Young people across Renfrewshire who have contributed to over four thousand hours of volunteering as part of the Duke of Edinburgh Award have been recognised in a new celebration event, held at the newly renovated Paisley Town Hall last month.
The Duke of Edinburgh Award is an internationally recognised personal development programme, open to any young person from aged 14 to 25. Youth Services, Renfrewshire Council’s youth work team supports the development of the programme within Renfrewshire, working in partnership with schools and a wide variety of groups within the community, supporting young people so they can benefit from taking part.
Over 500 guests attended the event which was the first of its kind in Renfrewshire. Young people, family and friends, Duke of Edinburgh Leaders, and Head Teachers were amongst those gathered to hear participants talk about their experiences and receive their Bronze, Silver or Gold certificates and badges to recognise their achievements.
Renfrewshire’s Provost, Lorraine Cameron who presented young people with their certificates, said: “The Duke of Edinburgh Award prepares our young people for the future, helping them learn new skills, boost their confidence and make friends. The whole evening was presented by young people themselves and it was really motivational to hear just how much Duke of Edinburgh has meant to them and how they have developed through their personal experiences in taking part.”
Tiana Andrews, from the Foxbar Gold Open Group said: “The Duke of Edinburgh programme has given me the confidence to take on challenges that I would never have thought I could do, and the confidence to keep trying when they don’t go right.”
Film footage of young people taking part in their Duke of Edinburgh activities was shown as part of the event, showcasing their experiences and highlighting the work of the Leaders of who play a vital role in supporting, leading and training young people through each section of the award.
Councillor Marie McGurk, convenor of the Communities and Housing Policy Board presented Duke of Edinburgh Leaders with Long Service Awards and said: “I had the pleasure of attending the Gold Awards Celebration at Holyrood Palace last summer which was an inspirational event, but it was great to be able to come together in Paisley Town Hall with our own young people and Leaders and recognise them for the significant achievements being made at all levels of the award. I am very proud of their contributions to communities across Renfrewshire.”
For DofE opportunities in Renfrewshire, volunteering as an older young person or as an adult to support young people taking part in the programme, see The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award in Renfrewshire on Young Scot website, or contact Renfrewshire’s Youth Services team on 0141 487 1926 or by email at dofe@renfrewshire.gov.uk.
