The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award

The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award is a global framework for non-formal education and experiential learning that encourages young people between the ages of 14 and 24 to realize their potential and develop as individuals. Founded in 1956 by HRH The Duke of Edinburgh and the German experiential educator Kurt Hahn, the program aims to promote the personal and social development of young people[2][3][4].

The program includes four key areas:

• Volunteering: Young people engage in volunteer activities over an extended period to strengthen social cohesion and improve the well-being of others.
• Fitness: Regular physical activities promote health, teamwork, self-esteem, and overall well-being.
• Skills: Participants develop and enhance existing or new skills, contributing to a sense of achievement and well-being.
• Expedition: A multi-day outdoor expedition conducted and evaluated in teams fosters trust, health, teamwork, and leadership skills[2][4][5].

The main mission of the Duke Award is to inspire and empower young people to discover and realize their potential. The program promotes self-confidence, resilience, teamwork, problem-solving skills, and other essential socio-emotional competencies that are vital for a successful life and career. It emphasizes the values of self-fulfillment, responsibility, and social engagement[1][2][4].

The program contributes to the realization of sustainability goals by promoting social cohesion and encouraging young people to actively participate in shaping their communities. Through volunteer engagement and the development of universal skills, the Award supports the physical and mental health of participants and promotes emotional well-being. Additionally, the program helps establish long-term habits that lead to sustainable changes in the circumstances of participants[1][2][4].

The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award is represented in over 130 countries and has more than one million participants worldwide each year. In Germany, over 160 providers, including schools, boarding schools, universities, sports clubs, and youth centers, work closely with the program. The international alumni network offers additional support and benefits for program graduates[1][2][4].

The program is supported by volunteer mentors and partner companies that take on social engagement and responsibility for society. These partnerships enhance the attractiveness of companies to customers and employees and contribute to the development of volunteers[1][2].

The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award is thus a comprehensive program that accompanies young people on their journey to self-fulfillment and responsibility, providing them with valuable skills and experiences that will be significant throughout their lives.

• 1 - https://duke-award.de
• 2 - https://duke-award.de/duke_anbieten/was_ist_der_duke_award/
• 3 - https://usaward.org/about/company-2/
• 4 - https://www.dukeofed.org
• 5 - https://berlin-mitte.phorms.de/de/gymnasium/unterricht/programm-duke-of-edinburgh/