The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award celebrates 70 years: 1956 – 2026
It was back in February of 1956 that Buckingham Palace released a press announcement outlining plans for a trial period of ‘The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award’.
It was the post-war era, and His Royal Highness wanted to help boys bridge the gap between leaving formal education at 15 and starting National Service at 18. He also wanted them to build self-confidence and a sense of purpose to support them into their future. A youth programme, he believed, would improve their skills and equip them to make valuable contributions to their communities and society.
In 1956, The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award pilot was launched to national voluntary youth organisations. It soon expanded to include Local Education Authorities, the Armed Forces and some schools across the UK.
After the first year, 7,000 boys had started a programme and 1,000 Awards had been achieved. Girls were allowed to join the programme in 1958. Since that first year, millions have joined the DofE Award programme.
The DofE continued to evolve, and programmes took on their current format of Volunteering, Physical, Skills, Expedition, and Residential at Gold level in 1980. In 2020, DofE participants stepped up in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. The volunteering efforts of 330,000 young people equated to an investment of almost £8.5 million in a time of need.
The DofE says: “It hasn’t been the easiest few years for young people. From the ongoing aftermath of the pandemic to the anxieties of the cost-of-living crisis, the future doesn’t always feel certain.
“But, in seven decades of The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE), we’ve learnt one thing: never doubt what young people can do. Time and time again, we’ve seen that when young people are given the chance to prove to themselves what they’re capable of, there’s no limit to what they can achieve.
“We’re here to celebrate and champion every young person. To provide a safe environment of support and challenge that grows as they do.
“Whatever their ability, interest or background, DofE offers young people the chance to strive for achievement, overcome obstacles, and set their minds to a personal challenge. Because when you prove to yourself that you’re ready for anything, nothing can hold you back. Our Founder HRH Prince Philip once said: ‘There is more in you than you might think.’ And, here at the DofE, we help you realise that.”
Prince Philip passed away in April 2021, but his legacy thrives thanks to the tireless support of the new Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Edward. More info at: https://www.dofe.org
We are forever hearing stories in the press and TV about groups of ‘feral’ teenagers who cause all sorts of trouble in their communities but we seldom hear of the others who are involved in helping their communities. The DofE programme changes lives. Both of my granddaughters have DofE awards, one a bronze award and the other a gold. It would be interesting to find out if any members of the congregation have participated in this and have a story to tell.
Sylvia
