20-23 November 2023

Visit timed during historic year of the Duke of Ed Award in Australia

Awareness of access and outcomes of the Duke of Ed Award Framework significantly increases

Visits to Duke of Ed Programs in community organisations

Non-Formal Education Discussions

Volunteers & Program Leaders Celebration and Discussion

His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh, Patron of The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award, concluded his Sydney visit last week after engaging in a series of events highlighting the positive impact and outcomes of The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award in Australia. The visit by HRH significantly increased awareness of the access young people have to use the Award Framework in education and communities settings and; the important outcomes it delivers for them to succeed in life.

During the visit, His Royal Highness met with young Duke of Ed Participants, volunteers and thought leaders in non-formal education. CEO of The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award – Australia, Peter Kaye said “We were thrilled to welcome His Royal Highness to showcase first-hand, the new initiatives we are rolling out for the Duke of Ed Award locally.”

Right now, we are in a very interesting time where a Framework such as the Duke of Ed Award can address the emerging gaps in the market for both Emergency Volunteers and linking formal education with non-formal education.” said Kaye.

His Royal Highness engaged in roundtable meetings focussed on Non-Formal Education discussing how vital it is for a young person to compliment what they learn in the classroom with non-formal education activities that will help develop core skills and to become world ready.

“There needs to be a balanced Framework for organising and accrediting non-formal education. If we place all our focus on HSC results without recognising the critical core skills a young person has developed, I think we’re at risk of undervaluing these people and missing out on some brilliant talent in the workplace.”, said Mr Kaye.

His Royal Highness also visited SES headquarters in Marrickville, welcomed with a bright display of Emergency Service vehicles and volunteers including SES NSW, SA SES, Surf Life Saving NSW, Marine Rescue NSW, Fire and Rescue NSW, NSW Rural Fire Service, St John Ambulance NSW and Volunteering Australia. Minister for Emergency Services, Jihad Dib, joined Prince Edward as volunteers demonstrated emergency drills as well as voluntary roles that support those on the frontline.

“Voluntary Service is a compulsory Section at every Award Level and is at the heart of the Duke of Ed experience. Our hope is that through the Duke of Ed Award, we can help Emergency Services recruit more young people.”

“The Award Framework plays an important role in helping young people find their purpose, passion and place in the world and become world ready.”, said Kaye.

One of the highlights of Prince Edward’s trip was a visit to PCYC City of Sydney where he met with a group of keen young boxers, including assisting one of the boxers by holding a punching bag as he showed His Royal Highness his sparring skills. From there, Prince Edward spent time with three new Award Holders who are now in the process of expanding the Duke of Ed Award in Corrective Services after a successful pilot program.

“Through the Duke of Ed Award Framework young people will develop core skills such as resilience, critical thinking, leadership, teamwork. It’s a pathway to discovering their own potential and we want to ensure it’s available to all young Australians.” said Kaye.

Notes:

About The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award

• The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award is the global leader in the organising and accrediting of non-formal education through its Framework. For over 60 years, this Framework has been used by education providers and community organisations to accredit the non-formal learning outcomes and achievements of young people.
• The Award in Australia was started in 1959. Over 800,000 young people have participated in the Award in Australia since it began. The Award is referred to locally as the Duke of Ed.
• It was founded by HRH The Prince Philip, The Duke of Edinburgh in 1956, in conjunction with German educationalist Kurt Hahn.
• There are currently more than a million young people globally completing their own unique Award programme, via hundreds of thousands of youth-focused partners and operators, including schools, youth organisations, examination boards and youth offenders’ institutions.
• The Award is delivered around the world by schools, colleges, universities, employers, social clubs, uniformed and non-uniformed youth organisations, young offenders’ institutions, religious organisations, sports clubs, and a whole host of other civic organisations.
• The Duke of Edinburgh is Patron of The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award.

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Contact details:

Nicole Browne, Media Operations
T: + 61 414 673 762
E: nicole@mediaopps.com.au
Media Opps

Tahnee Dobson, Marketing Communications
T: +61 404 771 623
E: tahnee.dobson@dukeofed.com.au
The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award – Australia