The year 2018 was a great one for the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award in Alberta, Northwest Territories and Nunavut! Our Division has much to celebrate and be proud of. Here are a few highlights:

• More than 1,200 young people have registered in the Award program this year, each one committing themselves to community service, staying active, learning new skills and learning more about their natural environment.
• We launched the Online Record Book, a digital platform, and have connected over 300 participants and nearly 60 Award Units to date.
• For the first time in our Division’s history, we have a full-time Award Officer in the Northwest Territories and in the first 3 months our participant numbers have doubled in the region.
• Thanks to the generous support of our sponsor, Canadian North Airlines, two staff were able to visit both the Northwest Territories and Nunavut, expanding our reach and enhancing our impact in the region.
• Through the Youth Resiliency Program, we have connected 85 youth in the justice system to the Award program. Already, 15 participants have achieved their Bronze level and 1 has achieved their Silver level.
• 22 Silver Achievers were recognized at a Ceremony held in Edmonton this past April and presented with their certificates by Her Honour, the Honourable Lois E. Mitchell, Lieutenant Governor of Alberta.
• 25 Gold Achievers were recognized at a Ceremony held in Edmonton this past November and presented with their certificates by HRH The Princess Royal, Princess Anne.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is divided into three levels: Bronze, Silver and Gold, and is comprised of five components. The only thing that changes at each level is the hourly commitment that is required in each component area.

When young people register, participants create personalized goals in each of the four component areas: Physical Recreation, Community Service, Skill Development and Outdoor Exploration (Adventurous Journey). At the Gold level only, there is one additional component called the Gold Project, which provides participants with the opportunity to learn how to work with people of different backgrounds, develop skills and build confidence living in new environments.​

WHAT SETS US APART?

The Award is a non-competitive, non-academic, self-directed program based on experiential learning and recognizes youth for the improvements they make in their communities and themselves. We are a one of a kind program in that we do not compete with organizations but rather, we compliment what they are already doing, adding value to individual youth programs as well as the organizations that serve and support them.

Using an innovative approach to community development, the Award program can be offered in schools, youth programs, correctional facilities, police and RCMP programs etc., and can operate in rural and remote communities as well as large city centres. The program is open and accessible to all young people, regardless of life situation, providing all youth with the same opportunity to be uplifted and recognized for their own unique contribution and achievement.

The effectiveness of the Award worldwide is due – in great part – to the mentorship component. Every Award participant must have a mentor, an assessor who can “sign off” on their activities but who is also there to guide them and ensure their safety as they set out to accomplish the hourly requirements in four component areas: Community Service, Skill Development, Physical Recreation, and Outdoor Exploration.

Hundreds of thousands of dedicated people help to deliver the Award around the world, every day. They do this through a simple but effective social franchise model.

From the slums of Uganda and the favelas of Brazil; correctional facilities in Malaysia and USA; youth centres in Israel and the Netherlands; national schools and sports clubs in India and Australia; to the most prestigious private and international schools across the world, the Award’s framework can support and thrive in a multitude of different environments.

 Donate today to invest in Canada’s greatest resource, its young people! Our fundraising goal for this year is to collect 1000 gifts of $50 to raise a total of $50,000 that will go directly to serving vulnerable young people between the ages of 14- 24, connecting them to the Award program and the many benefits it provides.

Don’t have treasure to spare? How about time? We are always looking for individuals who are passionate about empowering young and helping them live their best life. Whether you serve on our board, mentor a young person, or help out in our office, we are always looking for your support! Please contact our office for more information at [email protected]

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