The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award has been operating in Israel since 1985. The IYA Programme attracts 4,000 Participants each year from eight geographical areas, bringing together diverse groups and cultures.

In June the UK hosted a study visit by IYA to observe best practice and to take new skills and ideas back to Israel to improve their Award further.

As part of the visit, IYA visited a South East Operating Authority (Brighton & Hove) to see an ‘Open Centre’ in action.   During their visit, DofE Manager Roger Simmons took the group to a college for young people with special needs, where the DofE is offered to all students. Back at the Open Centre, the delegation met Ben, a DofE Gold participant who is a volunteer for a number of different Brighton & Hove groups for young people.

The Delegation spent a second day in Windsor, meeting the DofE CEO Peter Westgarth, UK Services staff and the South East Region’s office, gaining insight into UK initiatives and strategy translated into the Region’s work with Special Needs and Young Offenders.