Throughout the month of March, primary and secondary schools across the Czech Republic will be hosting a volunteer programme Stand By Me / I Stand by You Duke of Edinburgh International Awards The Duke of Edinburgh's Award, abbreviated DofE) held fundraisers to help young people in challenging life situations. A total of 13 schools initiative celebrated not only a year since the appointment of His HRH Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh, but above all the core values of DofE such as belonging, responsibility and understanding between people.
In total, the charity sale of sweets at schools brought in financial aid of CZK 73,752. The students themselves decided to whom the money will be donated. In many schools, it was directly to help specific pupils whose families are in an unfavourable social situation. At the Gymnasium U Balvanu in Jablonec nad Nisou, the funds will cover the costs of class trips and a language course with a native speaker, while at the Mendel Gymnasium in Opava, the fees associated with preparation for and entrance exams to universities will be covered. Classmates of the Vlašim Gymnasium contributed to the rehabilitation of a disabled first-year student. The event thus fostered an environment based on friendship and equality at school, where every child can feel accepted and supported in their goals. Some of the participating institutions, such as the Běchovice Primary School or the Třeboň Practical Primary School, are therefore planning to organise a similar volunteering format on a regular basis.
Other schools have donated the funds raised to support local communities, clubs or public collections for disadvantaged young people. For example, the HAIMA association helping children with cancer, a talented ice hockey player studying at Canada's Balmoral Hall School or a young patient with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) were supported through the Donate portal.
Tips for sweet pastries were also prepared for the event by DofE's honorary patron Kristína Nemčková, sous chef at the Danish restaurant Geranium and winner of the Masterchef 2019 competition.
Organizing schools:
- Gymnasium Karviná (report and photos from the event can be found at here)
- Gymnasium of Oty Pavel (report and photos from the event can be found at here)
- Gymnasium, Jablonec nad Nisou (report and photos from the event can be found at here)
- Gymnasium Čakovice
- Mendel Gymnasium Opava (report and photos from the event can be found at here)
- Gymnasium Vlašim
- Practical primary school in Třeboň (report and photos from the event can be found at here)
- Bohumil Hrabal Grammar School in Nymburk
- Primary school Běchovice (report and photos from the event can be found at here)
- New PORG Prague
- Secondary School of Education and Secondary School of Health Krnov
- Secondary School of Design and Art, Book Culture and Economics Náhorní
- Gymnasium Čelákovice
