DOFE story. History?

The history of The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award (DOFE) began in Britain in 1956. Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, husband of Queen Elizabeth II, along with Kurt Hahn and Lord Hunt, were behind the creation of this informal education programme for young people.

From their vision was born an initiative that helps young people in their personal development. Today, DOFE is a globally recognised programme that continues the legacy of its founders under the auspices of the British Royal Family

DOFE: From Britain to the Czech Republic

The DOFE programme was born as a means to support the self-development of young boys. It was, and still is, for everyone, regardless of their background, physical abilities, skills or interests. As early as 1958, it was opened to girls and began to spread around the world.

In 1988, the The Duke of Edinburgh's International Awards Association (IAF)which ensures the quality and expansion of the programme worldwide. Today, DOFE operates in more than 130 countries worldwide.

DOFE brought to the Czech Republic First Republic golf champion, Lady Luisa Abrahams. In 1995, under the auspices of the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports, the programme was launched under the name EDIE in 30 institutions, mostly secondary schools. A year later, the DOFE National Office was established.

In 2013, with the change of the programme's name to the Duke of Edinburgh International Award, the new Czech office of DOFE based in Prague.

The Czech Republic was the first country within DOFE to adopt the new visual identity of the programme. This step was also supported by Prince Edwardthe youngest son of Prince Philip, the founder of the programme. Prince Edward is Chairman of the IAF Board of Trustees.

DOFE is also supported by important Czech personalities, such as adventurer Jakub Vágner, journalist Dan Přibáň or fashion designer Tatiana Kovaříková and others.

By thousands of young people from the Czech Republic have already passed through hundreds of registered DOFE centres. Both are still increasing. In 2019, the National Office was renamed National DOFE Centre.