It is with deep sadness that we announce, on behalf of the Duke of Edinburgh's International Award (DofE) in the Czech Republic, the passing of our founder, HRH Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, on 9 April 2021.
His Royal Highness Prince Philip, who dedicated his life to young people, has left us
Prince Philip has been committed to exploring the infinite potential of young people since he founded the DofE in the UK in 1956.
Over the past 65 years, millions of young people in more than 130 countries have participated in the programme. Participants improve a wide range of skills, help those around them, and exercise. They build the confidence and resilience they need to face the challenges of the modern world and be ready for the future. In the words of Prince Philip: "Young people don't have to be the best to win a DofE award. They just need to set goals that are motivating to them and then work conscientiously to meet those goals. For there are no shortcuts to achieving a sense of real achievement." In the Czech Republic, the DofE programme is spread across more than 240 schools and involves more than 5,000 young people a year.
The DofE National Centre team is in close contact with people who have worked with Prince Philip throughout his life. In recent years, Prince Philip has handed over the DofE to his son, Prince Edward, who has become the Chairman of the DofE Board and an active representative of the DofE. His close associates include Jiří Zrůst, Chairman of the DofE Board, and Tomáš Vokáč, DofE Chief Executive in the Czech Republic. "We are deeply saddened by the news of our founder's death. We have spent the last few months preparing for the centenary celebrations of this extraordinary man, which were due to take place in June. Unfortunately, the preparations for the celebrations have been replaced by sadness, but Prince Philip's legacy will live on forever through the young people on the DofE programme," Vokáč said.
For more information you can visit the website: intaward.org
For interviews or any other content, please contact DofE Communications Specialist, Nikola Slováková: nikola.slovakova@dofe.cz, 725 430 298
About the Duke of Edinburgh International Award (DofE)
- The DofE is the world's leading non-formal education programme.
- The programme has been running in the Czech Republic for 26 years and is currently provided by more than 240 institutions across the country, including schools, universities, youth centres, non-profit organisations and children's homes, and young people can also join online.
- Among the world-famous celebrities, the DofE has been filled with the likes of Duchess Kate and actor Hugh Jackman.
- Through DofE, young people aged 13 to 24 are motivated to be independent, purposeful, resilient and solidarity-oriented, preparing them for the future.
- Globally, 1.3 million people from 130 countries participate in the programme. Graduates of the program receive a prestigious certificate that gives them an advantage in their professional and personal life and is international proof that they can work on themselves and not give up. For more information, visit dofe.davidsejna.cz.
