If you are living in Caerphilly and are between the ages of 14 and 25 then you should start your application process for the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award right away. There are endless benefits when you join the programme; developing your personal skills and your character is what you need to become a successful young adult. These are the sort of qualities that will be important when the time comes to apply to universities and for jobs. Putting the Duke of Edinburgh’s award in your personal statement can give you the edge you need against other students that are applying for the same place at university.
Upon completion of the programme you will find that you will develop positively and will discover new talents:
- You will improve your self confidence
- Your willingness to take on responsibility will increase
- You will learn your strengths and how to improve them
- You will learn effective time management and planning
- You will gain awareness of how you can learn and give back to the community where you live.
- You will make new friends.
- Your ability to solve problems, give presentations and communicate with others will improve.
- You will gain experience of leading a team and working within one.
Many celebrities and high profile people have participated in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award programme. They all have so many positive things to say about the award and are constantly encouraging young people to join. Here are some people that you may know from the television and beyond:
Ben Fogle
Ben is now famous for his adventure programmes that we all watch avidly on the BBC. He worked his way up to achieve the silver award, a great achievement. Ben said that he first participated in the programme because he knew how highly regarded it is by universities. He himself notes how his confidence and self-esteem grew when he joined the award.
Kelly Holmes
I don’t think there’s a better example of how the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award can give people the self-confidence they need to go on and achieve great things, Kelly Holmes is now a double Olympic Champion! She says that she still talks about the awards with her school friends to this day.
Tunde Folawiyo
Tunde is a member of the Duke of Edinburgh’s World Fellowship. Having someone like this on-board just goes to show the successful people that are part of the awards. He is a keen advocate of education and works tirelessly for young people across the globe. If you look up the history books you will find, Tunde Folawiyo – Winner of the 2010 African Business Leadership Award. He was presented with the prestigious award for his work to develop and improve economic growth in his home country.
If you take part in the programme you may be fortunate enough to meet one of the famous people above and other celebrity supporters! The high profile supporters are usually there during the award presentations and at many other events organized by the Duke of Edinburgh’s awards.