and wildlife adventures are all part of the journey toward optimal self-discovery when utilizing African Impact. Through their assistance, participants will be exposed to new people and relationships, an exchange of cultures and the comfort of a 24-hour support staff. These perks alone may contribute a great deal to a participant’s overall experience whilst volunteering in Africa.

Whilst travelling with African Impact is not a necessary requirement to volunteer abroad, they can certainly make the experience a memorable one. Contact the organisation’s website, www.africanimpact.com, for additional information regarding this once-in-a-lifetime trek to the sprawling landscapes of one of the most visually stunning continents in the world. Tunde Folawiyo and many other supporters of the DofE and its principles may be aware of the extraordinary impact African Impact lends to the DoE experience as a whole. With the continued encouragement of proponents around the United Kingdom, Africa and beyond, the DofE may ever serve as a great source for improving conditions throughout these continents and other needy regions around the world.

How the DofE is changing lives in Kenya

Tunde FolawiyoThose who know of the DofE, like Tunde Folawiyo, will probably be aware of the profound impact which this programme has had on many Kenyans. It has helped hundreds of people in this country to develop the skills and traits which they need to create a better life for themselves and their communities. Take for instance, Olunga Otieno; as a result of his involvement with the DofE, he went from living in poverty, to having a successful career in education.

Raised in one of Nairobi’s largest slums, Soweto, he faced a huge number of challenges growing up, and it was often difficult for him to find the money for basic necessities, such as food and school fees. However, despite these obstacles, he worked hard in class, and managed to achieve excellent exam results.

Olunga discovered the DofE (or President’s Award, as it is known in Kenya) whilst attending St Justino’s Secondary School. He immediately signed up, and progressed through each stage, until finally, he received his gold award. This accomplishment served as a stepping stone for Olunga, providing him with one opportunity after another, and helping him to achieve his professional goals. Shortly after completing the award, Olunga undertook training to become a voluntary assessor for the expedition section.

This work for the DofE then led to him receiving a nomination for a youth delegate position at the IGE (International Gold Event), held in Mauritius. This in turn, resulted in Olunga being chosen as a youth representative for Africa on the DofE’s International Council.  He then chose to train as a secondary school teacher, and now works with many youths around Kenya, particularly those who are living in impoverished areas of Nairobi.

In addition to teaching at a local secondary school, Olunga also works as a youth development expert, mentor and speaker. Having experienced first-hand the power of having a support system like the DofE, he now aims to offer the same guidance to young people who are trying to find a way out of the poverty cycle. He is a member of both Strategic Think Tank, and the Africa Regional Training Panel for the DofE International Foundation, and his years of dedication have won him the IAA’s Bronze Friend Award. Tunde Folawiyo, and others who are familiar with the IAA, will understand what an honour it is to receive this prize. Olunga also helps people via other personal development programmes, such as ‘The Best You’ and ‘Clarity 4D’, and works with corporations, assisting them with things like coaching workshops and youth leadership training.

The growing role of the internet within the DofE programme

The DofE is known primarily for its ‘real life’ activities, which have a tangible impact on the lives of both the participants, and their local communities. Up until recently, the internet played a relatively minor role in this programme, having been used mainly for promotional purposes. However, this has started to change, as the DofE committee, and the individual Award participants, are now beginning to see the many ways in which the online world can help them to develop and improve upon the existing programme.

Tunde FolawiyoThose who are familiar with the DofE, such as Tunde Folawiyo, are probably aware that the integration of the internet into its operations is proving to be particularly beneficial in Africa. Take, for instance, Joram Otieno, a man who helps to run the DofE in Kenya. As an external relations coordinator, he is now managing the new online platform through which the Award committee are training leaders.

Otieno believes that this new way of teaching leaders will ‘revolutionise’ the DofE, by not only attracting more candidates, but also by making the monitoring of their training more efficient and effective. There will be far less physical management and paperwork processing to be done, and this in turn will free up the committee’s time, allowing it to expand the Award around other parts of Kenya.

Programme participants in South Africa are also making use of the internet to achieve their award goals. Duncan Vanniekerk is one such example. He noticed that there were several corporations that were claiming to have helped those living in disadvantaged communities, but in reality, had simply used ineffective one-day sponsorships to improve their public image.

