Cooking, Climbing, and Confidence: Razan’s Bronze Award Story

Razan, a 17-year-old student at Kemnay Academy, took on her Bronze Duke of Edinburgh’s Award to challenge herself and grow in confidence. From volunteering at Barnardo’s to cooking traditional Syrian dishes and hiking through the Scottish countryside, Razan embraced every opportunity to learn, connect, and discover her strengths.

Razan started the Bronze DofE Award in 2024–25 said, “I found DofE to be a way to try new things and challenge myself out of my comfort zone.”

She volunteered at Barnardo’s in Inverurie weekly, where she gained valuable work experience and built confidence, “Volunteering at Barnardo’s gave me a taste of working life and helped me meet new people.”

Her skills section focused on cooking, where she explored her Syrian heritage through food, “Cooking traditional Syrian dishes and sharing them with friends made me happy.”

Her physical section involved regular walks around her local area, and her expedition took place in Fochabers, where her team aimed to photograph and explore the countryside. Despite the physical challenges, Razan learned to stay motivated by focusing on one checkpoint at a time.

She discovered the power of teamwork noting, “teamwork made the journey easier and more enjoyable. You achieve more than just walking – you grow, help others, and learn new skills.”