Duke of Edinburgh Award Continues Inspiring Youth

Tunde FolawiyoAt an exclusive gala at Windsor Castle sponsored by the Halcyon Gallery, the Duke of Edinburgh World Fellowship recently celebrated twenty-seven years of inspiring world youth. From its founding in the UK, it since has spread in various versions to 140 additional countries. Young people worldwide are participating in the program, and community leaders, in business, politics and education, are doing their part to support the programme globally. Supporters of the Duke of Edinburgh Award are dedicated to the enrichment of young people, including Tunde Folawiyo. Those interested can view this Tunde Folawiyo profile.

Award holders include 22-year-old Vionaver Booysen, of South Africa, who has earned all three awards available in the programme: Gold, Silver and Bronze. Booysen was raised in a situation of adversity, but felt a strong desire to work to make a better life for the people in her community. She became involved in a community-action organisation, of which she is now the Assistant Youth Coordinator. She remains active in The President’s Award for Youth Empowerment, the form the Duke of Edinburgh award has taken in South Africa.

Patricia Yeboah, a young woman from Ghana, used her work with the Duke of Edinburgh award to focus on issues faced by women in her local community. In Ghana, women have higher rates of illiteracy and fewer employment opportunities than men. Yeboah addresses the roles of women in her community by organising a photography club for young women. The group meets weekly to share their photography and their experiences, with half the costs of film printing covered by the Head of State Award, which is Ghana’s iteration of the Duke of Edinburgh Award. The local school, which provides a space for the group to meet, says that the program is having a visible impact on the students’ well-being. Yeboah’s work has also increased local participation in the Head of State Award program.

The Duke of Edinburgh Award programme continues to grow. The World Fellowship promotes the Duke of Edinburgh Award, which was founded in 1956 by Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, to award young people for living lives of service, acquiring skills, and learning about the world through travel and adventure. The programme has attracted over eight million participants worldwide.

The accomplishments of South African DofE participants

In South Africa, the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is known as the President’s Award for Youth Empowerment. Over the past three decades, approximately 110,000 youths have gotten involved in this programme, and in doing so, have not only discovered new talents, developed new skills and become more well-rounded individuals, but have also had an incredibly positive impact on their communities. In this article, we’ll be discussing some of the extraordinary accomplishments of the young South Africans who have completed the Award.

Those who visit South Africa regularly, such as Tunde Folawiyo, may know that it is a nation of economic extremes; although there are some extremely wealthy areas, the country also has very high rates of unemployment and poverty. Schalk Burger, a young student who was studying at a prestigious secondary school, was acutely aware of this problem, and after joining the President’s Award, he decided to do something about it. In 2010, he launched Clothing-4-Children, a garment recycling initiative.

He asked all of his fellow students to gather up any high quality, unwanted clothing they had lying around their homes. Tunde FolawiyoThe generous donations of his peers encouraged him to continue with this project, resulting in him teaming up with the Blue Bulls Rugby Union. This collaboration enabled Schalk and his brother to get 41 other schools around the country involved in Clothing-4-Children. To date, he has managed to collect more than 588 tonnes of clothes, which have an estimated value of $32.1 million.

Emily Mabasa is another participant with an inspiring story. As a physically disabled young person, completing the Award was very challenging at times; however, Emily’s involvement in this programme did wonders for her, helping her to uncover a love for activities such as creative writing, dancing and design.

The Service section had a particularly profound effect, and led to her working on setting up a skill centre, which will be aimed specifically at those living in poorer homes, where children are often expected to take on the role of head of the household. She hopes that this centre will be able to teach young people some practical skills, so that as they grow up, they won’t be reliant on government handouts to survive.

Tunde Folawiyo, and anyone else who is familiar with the Award, will probably understand just how many opportunities it provides participants with. Her involvement in the President’s Award has opened up a great many doors for Emily; for instance, during Youth Month Commemoration, she and three other participants were invited to an event called ‘Youth of South Africa – Legends of the Future and History Makers’. This year, Emily will also be travelling to South Korea, to serve as a representative of the Award at the International Gold Event.

Anyone who, like Folawiyo, is interested youth development initiatives like the President’s Award, and would like to learn more about this subject, should follow Tunde Folawiyo projects online.

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.

Tunde Folawiyo | The Duke of Edinburgh Award: How to Apply

As one the UK’s foremost charities, The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award continues to encourage millions of young people towards optimal personal growth and responsibility. Armed with the continued support of advocates such as Tunde Folawiyo and millions of others throughout the UK and beyond, the DofE strives to forge an impact on our youth’s quest for greatness, self-reliance and the strength to overcome adversity.

Tunde FolawiyoThe DofE programme consists of four mandatory sections required for completion. Physical fitness, skill, volunteering and adventurous journey are all found within the teachings of the DofE. With three levels of Award – bronze, silver and gold – participants are urged to reach their fullest potential. Through a non-competitive process, participants may focus on their achievements without concerns of rivalry.

In order to apply to the DofE, participants must first register with a licensed operator. Participants of the programme must be aged between 14 and 25 in order to be considered. With the guidance of DofE mentors, students must determine which level they wish to complete. Throughout the course of the programme, DofE coordinators will serve as a most helpful source of support, therefore a strong bond with participants is of great importance.

