The Duke of Edinburgh's Awards have affected the lives of an estimated 5,000 Bermudian youngsters of all walks of life, but of late, public school pupils have not shown nearly the same level of interest as their counterparts in private school.

The organisation's National Director Donte Hunt, 29, is working hard to bridge the gap ? he detailed his efforts yesterday to an audience of the Hamilton Rotary Club.

Mr. Hunt said: "Our main focus is to be the huge program of choice in Bermuda.

"In order to do that at this stage we have to focus on public schools.

"Right now the private schools eat this up. They love the Duke of Edinburgh's Awards. They understand the value ? both now and in the future. You know what I mean about future ? school, job, it looks great on your resume."

Mr. Hunt is himself a past winner of the silver and gold Duke of Edinburgh's Awards, and he's a graduate of the public school system.

Bronze, silver, or gold awards are given to young people between the ages of 14 and 25 after they complete a self development programme administered by volunteers ? usually teachers.

It can take up to 18 months to finish and the commitment is entirely free to students who enrol.

For young and ambitious youngsters it's seen as an effective extra-curricular resume builder because universities and employers widely recognise the award in about 130 countries.

That's the argument Mr. Hunt believes the private school system has grasped, but the public school system has not.

"The award is internationally recognised. Wherever you go the award is known at some level," he said.

"It could mean getting into the school you want to, when others just don't have the Duke of Edinburgh's seal on their CV."

Mr. Hunt told the audience the awards are not a competition, but more of a personal growth for each young person who ventures into areas like community service and physical recreation.

This will be the 40th year for the programme's presence in Bermuda.

Mr. Hunt is using the four-decade anniversary to raise the awards' profile on the Island with radio and television appearances, marketing efforts, and speeches like the one before Hamilton Rotarians.

The married father of two, works full time for the privately funded organisation, uses his own experiences as a past winner, and his charismatic demeanour, to wow the students he is trying to recruit. And this year a large part of his focus will be directed towards public schools.

He said after the presentation: "I think these kids are smart, very smart in the public schools.

It's just a matter of getting the awareness out there."

For more information about the Duke of Edinburgh's Award visit the local chapter's website at www.theaward.bm