The DofE's Development Education Programme atgives young people the opportunity to develop their skills and help wherever they are needed. How does DofE work? It can make a difference life not only for young people aged 13-24, but also the lives of those around them.
Volunteering is a great way to get involved in society, help others and develop yourself at the same time. Through the DofE (Duke of Edinburgh's International Award) Development Education Programme, young people aged 13 to 24 have a unique opportunity to combine volunteering with other activities and achieve their dream goals.
In the Ústí nad Labem Region, 24 centres are involved in the DofE. These centres enable students to join the programme and become "DofE". As part of their delivery, they choose long-term activities in three areas - skills, movement and volunteering.
Each of these areas requires the completion of an hour of activity per week, meaning that the participant will spend a total of three hours per week in the DofE. In addition, each area is very flexible. Students usually have no problem with the choice of movement and skills activity.
The first questions come with choosing a goal in volunteering.
How can I help someone else? It depends on what the participant enjoys and chooses. They can help walk the dog of a neighbour who is ill and can no longer afford to let their furry friend play outside every day. If she wants to spend time with people, she can help out in a home for the elderly or perhaps in a day care centre. And if he wants to try something new, he can even organise his own fundraising event. If a student is stumped and doesn't know where they can help, the DofE has created a Volunteering Map (https://www.mapotic.com/dofecz-mapa-dobrovolnictvi).
When the dofák has completed his three activities, he will be treated to an expedition with his friends at the end of the programme, which is a great way to round off this unique experience. The best part is the ceremony at the end, where the student receives a certificate and DofE badge upon successful completion.
As part of the introduction of this programme, the Day with DofE took place on 26 September 2024 at the Gymnasium Jateční in Ústí nad Labem.
Students were able to try out lots of new activities to see what the DofE is really all about. As well as skills, movement and expeditions, the day focused on helping others. Lots of challenges and new information was prepared for the students by Volunteer Centre,z.s. from Ústí nad Labem. They are one of the several options where to volunteer. They can help students to choose their volunteering activity.
The programme is ideal for those who want to try something new, motivate themselves to achieve their goals, develop their skills and do something good for their surroundings.
The author of the article is the regional coordinator of the Duke of Edinburgh International Award for the Ústí nad Labem, Liberec and Central Bohemia regions, Valerie Kaňová, valerie.kanova@dofe.cz.
