Hundreds of inspirational young people from across the United Kingdom have a date at St. James’s Palace tomorrow.
North West DofE participant Matt Li Kam Wa will be collecting his Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award tomorrow at St James’s Palace along with 700 other young people. Also at the Palace will be DofE supporter Edwina Currie – she achieved her Bronze Award 50 years ago in Liverpool.
Two DofE journeys, a generation apart from the same part of the UK, both have the common story of a truly memorable and rewarding experience. Leading youth charity the DofE reaches so many people in so many different ways, giving all young people the chance to fulfil their potential.
Former MP and DofE supporter Edwina Currie will be presenting certificates at the GAP tomorrow (20th October 2009). Edwina Currie did her DofE Bronze when she was 14 and also took part in the Ant & Dec DofE Overnight Challenge, she said: “The DofE was suggested at our youth club, Harold House in Liverpool.
“I remember completing my first aid certificates with the British Red Cross, and volunteered for several years to be in the first aid tent at the Liverpool Show. It showed me the wide range of activities open to young people, and how strangers from different backgrounds can be friends, and how willing older people can be helpful and not just in a classroom setting.
Speaking about why she supports the DofE, she said: “It is a marvellous system of encouraging young people to step outside their comfort zone. It’s challenging, and fun, and safe – always under skilled supervision; most of all, it helps with that horrible process of growing up, of becoming mature adults and wise citizens.
Edwina thinks the DofE is a brilliant programme: “The DofE channels young people’s energies into outdoor activity, into developing new skills and into helping their community. For the young people it can be a magical process of transformation, and for their sponsors, guides and volunteer helpers, it’s an infinitely satisfying and fulfilling engagement.”
DofE participant Matt, 21 is studying medicine at Imperial College London and is being presented with his Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award by HRH The Duke of Edinburgh. He said: “Doing Volunteering was something that I probably wouldn’t have gone out and done myself without being within the framework of the DofE. After being berated for not knowing how to use a compass, cooking bland pasta over a stove and spending weekends away in the cold I found myself enjoying it immensely, particularly the expeditions.
“Progressing to Silver and Gold seemed the natural thing to do and, although I had to complete all the other requirements of a DofE programme, they were no longer just something that I had to do. Although the challenge of completing the expeditions was always the most exciting thing for me, completing the Volunteering, Physical and the Skills sections was not as difficult as I first thought it would be when I started my Bronze DofE. Back when I was 14, having the opportunity to get to the outdoors and do so with your friends was probably what appealed to me the most.
Matt says his biggest achievement has been overcoming his weaknesses which included physical fitness and organisational skills and completing his DofE helped him to do this: “I took away good lessons as well as fantastic memories from completing the journey from Bronze to Gold. What I am sure about is that I’m happy with where I am now four years on at medical school, and part of getting to this point was achieving my DofE along the way.
“I am really looking forward to my Gold Award Presentation ceremony and having my photograph taken with my certificate at St James’s Palace.”