Once a DofE applicant has received his/her record book and chosen their assessors, the activities may begin. Another highly important aspect of the DofE programme is for participants to keep in contact with their assessors and coordinators to ensure guidance throughout the entire process. Assessments are carried out on completion of each stage.

The fitness (physical recreation) section of the DofE programme is centred on a quest to promote positive body image and the importance of both emotional and physical health. Whether through participation in an exciting team sport or individual exercise, spreading awareness of the benefits of fitness is among the DofE’s top goals.

The skills section of the DofE programme sees participants showcase their unique talents. As part of this, they are encouraged to broaden their capabilities by embracing new, interesting activities. Volunteering is another fundamental principle promoted by the DofE. Participants are urged to partake in charity work and environmental work in order to wholly grasp the significance of caring for our planet and fellow man.

While taking part in the programme’s adventurous journey section, participants are encouraged to document their travels via personal photos, video recordings and sound tracks. Through these ongoing initiatives and the continued encouragement of programme supporters such as Tunde Folawiyo and millions of others, the DofE will continue to motivate exceptional youths for years to come.

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.

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.

DofE launch project with Dallaglio Foundation | Tunde Folawiyo

Just a few months ago, the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award committee decided to team up with the Dallaglio Foundation, in order to encourage young people from disadvantaged backgrounds to participate in sport, and join the award programme. As of September 2013, the DofE has been working with Lawrence DallLawrence Dallaglio 2006aglio – the former rugby star who launched the foundation – to help teens to get involved with the DofE, via their local rugby associations.

Dallaglio’s charity is an organisation which virtually everyone, including Tunde Folawiyo, is familiar with. Launched just five years ago, it has already managed to raise over £7 million, by hosting annual events such as the Golf & Wine Club, the 8-Rocks and the Dallaglio Cycle Slam. His collaborative project with the DofE is being funded by ICAP, who have donated enough money to enable at least 200 people to join a rugby club and gain their Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards. The goal of this venture is to teach teens how to work well under pressure, communicate effectively with others, and work as a team.

Speaking to the press, Lawrence Dallaglio stated that sport can have a profound impact on a young person’s life, and that partnering with the DofE would allow participants to not only enjoy all of the benefits of playing rugby, but also provide them with the opportunity to achieve accolades which will make them more employable in the future.

He went on to say that the values which had been instilled in him through the practice of this particular sport – things such as trust, honesty, sportsmanship and respect for others – had helped him to cope with a very challenging period during his teens. He added that he hoped that his foundation, along with the DofE, would help other young people going through similarly difficult times.

Adedoyin Sonibare was one of the first DofE students to get involved in this project. She joined Dallaglio for a rugby training session, which she described as one of her most enjoyable DofE experiences.  She remarked that it had been a privilege to have been taught by Dallaglio, and added that he was a lovely person who was very supportive and encouraging. Sports enthusiasts like Tunde Folawiyo will understand that training with Dallaglio is a dream for many people; he is widely regarded as one of England’s greatest rugby players, having participated in 85 matches for his country, including the 2003 World Cup.

Tunde Folawiyo | The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award programme – How does it work?

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is given to those aged between 14 and 24, who successfully complete a series of activities. These activities are designed to help participants develop character and confidence, and to teach them the value of hard work and persistence. They are provided with support throughout the course of their journey, ensuring that they have the guidance and encouragement that they need to accomplish their goals.

The programme is divided up into three levels, consisting of Bronze, Silver and Gold. Most begin by completing four sections at Bronze level; this can take up to six months. For those who do this, the subsequent level, Silver, will also take six months; however, there is an option for participants to
Tunde Folawiyojoin in this programme without completing the Bronze stage, in which case they are required to spend one year working on their Silver activities. The Gold level also takes a year to complete, although it will take slightly longer (18 months), if a person has not finished the previous two stages, or if they have only received the Bronze award.

Tunde Folawiyo understands that this award programme is unique, in that young individuals are permitted to tailor the activities to suit their personal preferences and circumstances. The type of activities undertaken can vary considerably, but will include learning a new skill (usually of a practical or social nature), providing a voluntary service, participating in challenging physical recreational events, going on an expedition, and getting involved in a residential project (the latter is reserved only for people who have reached the Gold level). The progress of each participant is carefully monitored and assessed by a person who has expertise in the selected activities.

The division of the activities into the five aforementioned categories ensures that participants receive a balanced learning experience, which will benefit both their mental and physical wellbeing, and help them to become well-rounded individuals.

Individuals including Tunde Folawiyo, have been assembled as Fellows of the Duke of Edinburgh World Fellowship, to promote diversity, and encourage all young people to participate for the Duke of Edinburgh award, regardless of their background, gender or particular skill sets. The flexibility of the entry paths and activity choices, coupled with the fact that the programme is widely available both in the UK and abroad, means that even those who come from disadvantaged backgrounds can get involved if they wish to. All that is required is commitment, enthusiasm and a willingness to learn. As a prestigious and youth developing programme, Tunde Folawiyo and other Fellows of this programme can help to make a difference to the development of the younger generation of this time.