Epworth learner goes for gold

Aiming for gold in the President's Award programme has been a rewarding journey of growth for Epworth High School's deputy head, Emily Freedman.

Freedman, was recently awarded gold level status in the President’s Award (TPA) for youth empowerment, an accolade she has spent her high school years working towards. Only three other girls have previously achieved the gold level since the formal introduction of the programme at Epworth.

The South African equivalent of the Duke of Edinburgh International Award, TPA is an independent, structured youth development programme. It is recognised and implemented by many schools, universities and employers. Youth from all around the country are eligible to participate.

Emily said she participated in the programme because it seemed like a valuable extra mural extension which would grow her as a person.

“I could see that many of the extra mural activities that I was already part of would count towards the award. I was excited to challenge myself to complete all three levels of the award during my high school career, and achieve something special to be able to put on my CV,” said Emily.

At Epworth High School, TPA is actively advertised to all learners, particularly those in Grade 8 and 9, who have time to complete the various sections. In order to achieve gold, participants must participate in at least 72 hours of service, commitment to a skill and commitment to sport, spread over 12 months. In addition, participants must undertake an adventurous journey with peers and a supervisor over four consecutive days as well as a residential project.

The programme stipulates that a gold participant must ‘undertake a shared purposeful activity with people who are not your usual colleagues or friends, in an unfamiliar residential setting for at least four nights and five consecutive days'. For Emily, this project took the form of her KwaZulu-Natal Midlands Youth Choir camp.

Emily credits Ingrid Bunge and Kelly Adams for helping her complete the award. Bunge was the head of the President’s Award at Epworth until this year, while Adams was the learner head of TPA in 2019.

“Both guided me and helped me out with continuous ideas for opportunities for service, or hikes and so on. Throughout my enrollment, Mrs. Bunge remained absolutely committed to and enthusiastic about the award.

“My mom also helped me to stay focused and committed to the award, as she always encouraged me to keep going, and to stay organised,” said Emily.

The matric learner said she thoroughly benefitted from the programme. “Since grade 8, it has been the backbone to my extra mural activity in high school. At times, it took real concerted effort to stay committed. However, it pushed me to take opportunities and engage in various activities that I otherwise would not have taken part in,” she said.

After completing matric, Emily plans on studying towards a Bachelor of Arts degree at the University of Cape Town next year.