supporting the DofE programme

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Tunde Folawiyo | DofE Award Recipients Give Back

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

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

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

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

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

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Tunde Folawiyo | DofE success stories from Ghana

Whilst each country has its own amazing DofE success stories, the accomplishments of those who have completed the programme in Ghana are particularly impressive. Emmanuel Odoi Laryea, for example, chose to set up a plantation business for the Skills section of his Award. Using the knowledge he acquired during his time with the DofE, he managed to create a very successful company, which is still in operation today.

Tunde FolawiyoThe business has done wonders for the local community, providing several young people with jobs; currently, Emmanuel has 25 full-time employees, as well as dozens of temporary workers, who join the team during the harvest season. The plantation grows tick trees, which are chopped up and used for the construction of housing and electrical poles. In addition to running this enterprise, Emmanuel also works as a volunteer for the DofE in Ghana, serving as the Head of Programmes and Administration.

Judith Otabel and Jones Viduku are two other participants whose involvement in the DofE has resulted in significant improvements in the lives of many Ghanaian people. After some research, they observed that the schools in the village of Pepease had extremely low attendance rates. Those with an interest in education, such as Tunde Folawiyo, understand how serious an issue this is. Jones and Judith decided that they would work towards creating educational opportunities for the children in this village, as part of the Adventurous Journey Section of their Silver Award.

Initially, they carried out a house-to-house promotional campaign, which focused on helping parents to appreciate the value of education. Following the completion of this activity, they then served as teaching assistants in the primary school, and raised funds which were subsequently used to purchase learning aids and essential school materials.

Their initiative was a resounding success, with attendance rates soaring within a matter of months. Judith and Jones’ work led to them being nominated for a prestigious award known as the Peter Cruddas Social Innovation Initiative. This prize is one which most people, including Tunde Folawiyo, are familiar with; it recognises the most outstanding enterprises created by Gold DofE participants. Only those whose projects can be classed as exceptionally socially innovative, in regards to their engagement with local communities, sustainability or ethical values, are eligible for consideration.

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Tunde Folawiyo | ScottishPower Foundation Renews Partnership with DofE

As part of its ongoing mission to direct today’s youth toward a brighter tomorrow, The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award has announced a continued partnership with ScottishPower Foundation, a well-known energy company based in Glasgow, Scotland. The partnership will enable more youths aged 14-24 to join the DofE organisation in hopes of turning their programme experience into a life-changing venture with everlasting rewards. Through the continued support of DofE proponents such as Tunde Folawiyo and millions of others throughout the UK and beyond, this partnership will continue to forge an impact on participants with hopes of improving conditions for not only themselves, but also the communities that surround them.

Tunde FolawiyoThe Duke of Edinburgh’s partnership with ScottishPower Foundation will benefit students in areas such as Liverpool, Knowsley and the Wirral, propelling them toward success in the areas of unique employability and social and personal development. The DofE has long been revered for providing the foundation for young people to explore the world around them, enabling invaluable personal development along the way.  The investments contributed by ScottishPower Foundation will be used to expand on the DofE provision, bringing new aid to local schools, youth groups, and charities, driving them toward becoming DofE centres.

Whilst ScottishPower has served as a valued partner of the DofE since 2010, the newly launched foundation, launched in May 2013, has pledged continued support in 2014, allowing thousands of students the opportunity to participate in the DofE. A counter to the cuts in youth services in the North West region, ScottishPower’s partnership with the DofE has aided nearly 10,000 young people to embark on their DofE journey. Of these, over 5,000 have received the prestigious Award, demonstrating the overwhelming success of such partnerships. It is the organisation’s hope that in 2014, 2,500 young people will begin their DofE experience with 1,850 will going on to earn an Award.

Since its founding in 1956, The Duke of Edinburgh Award has inspired millions of youths across the world to strive toward optimal personal growth and responsibility. Through a variety of training and assessments, participants are eligible for awards by demonstrating success in the areas of fitness, skill, volunteering and adventurous journey. These skill sets are immeasurable in creating a positive impact on a participant’s life and the lives of those in the communities surrounding them. Armed with the continued support of proponents of the programme, such as Tunde Folawiyo and countless others, the DofE will continue to have a long-lasting impact on thousands of young lives across the UK and beyond.