How does DOFE work?

DOFE is a development programme for young people aged 13-24 that helps them build skills and learn from real experiences. It trains endurance and resilience. All in a safe and respectful environment. The role of the DOFE leader is crucial, guiding participants, motivating and supporting them when they are seeking direction or facing doubts. The program opens up space for unique encounters and conversations about dreams, futures and fears that would not otherwise arise. Leaders receive training, support and digital tools, and grow with participants - personally and professionally. It's worth it!

10 principles of the programme

Individual approach

Each participant chooses activities and sets goals according to their interests and abilities. He/she starts at the level that suits him/her best and can continue the programme as long as he/she wants (taking into account the age limit and level requirements).

Non-competitive nature

Completing the program is a personal challenge, not a competition with others. Each participant's program is tailored to his or her personal situation, abilities and interests, so performances cannot be compared with each other.

Availability for all

With the right support and inspiration, the programme can be completed by anyone between the ages of 13 and 24, regardless of starting ability, social status, background, gender, origin or location.

Volunteering

The programme is normally offered within a school, organisation, association or extra-curricular activity, but participation is always the free choice of the young people. Participants invest all their time in the programme of their own free will.

Emphasis on development

The programme supports the personal and social development of young people. Participants gain valuable experience and life skills, strengthen their self-esteem and get to know their surroundings better, making them responsible adults.

Balance

The program provides a balanced framework in which the participant works on his/her body and mind and also develops a sense of belonging to his/her environment. This is mainly through engaging in a range of activities in five distinct sections of the programme.

Increasing demands

Each level of the programme progressively requires more time, commitment and responsibility from the participant.

Inspirational

The programme inspires young people to overcome themselves. Participants are encouraged to set their own goals, strive to meet them and improve throughout the programme.

Longevity

Participants are engaged in the activities over a long period of time and the programme promotes determination, perseverance, responsibility and intrinsic motivation. They are also encouraged to continue the activities beyond the programme.

Entertainment

The programme should bring joy, fulfilment and satisfaction to the participants and their leaders.

What is the programme of your dofaks

The duration of the programme depends on which level the participant chooses. There is a choice of bronze, silver and gold. If he/she chooses gold, in addition to the 4 core areas, he/she will also have a residential project which can be completed in the Czech Republic or abroad.
Skill
Motion
Volunteering
Expeditions
Residential project
Bronze level

3 months + 3 months

The participant is involved in the activities for a minimum of 3 months. In addition, he/she chooses one of them to which he/she is committed for 3 months longer.

2 days (1 night)

Team expedition in nature
For Gold level only
Silver level

6 months + 6 months

The participant is involved in the activities for a minimum of 6 months. If he/she is not a Bronze level graduate, he/she will choose one of them to be pursued for 6 months longer.

3 days (2 nights)

Team expedition in nature
For Gold level only
Gold level

12 months + 6 months

The participant is involved in the activities for 12 months. If he/she is not a silver level graduate, he/she chooses one of them to take 6 months longer.

4 days (3 nights)

Team expedition in nature

5 days (4 nights)

Residential project in the Czech Republic or abroad

Skill

In this area, the participant has many options to choose from. From playing a musical instrument to learning a foreign language to cooking or programming. He/she can choose the activity according to what he/she enjoys, what he/she wants to try, what is a challenge for him/her.He/she sets an achievable goal to pursue.
Examples of activities

Motion

Physical activity will return attention to a healthy lifestyle, improve fitness and physical health. There are individual and team sports to choose from, but regular walking, running with the dog or home workouts are also great. It's not a competition for medals, it's about the joy of exercise and feeling good about yourself/your body.
Examples of activities

Volunteering

Volunteering is a journey to self that leads through helping others. For the participant, this may be the first time they have ever thought about volunteering and will need help choosing an activity. Tutoring classmates, helping out at the library, helping out at the shelter, taking care of a local park, spending time with the elderly, and much more can be offered.
Examples of activities

Expeditions

The expedition is a challenge for the participants to overcome their fear of the unknown and also an opportunity to go with a group for a few days in the nature and discover interesting places in the Czech Republic and abroad. The expedition always has a purpose, for example, mapping forgotten places, collecting plants for the herbarium or climbing the entire navigable section of the river.
Examples of activities

Residential project

The residential project belongs only to the gold level of DOFE. It is a unique opportunity to go to an unfamiliar place with unfamiliar people and work on a specific topic or project. It could be running a children's camp, a study stay, a multi-day volunteer activity. It's an opportunity to meet people in a new environment, put skills into practice and pursue a task in more depth.
Where to do a residential project

How can you get started?

Your school or organisation working with young people can also provide the DOFE programme. Contact us - we will be happy to explain everything to you. If you already have enough information, you can sign up for basic and expedition training. And if you have already been trained or are about to be trained, you can fill out an Application for Involvement form to help speed up the start of the programme at your organisation.

Contact DOFE

Ask us anything

Training for leaders

Find out more about DOFE training

Get involved as an organisation

Do you want to provide DOFE?

We apologize if our English is not perfect. Our pages are automatically translated using DEEPL Translator. If you notice any mistakes, please email us at marketing@dofe.cz, and we will address them promptly.

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