Volunteers, staff and students who are undergoing their Duke of Edinburgh award patiently waited for the arrival of Prince Edward to make an appearance at Stonebridge Farm on March 14 in St Ann’s. As people excitedly waited, the importance of the Duke of Edinburgh Award was highlighted.
Prince Edward was given the title Duke of Edinburgh on his 59th birthday by King Charles lll. The Duke of Edinburgh is a voluntary programme filled with adventurous activities for young people between the ages of 14 and 25 - whatever their ability or background.
One of the young people meeting Prince Edward, 22-year-old Amelia Warren, is from Nottingham. The DofE Youth Ambassador helped to host The Duke.
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She said: “It was brilliant to meet HRH The Duke of Edinburgh today and be given the opportunity to show him the incredible difference that the DofE is making to young people in Nottingham.
“I gained so much from doing my DofE – including travelling alone for the first time, to Finland, so that I could take part in the Tall Ships Race for my Gold Residential. It was my first time on a sailing boat and the crew I worked with was made up of people from all over the world.
Amelia continued: “It was completely out of my comfort zone, but I learned so many skills and made new friends. I want to make sure that every young person in Nottingham knows about the DofE, as the experience is truly life-changing and is not an opportunity to pass up.”
Those participating in the Duke of Edinburgh awards will do a variety of activities including physical activities, expeditions, working in a team and more. At Stonebridge City Farm, some volunteers are also participating in the Duke of Edinburgh Award.
Eve Lowley, 14 attends the Rushcliffe School in Nottinghamshire. Eve has just started the Duke of Edinburgh Awards programme.
Eve said: “So far doing the awards has given me independence before, I wasn’t outgoing but now, I work volunteering on the tills at the cafe and everyone is so nice."
Eve continued: “Doing the Duke of Edinburgh, it’s been fun and enjoyable, I would recommend it to others.”
Jack Harris is the Senior Operations Manager for the Duke of Edinburgh Award. When Jack was younger, he also did the programme.
Highlighting the importance of the awards, he said: “Post pandemic, the awards have become more relevant, getting young people engaged in activities and for young people to give back through the DoFE is important."
“I know where doing the awards can take you, I wouldn’t be doing what I’m doing now if it wasn’t for the programme. It’s great for us to see young people engaged in the programme and we’re looking to create opportunities through volunteering with different organisations.”
His Royal Highness, The Duke of Edinburgh, said: “Some say The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is in my DNA; it’s certainly been a major part of my life for a very long time. Being asked to take on the role of Patron after my father is a particular honour and quite a responsibility.
“Sustaining and enhancing what is arguably his greatest legacy around the world matters a great deal to me, as does pursuing The Award’s long-term ambition of universal access so that every eligible young person has the opportunity to participate. Above all, I hope to ensure The Award to which my father gave his title, those that achieve it, and those who deliver it continue to enjoy the recognition they so richly deserve.”
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