DofE Sees Significant Growth in Both Licensing and Participants

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award continues to provide a rewarding experience for thousands of youth worldwide each year, partnering with a variety of trusted organisations along the way. With its efforts to promote long-lasting, valuable skills amongst today’s most promising youth, the DofE utilizes many local resources to achieve their goals of a brighter future for Tunde Folawiyomillions. Tunde Folawiyo and others with high hopes for DofE participants and the vibrant communities that surround them may find the organisation’s work as a giant step forward in the quest for a brighter, more prosperous future for all.

The DofE has grown exponentially since its founding, impacting a new generation of students seeking guidance throughout the challenging years before adulthood. The DofE recently announced its record figures for the 2013/14 year with the organisation reaching its 100,000 Awards mark for the very first time. A total of 108,288 determined young people achieved their Gold, Silver or Bronze Awards during that time, whilst the total of new participants reached a peak of nearly 240,800. These numbers are up 10% each year, demonstrating the organisation’s endless potential for growth. These successes are expected to forge a great impact upon millions throughout the United Kingdom and beyond.

To support the organisation’s astounding growth, each day more organisations, local authorities, charities and schools included, sought to secure a registered license to operate the DofE. These numbers have increased significantly, rising 33% to a new 902 total. Although the amount of centres like youth clubs and young offenders institutions increased by nearly 9%, bringing the total to upwards of 12,735. The welcome rise in the number of Licensed Organisations may be the collective result of a shift in institutions seeking to acquire a license straight from the DofE Charity, whereas this is usually done through local authorities.

As the renowned DofE approaches the milestone of its 60th year in operation, its growth remains a great source of inspiration for so many promising youth today. Not only are the programme’s employability opportunities of great significance to DofE participants, but the life skills incurred may also provide endless possibilities for personal growth. Team-work, communication, determination and drive are all amongst the basic principles of the DofE and its mission to forge a great impact upon the future of millions throughout the world.

In keeping true to its commitment to foster today’s youth, the DofE has set its sights on a 300,000 enrollment total each year, to be accomplished by 2016 . Tunde Folawiyo and millions of others with high hopes for the future of the UK and beyond may be inspired by the wonderful work set forth by the DofE and its valued staff and participants.

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 Founding of the Distinguished Duke of Edinburgh Award

Tunde FolawiyoFounded by HRH the Duke of Edinburgh in 1956, the DofE has long inspired millions of young people around the globe. The programme was established to serve as a positive influence for young boys, though girls were later introduced to the charity’s teachings. Promoting a variety of paramount life skills such as public service, fitness, expeditions and the thirst for new skill, the DofE shall ever serve as a positive influence in the lives of youth throughout the United Kingdom, Africa and beyond. Tunde Folawiyo and others with similar goals to encourage the self-discovery of today’s promising youth may be fascinated by the rich history of the DofE and how it has over time impacted the lives of millions.

During February of 1956, the DofE made its debut, targeted first at boys from the ages 15 to 18. It was designed largely by retired Army member John Hunt, who had also led the first club up Mount Everest during 1953. The Award was intended to attract youth who were uninterested in joining other youth movements aiming to foster the proper upbringing of the nation’s youth. Their first Award ceremony took place during 1956. Since then, the DofE has continued its mission of spreading goodwill and encouraging the further development of the next generation of young leaders.

The number of DofE programmes, as well as its population of participants has grown with each year since its founding in 1956. As of the year 2013, approximately 300,000 youth were participating in the charity’s programmes, utilising over 11,000 Award centres throughout the United Kingdom. These designated locations include youth clubs, schools and businesses. Today, more than five million young people throughout the UK had participated in the distinguished DofE programme, with the total amounting to eight million worldwide, demonstrating the wide scope the organisation has reached in their efforts to improve conditions for communities across the world.

Since its establishment, the DofE’s rich history of goodwill has been commended throughout the world. By providing a source of encouragement and guidance for its participants, the charity will remain a much valued entity in the quest to promote optimal self-discovery amongst youth. Tunde Folawiyo and others wishing to forge a lasting impact on today’s young people may contribute to the DofE so that it may continue to fulfill its mission of a brighter future for millions around the globe and the communities that they call home.

