11 March, Pilsen - Eighteen young people received the Duke of Edinburgh International Award, DofE for short, in Pilsen. The non-formal education programme is for people aged 13 to 24. It has been running in the Czech Republic since 1995.
The awards were presented to the young people for bronze and silver level. Each participant in the programme chooses a skill, sport and volunteer activity according to their interest. They then dedicate themselves to these for several months. They must also complete a team expedition. "The DofE is an opportunity for every young person to find the determination within themselves, to train perseverance, to conquer the fears that can hinder success. The DofE does not discriminate. It is open to all and levels the starting line for young people from different backgrounds," says Gabriela Drastichová, Director of the Czech office of the International Prize.
120 pupils from the Pilsen Region joined the DofE in 2024
In the Pilsen Region, a total of 120 primary and secondary school pupils were involved in the programme last year. In total, there are 6 DofE centres in the region.
Denisa Čechová from the Gymnasium and Secondary Vocational School in Plasy received a bronze certificate and badge at the ceremony. She did bouldering in movement, painting skills and volunteered in the library. "DofE gave me exactly what it promised - personal development, new experiences and challenges that pushed me further. It taught me to overcome obstacles, plan my goals and most importantly to actually follow through," says Denise. She didn't even hesitate to apply for the next, silver level: "DofE gives me the opportunity to constantly push myself, learn new skills and have unique experiences. I'm already looking forward to the challenges that lie ahead!"
"The DofE programme strengthens the independence and responsibility of young people, which I see as very important," explains Šárka Nová, the head of the school. "We leaders enjoy seeing the progress of our participants, we see them at the starting line and then we can track their progress through ORB. For example, we are happy to hear how they enjoyed their expedition," she adds.
About the Duke of Edinburgh International Award
The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award programme was founded by Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, in 1956 to encourage the self-development of boys and girls regardless of their background, physical ability or skill. The programme was brought to the Czech Republic by golf champion Luisa Abrahams. Last year, over 8,800 young people took part in the programme across the country in nearly four hundred DofE centres. Nearly 900 volunteer DofE leaders - teachers, preventers, educators or coaches - accompanied them at 381 DofE centres.
