27 Apr 2009
Meagan
What do you actually know about The Duke of Ed? I have come to the conclusion that so many people have the wrong idea about what The Duke of Ed is actually about it makes me realise that not everyone is informed on the most recognised not for profit youth organization in the world..
It all began when I went to a sailor soiree the other night for a friend’s 21st and obviously saw people from high school that I hadn’t seen in ages. Obviously one of the first questions is ‘What are you doing for work now?’ and of course when I said I work for The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award I got the same quizzical look each time. It got me thinking and I asked them what they thought it was and I got a variety of answers that ranged from:
· Maybe an award that some guy in the 18th century made
· Some hiking thing
· A scholarship award for a uni or something
They were varied and definitely made me laugh when they reached extreme guesses but it made me sad to think that even though The Duke of Ed is the most recognised youth award programme in the world it is not known well enough by Aussies! Right here there are clearly so many people missing out!
It also made me wonder, I wonder what those doing The Award even know about it?! Do they know that it isn’t just something you do at school and forget about? Do they know that it is actually the Queen’s husband who the Award is after? How many people know The Duke of Ed Award has been running for over 50 years? So many things to know that I bet so many don’t. So I have taken it upon myself to give you a little tutorial into The Award and some fascinating facts that you may not have known.
1. Prince Philip, the Queen’s husband is actually one of the founders of The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award
2. The Award Programme was developed in 1956 as there was a growing concern about the development of boys due to the gap between leaving school at 15 and entering National Service at 18. Things have changed since then with girls being involved and the ages now being from 14 – 25.
3. Even though there are 3 levels of The Award (Bronze, Silver, Gold) you can start at any one of them if you meet the age requirement (* you have to do an extra 6mths in an area though)
4. Famous people have actually done The Award, such as Missy Higgins
5. Nelson Mandela is quoted as saying:
"Young people are our future. Developing them to their full potential is a top priority. One practical way to develop this huge reservoir of talent is through participation in the Award."
6. The Award is known by different names in different countries such as The President’s Award, The Duke of Ed, The Award for Young People…
7. There are so many projects within The Award to help people of different circumstances. There range from juvenile justice to youth at risk to aboriginal communities. Talk about accommodating!
8. The opportunities available to Awardees don’t just stop once you finish your Gold – they’re only just beginning. For instance, this International Internship that is currently available. Check it out on our website…more
9. The International Award Head Office is in London, UK.
10. You can travel overseas to do parts of your Award if you wanted (* you will need to discuss this with your coordinator and your State/Territory office first)
Found out some new facts? You can find out more about the history of The Award, what it’s about, even quotes from some iconic figures around the world by visiting the International Award website.
Why don’t you become an advocate for The Award and tell people more about it!
Please answer
Is there any way i can get my school involved with the Duke of Edinburgh award?