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 | The Duke of Edinburgh Kilimanjaro Residential Trek

The Duke of Edinburgh Award has long served as a means of encouragement for millions of young people across the world. In promoting personal development, the DofE sees thousands of students each year participate in activities that will aid in a brighter future for themselves and the communities around them. Supporters of the DofE, including Tunde Folawiyo, play an immeasurable role in the success of the DofE and its recipients, further propelling our next generation of leaders toward greatness in all aspects of life.

Tunde FolawiyoYoung people participating in the Duke of Edinburgh Award programme are encouraged to explore personal growth through volunteering, physical challenges and adventurous journeys meant to broaden their horizons. With this each participant striving for the Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award must embark on a Residential Project that will ultimately prove a great understanding of the world around them. Set for summer 2015, Kilimanjaro Trek Residential Project, a 2 week experience, will see DofE hopefuls trek Africa’s highest mountain. Ascending Kilimanjaro via the Machame Route – widely acclaimed as the best route for spectacular views – the trip’s cost is £1,925. Payable in manageable installments, the majority of the cost of the trip can be paid for through fundraising efforts. Flight accommodations, guides, permits and food and supplies are all covered under the trip’s cost. Interested participants should consult their Duke of Edinburgh Award leaders before committing to the trek for Residential credit. Contact info@thebec.co.uk or Kili2015@hotmail.co.uk for more information regarding the Kilimanjaro climb.

The Residential requirements for the DofE Gold Award has proved an indispensable part of the full Duke of Edinburgh Award experience. A thorough understanding of other cultures and the struggles faced by others throughout the world will undoubtedly aid in participating youth’s attitudes of empathy.

Since its establishment in 1956, the Duke of Edinburgh Award has continually inspired youth throughout the world by promoting the basic skills needed for optimal personal growth and discovery. Founded by Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh Award has since spread to over 140 countries around the globe. Its international chapters serve as a constant source of support for young people seeking the capabilities to effect real change within their communities. Supporters of the Award such as Tunde Folawiyo and millions of others may be pleased with the positive impact the DofE has had on youth across the world thus far. Visit a DofE chapter near you for additional information.

Tunde Folawiyo | History of the Duke of Edinburgh Award

Since its establishment in 1956, The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award has proudly served the UK and other countries throughout the world as a means of encouragement. A beacon of hope for young people everywhere, the DofE continues to garner the support of worldwide advocates such as Tunde Folawiyo and millions of others.

Tunde FolawiyoWhile the DofE is today one of the world’s foremost organisations for youth development, its beginnings are less recognised. Founded by a small team of esteemed professionals, the DofE was conceived as a way of motivating and inspiring boys aged 15 to 18 to strive towards a strong sense of self during the often difficult years between adolescence and adulthood.

But although the DofE began with a focus on the betterment of young boys, it went on to accept both genders, with the girls’ scheme founded in 1958. In 1957 the age limit was raised to 19, gradually increasing before ultimately settling at 25. The changes paved the way for a new group of young adults striving to make a difference in their communities.

Over the years the DofE has grown exponentially into the internationally recognised programme it is today, reaching over 300,000 youths in over 120 countries throughout the world. In keeping true to its core values, the DofE continues to vigorously promote the areas of volunteering, unique skills, physical fitness and expeditions to encourage today’s young people to strive for a brighter tomorrow.

DofE participants must complete a range of training sessions and comprehensive assessments to demonstrate a great understanding of each section. With the exceptional guidance of their mentors, participants gain the information and leadership skills necessary to effectively accomplish the tasks at hand. DofE participants need to demonstrate their integrity in all that they do, from undertaking exciting activities to participating in charity work aimed at assisting their surrounding communities.

There are three DofE levels, with many participants judging the Gold level to be the most exciting. For this level participants take part in a Residential Project, embarking on an adventurous journey that sees them encountering new people, experiences and an unfamiliar environment vastly different to their own. Through the Residential Project, participants accomplish unique goals in order to gain a worldly perspective that undoubtedly leads to greater empathy and understanding of other cultures.

With the ongoing encouragement of the programme’s supporters, including Tunde Folawiyo, the DofE will continue fostering the development of bright young minds throughout the world.