‘Outpouring of love’ in celebration of Duke’s awards
Charity begins nationwide appeal for memories of life-changing scheme after seeing surge in interest among young people
THE charity that runs the Duke of Edinburgh’s award is bracing for a surge in applications when schools return after a 50 per cent rise in online interest since Prince Philip’s death.
Yesterday the charity, which runs the 65-year-old scheme, started an appeal for the first nationwide collection of “DofE memories” in tribute to the late Duke and to inspire more young people to take part.
Applications for people to take part in the bronze, silver and gold awards are organised by youth groups, schools, Scout groups and some companies.
Youngsters learn skills including using camping stoves, map reading and pitching tents on expeditions in the countryside.
More than 6.7 million people have participated in the programmes in the UK since 1956, with an estimated tenth of Britons taking part in a Duke of Eedinburgh bronze award. Last year 159,051 young people achieved a bronze, silver or gold award, an achievement that the Duke described as “basically a do-ityourself kit in the art of living”.
The charity has brought in volunteers this weekend to help to run the website given the interest and will be sending teams to work with schools next week. Writing for The Telegraph online, Ruth Marvel, the organisation’s chief executive, said: “Over the last day, we’ve seen an outpouring of love for the DofE, with alumni across the UK engaging with us across social media and sharing their memories and stories at www.DofE.org.”
She added: “It’s been an overwhelming and emotional experience listening to the thousands of people, from teenagers to politicians, radio presenters to sports stars, sharing such powerful stories about the difference DofE has made to their lives. We have an opportunity to build on the powerful legacy of the Duke and his belief in the power and potential of young people.
“Ensuring all young people have access to the kinds of broad enrichment opportunities that DofE and other youth organisations offer, is the perfect way to continue the inspirational legacy of the Duke and treasure his memory.”
The charity now wants anyone who has been involved in the scheme over the years to go to DofE.org and share their experiences in celebration of Prince Philip’s legacy. The stories will be used to inspire more young people to get involved.
The charity has also pledged to present a copy of the written down memories to the Royal Collection.
Ms Marvel added: “Nobody forgets their DofE – the connection with someone new while volunteering, the inedible meal you made around the campfire, the power at your fingertips as you learn to code.
“Yet it’s also often the changes that happen inside you that make the deepest impression: recognising how the skills, resilience and self-belief you’ve built through your DofE helped you be ready for anything.
“We want to bring their stories together as a powerful tribute to HRH Prince Phillip and to inspire the next generation of young people to embark on their own DofE adventure.”
Writing on the website, Hannah Cockcroft, 28, the paralympian, said: “I completed my bronze award in 2007 and learnt a level of independence and resilience that I have taken forward with me and that I am sure I would not have had my level of sporting success without. Through the award, I gained the confidence that I can do anything I want to, with a little bit of help. I will forever be grateful to the Duke of Edinburgh for giving me the experiences and opportunities that I have had through his charity and the support they continue to provide.”
The Duke with DofE gold award recipients at Holyroodhouse, Edinburgh, in 2017