Sixty youths to get Duke of Edinburgh Awards
The hard work of a group of young achievers will be recognised when they receive their Duke of Edinburgh Awards from Bermuda's Governor Sir Richard Gozney.
About 60 young people, who have taken part in physical and community-based activities, including working with children, the elderly, and on conservation and restoration projects, will see their efforts rewarded next week at a ceremony at ACE Ltd. attended by family and invited guests. There are three levels of this internationally recognised Award Bronze, Silver and Gold, each made up of four main sections: Community Service, Skills, Physical Recreation and Adventurous Journeys.
Those aiming for a Gold Award, which requires a minimum commitment of 18 months, must undertake the additional challenge of a Residential Programme, often overseas.
During the summer of 2008, the Bermuda contingent travelled to destinations as varied as St. Lucia, the Bahamas and Wales in pursuit of their Gold Awards. The Bahamas group consisted of five young men aged between 16 and 18, Thomas Pugh, Matthew Sinclair, Harrison Burke, Jason Simons and Kwan Smith.
Kenneth Bartram, Chairman of the Duke of Edinburgh's Award in Bermuda, said: "Every word out of Bahamas was positive and many spoke of how they were real leaders in the making.
"Some of these young men have already shown interest in going on to complete a leaders' training with the Award Programme."
The group in St. Lucia also did their Island proud, winning first prize for their presentation on litter management during a Waste Management Symposium despite being unaware that they were competing in the first place. "For over 41 years, the Duke of Edinburgh Awards have provided an enjoyable, challenging, rewarding and free programme of personal development for 14 to 25-year-olds in Bermuda," added Mr. Bartram.The awards ceremony will take place tomorrow.
For more information, or if you or a young person you know is interested in getting involved, contact National Director, Tina Nash, at 537 4868, or check out the website: www.theaward.bm.
