On Thursday 17 December young people were presented with certificates for attaining the Gold Duke of Edinburgh's (DofE) Award. The presentations took place at a special evening ceremony at Ashdown Park Hotel, Wych Cross.
The Duke of Edinburgh's Award is recognised as the world's leading achievement award for young people. Over 100 people – including family, friends and local dignitaries – gathered to celebrate the young people's success in gaining the Gold Award which is the highest accolade of the DofE programme.
It takes a minimum of 18 months to gain a Gold Award, although many undertake DofE activities over a much longer period. Each young person has to volunteer in their local community, learn a new skill, participate and improve in a physical activity and plan and undertake an expedition. For the Gold Award, participants also spend five days living and working with other young people at a residential project.
Gold Award achievers are invited to St James's Palace to meet the patron of DofE, HRH The Duke of Edinburgh. In addition, local Gold Award holders receive a Certificate of Recognition from East Sussex County Council, an operating authority for the DofE in East Sussex.
The evening was hosted by the Chairman of East Sussex County Council, Councillor Rupert Simmons. Other guests included Christian Scott, Director of the DofE – South East, the Mayors of Eastbourne and Hastings and the Chairman of Wealden District Council.
Gold Award holders gave short presentations and demonstrations to illustrate the diverse range of activities they undertook to achieve their DofE Awards.
Councillor Meg Stroude, Lead Member for Children's and Adults' Services with East Sussex County Council, said: “Gaining a Gold DofE Award is truly an achievement to be proud of. It shows real commitment, determination and resourcefulness and I am pleased and proud to add my congratulations to the young people involved.”
Following the presentations, the Gold Award Holders and guests enjoyed a motivational talk by professional free skier Andrew Gowans. Andrew, with three colleagues from the Amey Group in Lewes, won the 2009 DofE High Atlas Challenge in Morocco. The team spent four days camping out in the Saharan wilderness. Riding mountain bikes, hiking and driving 4x4s across the Atlas Mountains, the team successfully completed challenges on the way, as well as raising £10,000 for the DofE charity.
East Sussex County Council is an operating authority for DofE and co-ordinates and supports the programme across the county. It maintains the DofE's principles and standards, and authorises Awards.
East Sussex has a growing network of more than 50 DofE centres – including schools, youth centres and voluntary organisations – that help young people get started on the programme. DofE centres offer opportunities and support to young people in the different activities and interests that can contribute to achieving an award – such as music, sports, dance, and getting involved in community projects.
To find out more and to find your nearest DofE centre, see our page about the Duke of Edinburgh's Award, or contact Development Officer George Collier – phone: 01323 418142 or email: gcollier@edma.org.uk.
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