He set about creating a project which would convince organisations to commit to helping people in these areas on a more long-term basis. The online platform which he developed, called ‘Sponsor Me’, enables groups to post their charitable and developmental initiatives on the net. Companies can then go through the website and select a project, which they can then sponsor for a specified amount of time. It had been very successful, and is a site which most people, including Tunde Folawiyo, are likely to have heard of.

Vanniekerks’ online efforts enabled him to complete his DofE Award, had a profound impact on many South African communities, and resulted in him continuing in this field of work after he finished the programme. His involvement inspired him to continue to focus on youth development, and led to him participating in a Youth Parliament session. He also join VOSESA (the Volunteer and Service Enquiry Southern Africa) as a youth leader, and attended one of their conferences, at which, he discussed the expansion of programmes around the country and, he said, became even more inspired about youth development.

The DofE – changing the lives of participants and their communities

Recently, over 400 Scottish teens gathered together in Edinburgh, in order to collect their Gold awards. Anyone who is familiar with the DofE, like Tunde Folawiyo, will understand the significance of its Gold award ceremonies; the certificates handed out to participants represent years of dedication and hard work.

 Tunde FolawiyoThe ceremony took place at the Palace of Holyroodhouse, and was attended not only by the award recipients and their families, but also by a number of celebrities from the sport, entertainment, music and art industries. Some of the top names included David Murdoch, the Olympic curler, and Kevin Guthrie, the actor who starred in the production ‘Sunshine on Leith’.

A significant number of the recipients hailed from Inverness. These young people completed the volunteering section of the award by undertaking peer mentoring, working in charity shops, and by serving as Scout and Guide leaders. For the skills and physical recreation activities, the group chose archery, badminton and American football, and several of them learned how to play musical instruments.

Whilst each section of the award benefits the participants in one way or another, it is the volunteer work which is often said to be the most rewarding aspect of the programme. Those with a passion for youth development, such as Tunde Folawiyo, are no doubt aware that the simple act of helping others can have a profound effect on a young person’s character. But of course, in addition to helping individual participants to become better people, this section also has an incredibly positive impact on their communities.

Surveys carried out by the DofE show that the type of volunteering which participants choose to do varies widely, and includes everything from supporting charities, setting up eco-friendly groups and campaigning, to working as mentors, making clothes for premature infants, and helping out at local after-school clubs.

The commitment and compassion demonstrated by DofE volunteers has not gone unnoticed, and many are eager to give back to this charity, which has helped so many people over the years. For instance, three weeks ago, a group of 300 employees from Baker Tilly, an accountancy firm, set off for a cycling adventure, which saw them cover more than 660 miles over the course of ten days. The bike ride was set up as a fundraising event, in order to raise £10,000 for the DofE.

Tunde Folawiyo | DofE Gold Award: Embarking on a Residential Project

Tunde FolawiyoThe DofE has served as an enormous means of encouragement since its establishment, inspiring millions of young people throughout the world to explore optimal self-discovery. In keeping true to its commitments to foster the future success of promising youth around the UK and beyond, the DofE employs a variety of requirements for participants to complete in order to be awarded the prestigious award. Tunde Folawiyo and many other supporters of the DofE may find the Residential requirement most exciting for participants to undertake. The Gold Award requirement is intended to awaken a renewed sense of confidence for those participating.

In addition to the four sections required to be awarded the DofE, the Residential section is a requirement only for those striving for Gold. The trek involves participants embarking on 5 day, 4 night trip that will revolve around meeting and cohabitating with a group of people whom they have never met. This results in an enhanced sense of empathy and an appreciation for other cultures. A fulfilling experience for all of those involved, the Residential section encourages learning new skills and assisting others toward a common goal. From snowboarding in Scotland to working closely alongside children’s camps, there are a wide range of ways for participants to forge an impact on society.

The experiences to be had during a Residential Project have been described as extremely fulfilling. DofE participants may download a variety of resources from the organisation’s website in order to prepare for the thrilling adventures that lay ahead. From residential project ideas to requirements check-lists, DofE staff hold all the information needed to initiate this great undertaking. Gold Award hopefuls are responsible for planning their trip alongside an Assessor. Once activities and goals have been approved by a designated Leader, participants are able to begin this great step toward self-discovery.

