Duke of Edinburgh international awards: Encouraging youngsters to step out of their comfort zone

Surviving flooded tents, pushing though fatigue and committing to helping a local charity are all some of the challenges that youngsters face when participating in the Duke of Edinburgh International Awards.

Some 100 young people in Belgium achieved Gold, Silver and Bronze awards in 2024. In recognition of their achievements, they were invited for the first time to a celebration at the British Embassy residence in Brussels.

The scheme, which was founded in the UK by Prince Philip in 1956, remains popular worldwide. Belgium boasts 10 centres around the country. For 14- to 24-year-olds, the extra-curricular activities involve developing skills, pursuing outdoor adventure and carrying out volunteer work.

In the presence of the UK’s approved ambassador Anne Sherriff (pictured above left), they were welcomed by Chargée d’affaires Chloe Louter (pictured above right), who praised their efforts “juggling activities on top of busy academic and social lives”. She also thanked the adult volunteers around the country. “They give their time and without them there would not be any DofE awards in Belgium”.

The embassy’s defence attaché Group Captain John Dickson (pictured above centre) underlined the scheme’s non-formal skills that helped youngsters succeed in life, such as socialising, public speaking, leading a team and community involvement. “It also creates important opportunities for young people to connect with one another,” he said.

Belgium has delivered the award for at least the past 15 years, explained Jade Johnson, operations manager of The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award Foundation. In addition to international and francophone schools around the country, two scouting groups have set up centres. “The programme is in English, but different nationalities participate. There are no language barriers,” she pointed out.

Each of the three levels, Bronze, Silver and Gold, requires students to complete numerous tasks based on service, physical recreation and skills, as well as adventurous journeys and a residential project. “We advocate that it can be done alongside study, and it can help to balance the pressure of exams,” said Johnson.

How have the awards evolved since 1956? “The core sections and the Adventurouse Journey, previously called an expedition, look slightly different, as does the language used. But the framework has not changed very much, which is quite unusual for something that has been sustained for nearly 70 years.”

One group of students discovered how the support of friends can transform a difficult situation into one of personal accomplishment. Beatrice Walls, Mehreen Ahmed and Charlie Sedgman from the British School of Brussels have all completed their Silver awards.

Beatrice explained: “I was most proud of the experience when our tent flooded as it was really quite challenging.” The hiking element – 60km in three days – also wasn’t easy for Mehreen as she suffered an ankle injury. “I’m very proud that I completed it thanks to the support of friends.” Meanwhile, the Skills Section enabled her to increase her piano practice and achieve a higher certification level.

For Charlie, the initial motivation to join the scheme was simply to escape schoolwork. “I thought it would be fun walking with my friends for a couple of days, but there were a few complications, such as the cold, mud and snow. We also had some interesting interactions with animals and were chased by sheep a few times.”

The Award Leader at BSB Sarah Jones was grateful to colleagues for their passion for the Award and their contributions. Commenting on the range of experiences undertaken, she said: “A student volunteered at a dog shelter before training as a vet, one went on an archaeological dig as a residential project before starting his history degree, another completed a charity project in Ghana and a student reconnected with her native American heritage through a project with the Blackfeet nation.” 

Jones added: “The scheme prepares young people for their future and gives them a foundation of transferable skills to take with them long after they have left school.” 

Invited to recount his Bronze and Silver award story at the residence was 16-year-old Daniel Verdi from Hoeillaart (pictured above with approved ambassador Anne Sherriff), who attends Le Verseau school in Wavre. The Belgian-Mexican student chose music production and composition for the Skills section, creating instrumental compositions for two albums. It fuelled his passion for music and he’s continuing to improve his skills as he rises up the award ladder.

While the Physical Section enabled him to earn a higher level in karate despite being a relative beginner, it was the volunteering part of the award scheme that proved life changing. Daniel lent his video skills to the local non-profit foundation Apoya a Madres que Ayudan. It was set up by Colombian mothers living in Belgium and runs charity events to raise money for kids and young people in their home country.

“I edited videos which they posted on their Instagram page. The first one I made was to promote football, which instils positive values in the community of young people affected by poverty in Colombia,” said Daniel. “I learned that even if we are young and inexperienced we can make the world a better place. In my case, I used my video editing skills to fulfil a role that a charity was lacking.”

He now believes that the opportunities you get in life can determine your whole future. “There are kids in impoverished areas in Colombia who are 10 times more intelligent than me but sadly they might never achieve their dreams.”  

Daniel has this message to any other youngsters in Belgium: "Perhaps some of you speak different languages, or have marketing skills, or are very good at a sport and could wear their T-shirt in races. Whatever your skills, I encourage you to continue to find a way to join forces with projects that speak to your heart."         

Reflecting on how personally fulfilling the Award has been, he recognises the skills he has gained. “I’m now more independent, have self motivation and determination and know how to motivate others in hard times and how to meet important deadlines, as well as the importance of commitment.”

Now working towards the Duke of Edinburgh Gold award and planning to pursue business studies in the future, Daniel is just one example of the scheme’s goal to help students push personal boundaries and prepare to explore the world.

Photos: ©British Embassy Brussels