25 male and female students from the South Bohemia Region took over the Council Chamber at the Regional Office On 21 June 2022, they will receive their Duke of Edinburgh's Award (DofE) Bronze and Silver Awards. They receive this award after graduating from the programme, which originated in the UK and was founded 66 years ago by Prince Philip, husband of Queen Elizabeth II.
South Bohemia the county concluded with DofE a Memorandum of Cooperation in 2021, under which it financially supports its established schools. Despite the difficult situation, the year 2021 marked an unprecedented development for the region - In total, 20 schools and organisations participated in the programme. Among them, for example Secondary Vocational School of Health and Secondary Vocational School Český Krumlov, Gymnasium Dačice, Business Academy in Jindřichův Hradec or Secondary Industrial School Strakonice. "I am really pleased that the support of the South Bohemian Region has helped to involve other South Bohemian schools in the DofE programme in such a significant way. We would therefore like to intensify our cooperation in the future. After all, it is well known that the best investment is an investment in education and in the further development of our young people. And this is exactly the path we as the South Bohemian Region want to take," said Pavel Klíma, the Deputy Governor of South Bohemia for Education.
Tereza Jarošová, student of the Vítězslav Novák Gymnasium in Jindřichův Hradec, thanks to the DofE, organized an exhibition of photographs on the theme of portrait and landscape. She says the DofE has taught her to push the boundaries: "Until I started DofE, I was never able to put any more effort into anything than I needed to. But thanks to the DofE, I've overcome the biggest limits - the ones I set within myself. The unforgettable experiences and friends I made along the way have been just a wonderful addition." Magda Hrdinková, a student of the same school, Thanks to the DofE, she has regained her relationship with volunteering: "Fulfilling the DofE has been an enjoyable experience. The most important thing for me was that through taking part in it I found a way to volunteer at the Senior Citizens' Home, which I intend to continue with. As with the DofE, I am already completing the next level!"
DofE Executive Director in the Czech Republic Tomáš Vokáč stresses the importance of stepping out of the comfort zone to which young people are exposed through participation in the programme: "Stepping out of their comfort zone, whether on an outdoor expedition or committing to volunteering, is what pushes young people further. Thank you to all the teachers and mentors in the South Bohemia region who dedicate time to developing young people in their spare time."
About the Duke of Edinburgh International Award (DofE)
The programme has 3 levels, Bronze, Silver and Gold, and is open to any student or pupil aged 13 up to 24 years. Depending on the chosen level, the program lasts 6, 12 or 18 months. The programme has been running in the Czech Republic for 26 years and involves more than 300 primary and secondary schools, children's homes and sports clubs. The programme involves young people from a wide social spectrum. Participants choose activities and goals in three areas - skills, movement, volunteering. They then work regularly on their chosen goals. The fourth area is a team expedition in nature, which always has a specific purpose.
If you are interested in further information, please contact Nikola Zamcova, DofE Communications Manager (nikola.zamcova@dofe.cz, 725 430 298).
