Škoda Auto Vysoká škola has entered into a memorandum of cooperation with The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award Czech Republic Foundation (DofE). The aim of this cooperation is to enable students and employees of ŠAVŠ to participate in the DofE's international online education programme and thus strengthen the mentoring facilities of the programme.
The DofE programme offers young people aged 13-24 a unique opportunity to develop their skills, physical fitness, sense of responsibility and teamwork. Rooted in the UK and operating in the Czech Republic for 30 years, participants in the DofE programme choose activities and goals in the areas of skills and physical development, volunteer regularly and then go on an adventure expedition with other participants.
The DofE encourages young people to explore what they enjoy, what they are good at, what motivates and inspires them on their DofE journey. They train for endurance and resilience through regular and sustained activity, which takes a minimum of 6 months at Bronze level, 12 months at Silver level and 18 months at Gold level. Young people can join the programme at their school or choose DofE online, which is available to all young people regardless.
Students and staff of the School of Advanced Education have the opportunity to join the DofE online as mentors. The mentor role is an opportunity for students to develop their communication skills and empathy. Mentoring also develops mentors' confidence and enables them to build authentic relationships with young people, to be guides and role models on their DofE journey and to look back on their own journey and realise what they have already achieved.
"We consider non-formal education to be an essential part of a young person's modern development. Thanks to the cooperation with DofE, we will enable our students to join the international programme as mentors, thus supporting their personal growth, responsibility and ability to transfer their experience in a clear and inspiring way," said Ing. Sandra Lacinová, Director of ŠAVŠ.
The joint commitment of the two institutions includes, among other things, informing students and employees about the opportunities to participate in the DofE programme, supporting the recruitment of mentors from among the staff, students or alumni of ŠAVŠ, regular reporting and methodological support for the mentors involved.
"Young people today are looking for an alternative to formal education, they want confident and useful knowledge, they are looking for a better and partnership relationship with their teachers. The relationship between mentor and DofE participant is built on mutual respect, learning together, giving and receiving feedback that does not judge but develops. The cooperation with ŠAVŠ is valuable for us because it allows us to work with mentors in the long term, to develop their competences, which they will use not only in the mentoring relationship but also in their work or studies," added Mgr. Gabriela Drastichová, Director of DofE in the Czech Republic.
The partners have also committed themselves to the long-term promotion of the values of non-formal education. The Memorandum affirms a shared vision of the importance of developing young people not only academically but also personally.
