Jen Dennis is South East Region’s own Ambassador. Jen has participated in DofE since she was 14 and has completed all 3 levels. Interestingly, she has used different forms of transport for these levels: walking, cycling and then canoeing (the last, for Gold, in the wilderness of Canada!) Now 20 years old, Jen is studying Sociology at Bath University, although she is currently working as part of her degree in London. Having gained DofE Awards, Jen is now a Leader in a Centre in West Berkshire, an Authority within which her father is responsible for DofE!

As a Volunteer, Jen will be working with the South East Office and DofE Leaders and Groups to develop our work with young people, ensuring that their voice is heard and that their requirements are built into our plans and programmes.

In 2009 we hope to create easy communications between Jen and young people in our Region. In the meantime please send any comments to her c/o our office e-mail address: southeast@dofe.org

In October 2008 I went with some of the other Young Ambassadors to Mauritius for the International Gold Event (IGE) which happens every three years. This year there were 92 delegates from 28 countries. The IGE had three themes

- making a connection

- making a difference

- telling the story

Throughout the two weeks (I know, it was tough!) we worked on these aims. We had workshops on blogging, journalism, photography, videoing and storytelling. We also carried out some service projects across the island which included building houses and cleaning up the grounds at a drug and alcohol detox centre. In true DofE style there were also some days of adventuring: we hiked up Lion Mountain with the Mauritian army to help, abseiled down a 45m waterfall and went snorkelling over coral!

Another aspect of IGE was our work with the International Committee, who are all the important people responsible for DofE and the International Award (did you know that DofE is now undertaken in 120 countries worldwide?). In workshops we were able to tell them what we thought DofE and the International Award should be working on over the next three years.

The best bit of the IGE though was getting a chance to meet so many people from all over the world and to talk to people and find out why they did DofE. There were some amazing stories and it reminded me of how important DofE can be and how much good it can do.

Since getting back from Mauritius I have been talking to other Young Ambassadors about what we want to do over the next few years – believe me when I say it’s going to be busy! I've also met with Christian Scott, Director for the South East Region, so I have some work planned – first off will be our Regional Conference on Jan 30-31st!

Finally, for those who are on Facebook you can keep up to date with what's going on in the region – just search for DofE South Region.

Take Care,

Jen