"70 % youth and 80 % adults believe that formal classroom instruction alone will not adequately prepare the younger generation for the new challenges of the world."
And that's why the DofE is here.
Has your child just started the DofE programme and you want to find out more?
We have prepared a summary of the most important information for you. If you haven't found the answers to your questions, contact us.
Want to see how the Duke of Edinburgh Awards ceremony works? Take a look at Photo gallery.
1. How does the DofE programme work?
The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award (DofE) is a prestigious educational programme for all ages 14 to 24 years old. It motivates personal development, meaningful leisure time and provides key skills for future studies and careers. The programme operates in more than 230 schools and organisations across the Czech Republic. More than 5000 participants.
This traditional non-formal education programme was founded by British Royal Family and still actively supports it. Its members regularly attend award ceremonies in the Czech Republic. Read more in History.
Find out more about what participants can expect during the programme in About the programme.
2. What does the programme bring to young people?
The young people themselves determine what they want to do in the DofE areas and set the goals they want to achieve. As well as unforgettable experiences, graduates will also gain international certificate. It will help them in the university admission process at home and abroad. It will also be of interest to future employers as evidence of the skills acquired (communication, teamwork, adaptability).
The programme also brings to the participants:
- improving emotional well-being
- independence and creativity
- improvement of physical condition
- getting involved in volunteering and community life
- increasing interest in the environment
- improving employability and financial reward.
3. Safety
Participants complete the DofE at their school, in their organisation or by engaging with the iDofE platform. They get an experienced trained managerwho systematically works with them and helps them to implement the programme. He also supervises them during the team's expedition in the countryside.
DofE leaders have trainingwhich is accredited by the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports in the framework of further education of teaching staff.
All DofE participants are covered by accident insurance (as part of the DofE's membership of the CRDM). The processing and protection of personal data is carried out in accordance with the applicable laws of the Czech Republic.
4. How much does it cost?
The DofE programme costs from 200 Kč to 600 CZK, according to the chosen level (bronze, silver, gold) see picture:
This contribution is intended to cover the costs of administration, ceremony and use of the online application. The relevant amount is paid when registering for the subscription application. Online Record Book. No additional fees are charged, but you have to take into account certain financial expenses for the expedition (travel, food, equipment). The school/organisation can apply for financial support to cover some of the costs associated with the programme from DofE Social Fund.
5. Support us
If you want, together with us, to develop young people and change the shape of the Czech education system, you can support us. More information can be found in the section For supporters.