More than 130 students from the Moravian-Silesian region received the Duke of Edinburgh's Award (DofE) in bronze and silver. This award is given to students after graduating from the programme, which originated in the UK and was founded 66 years ago by Prince Philip, husband of Queen Elizabeth II.
In 2018, the Moravian-Silesian Region became the first region in the Czech Republic to officially support its schools in implementing the DofE programme. Currently, 34 organisations are involved in the programme in the region and around 800 young people are delivering it. "The DofE programme is a great opportunity for young people to develop personally. It now operates in 130 countries around the world and more than a million young people a year, including 5,000 Czechs. The award-winning graduates spent several months volunteering, playing sport, developing their skills, and at the end of the year they took part in a multi-day expedition in the countryside. They gained interesting experiences, inspiration and perhaps got to know themselves better. They spent their time in a meaningful way, which is priceless nowadays." He said Deputy Governor of the Moravian-Silesian Region for Education and Sport Stanislav Folwarczny. Among the awardees are many students from the Masaryk Gymnasium in Příbor, where the teacher Jiří Svoboda is dedicated to guiding the students. Last year he even received a letter of commendation and a special commemorative coin produced by the Royal Mint from His Royal Highness Prince Edward for his activities.
"I've always had trouble finding time to do things I enjoy or to try new activities. With the DofE I have been much more motivated. I have achieved goals that I never thought I could achieve," She revealed Anna Kučerová, student of the Gymnasium in Příbor, which, within the framework of the DofE, has been involved in, for example, quick-clearing or felling parts of trees infected by bark beetle and planting new trees.
DofE Executive Director in the Czech Republic Tomáš Vokáč stressed the importance of stepping out of the comfort zone to which young people are exposed through participation in the programme: "Stepping out of your comfort zone, whether on an outdoor expedition or committing to volunteering, is what pushes young people further. Thank you to all the teachers and mentors in the Moravian-Silesian region who dedicate time to developing young people in their spare time."
About the Duke of Edinburgh International Award (DofE)
The programme has 3 levels, Bronze, Silver and Gold, and is open to any student or pupil aged 13 up to 24 years. Depending on the chosen level, the program lasts 6, 12 or 18 months. The programme has been running in the Czech Republic for 26 years and involves more than 300 primary and secondary schools, children's homes and sports clubs. The programme involves young people from a wide social spectrum. Participants choose activities and goals in three areas - skills, movement, volunteering. They then work regularly on their chosen goals. The fourth area is a team expedition in nature, which always has a specific purpose.
If you are interested in further information, please contact Nikola Zamcova, DofE Communications Manager (nikola.zamcova@dofe.cz, 725 430 298).
