Green aspect added to youth awards
Young New Zealanders can now work towards a Duke of Edinburgh award with an environmental and sustainable focus by embarking on a Ka¯ ka¯ riki Journey.
The Duke of Edinburgh’s Hillary Award is the New Zealand branch of the world’s leading youth development award. More than 1.3 million young people take part in more than 130 countries.
National director Karan Ross said the award demonstrated a prior learning and responsibility to future employers and set young people up for success.
There were four elements to achieve – activity, volunteering, adventure, and skills – creating opportunities for young people to learn skills, get active, give back to their community, and take part in an expedition or exploration outdoors, Ross said.
They built confidence, problem-solving skills and greater resilience, giving young people more tools in their toolbox to thrive in a fast-changing world.
‘‘Young people achieve in different ways,’’ Ross said. The award also caters for those with skills outside the classroom.
The Ka¯ ka¯ riki Journey, which officially launches on February 13, differed in that the voluntary service and skills categories would need an environmental focus, Ross said.
So` rcha Carr, 18, is one of 18,000 students nationwide involved in Duke of Edinburgh.
She has been working towards her Gold Hillary award for three years, with a focus on the environment – exactly the purpose of the Ka¯ ka¯ riki Journey.
Carr completed the adventure part in 2018 by walking part of the Tongariro Northern Circuit.
Her leadership and public speaking skills were put to use during the School Strike for Climate, where she rallied and spoke to the crowds outside Parliament and did long hours of work behind the scenes.
Next, she wants to encourage others to take advantage of the walks around the region.
Carr said the launch of the Ka¯ ka¯ riki Journey would help a lot of young people discover themselves as an activist.
‘‘You don’t have to speak at Parliament to be doing good for the environment.’’