The Duke of Edinburgh's Award is an international "leadership in action" program, available to young people aged between fourteen and twenty-five. Set up in 1956 by HRH Prince Philip, Kurt Hahn, and Lord Hunt the Award is now offered in over 90 countries worldwide with over 3.5 millions participants to date. Designed to help young people develop a sense of responsibility in themselves and their community by expanding their horizons, the Award has evolved into one of the most comprehensive individual development, self-training and personal achievement programmes in the world.
Philosophy
Being voluntary, flexible, non-competitive, balanced, progressive, challenging and enjoyable, it provides an opportunity for young people to achieve personal excellence and build self-esteem, self-confidence, self-reliance, self-motivation and respect for others via their involvement in service, skill, physical recreation and expedition activities.
Curriculum
Requirements
There are three levels of the Award program: bronze, silver and gold, each requiring an increasing degree of commitment.
Criteria
The criteria for achieving an award is based on individual effort and improvement, taking into account the participant's initial capabilities. Each participant must complete the four sections for the award.
Participants undertaking their "Gold Award"are also expected to complete a Residential Project.
Information
CANADA
Duke of Edinburgh's Award - National Office
207 Queen's Quay West, P.O. Box 124, Suite 406
Toronto, Ontario M5J 1A7
(416) 203-0674 (O)
(416) 203-0676 (F)
1-800-872-DUKE (3853)
E-mail:
WEB: http://www.inforamp.net/~duke/
INTERNATIONAL
The Duke of Edinburgh's Award International Association
Mr. Paul Arengo Jones, Secretary General
Hobart House, Grosvenor Square
London SW1X 7AE
Tel: 171-259-5577
Fax: 171-259-6626
http://www.intaward.org/
Australia: http://www.dukeofed.org.au/
Updated March 17, 2000