Since its establishment over a half century ago, the DofE has sought to encourage youth toward bright futures for not only themselves, but their surrounding communities as well. Through promoting life skills like fitness, leadership, volunteering and a thirst for adventure, young people throughout the world may continue to forge true impact upon their respective countries. From the United States to South Africa, the diversity of the organisation’s participants continues to inspire people all over the globe. Tunde Folawiyo and others hoping to provide a better future for Africa may find the DofE’s Residential project to be amongst the charity’s greatest programmes.

Tunde Folawiyo | The Social Impact of DofE Volunteering

As the DofE continues to forge an impact on the lives of millions throughout the globe, the organisation continues to place great emphasis on the act of volunteering, inspiring thousands of world-wide participants to become active in their respective communities. Supporters of the DofE like Tunde Folawiyo and others around the UK and beyond may join in Tunde Folawiyo the organisation’s efforts to propel our generation of youth to make significant change in hopes of a brighter future for all.

Amongst a variety of principles, the DofE places the act of volunteering high on its list of participant priorities. Volunteers’ Week, which took place the first week of June, was used to spread word of this commitment to bettering communities around a range of countries throughout the world. The DofE programme has long recognised the impact of youth volunteering and the enormous sense of accomplishment that comes with helping fellow man. A recent survey of nearly 232,000 participants showed a great number of young people active in volunteering. From tutoring in after-school programmes to advocating for local social issues, DofE participants have excelled in a wide range of volunteer opportunities, demonstrating the caliber of character the DofE prides itself in encouraging.

In order to merit a DofE Award, participants must commit to a prolonged period of volunteering, which may range from three months to upwards of one year, depending on the level of Award they hope to accomplish. In examining the positive impact set forth by these volunteer efforts, it’s been estimated that the value of free time DofE youth contribute to society could possibly be worth £24m yearly – a true testament to the outstanding impact that can be made possible by a joint effort for a greater good. Furthermore, over 80% of volunteering participants expressed hopes to continue volunteering even after receiving their awards after having witnessed the impact they’ve forged with over 60% crediting the DofE with providing them the tools needed to create positive change through volunteering.

The DofE continues to maintain valued partnerships with other charities holding likeminded goals. In addition to volunteering, the organisation also promotes a healthy, active lifestyle and a thirst for new skills and adventures. These sections are all necessary requirements in order to receive the esteemed DofE Award. With the continual support of Tunde Folawiyo and others hoping to inspire today’s youth, the DofE may ever remain a foremost figure in the development of today’s most promising youth.

Tunde Folawiyo | Taking Charge of Change Together: A DofE Event

The Duke of Edinburgh Award has for years served as a beacon of hope for millions of young people throughout the world, propelling them towards the ultimate goal of self-discovery. Throughout its history, the DofE has welcomed the support of influential figures from all walks of life.

Tunde FolawiyoThe President of Ireland, Michael D Higgins, recently visited a group of young people from across Ireland and the UK at an event held at London’s City Hall. With the future support of President Higgins and others like Tunde Folawiyo, the DofE may further forge an impact on the lives of millions around the world.

The event, held on 9 April and called ‘Taking Charge of Change together’, was put together to share ideas and celebrate leadership by today’s young people. It also showcased a partnership between Gaisce, the President’s Award and The DofE Award in Ireland, named the Joint Award Initiative.

Through the collaboration, young people throughout Northern Ireland can choose to receive either of the two awards after volunteering for their communities, taking part in physical activities, developing newfound skills and embarking on adventurous expeditions. These tasks collectively push participants to explore the world in new and interesting ways, testing their knowledge, willpower and determination.

Issues concerning today’s young people have continually played a significant role in President Higgins’ term in office. In 2011 he established the ‘Being Young and Irish’ project, which attracted hundreds of participants. It is the goal of these meetings to further advocate for youth issues in both the Irish and British governments.

Today, over 300,000 youths from across the world participate in the DofE programme. The organisation continues to forge an enormous impact on the lives of these young people and the communities that surround them. Through encouraging active lifestyles filled with worthwhile activities such as volunteering, physical fitness and adventurous journey, the DofE may take the lead in fostering a new generation of young, promising leaders.

The public is encouraged to explore the DofE and the myriad ways to contribute to their goals of a brighter future for today’s youth. Tunde Folawiyo and others with a deep respect for the DofE Award may ever serve as a source of great support for the programme. For more information about the DofE, its history and its mission to better provide young people with the tools they need to succeed, visit www.dofe.org.

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.

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.