WHO WE ARE
The Duke of Edinburgh’s
International Award is a global program with the goal of challenging,
empowering and recognizing young people between the ages of 14 and 24. From
coast to coast to coast since 1963, we have helped motivate young Canadians to
set goals and challenge themselves to take control of their lives and futures.
The classroom is not the only place to nurture the potential of one of our
country’s greatest natural resources – our youth. We strive to reach young
Canadians in communities across the country and provide a platform that helps
them chart their individual lives and equips them with important life skills.
Today, The Duke of
Edinburgh’s International Award - Canada can be found right across the country,
engaging over 51,000 young people and over 2,700 Award Leaders annually. Our
program is run in cities, rural and remote areas, through government and
independent schools, universities and colleges, and a wide range of
organizations such as Cadets, Scouts, Girl Guides, Indigenous youth groups, new
immigrant support programs, sports clubs, employers, youth detention centres
and community youth organizations.
WHAT DRIVES US
Our Award program
challenges young Canadians to develop skills and tools to improve themselves
and their communities by encouraging them to go beyond their comfort zone. Many
young people, through lack of confidence, opportunity or education, feel
incapable of affecting real change in their communities. Our unique program is
designed to help them discover that they are more capable and powerful than they
ever dreamed.
Our Mission
To give Canadians aged
14-24 a supportive, non-competitive youth development platform that deepens
self-awareness, builds confidence and broadens skills and experience to further
their growth as active, responsible citizens.
Our Vision
To
inspire and promote lifelong improvement for all young Canadians by encouraging
personal development and achievement.
Our Philosophy
The Duke of Ed is about individual challenge and developing a sense of
commitment. With guidance from Award Leaders, Assessors or other Award
volunteers, each young person is encouraged to examine themselves, their
interests, abilities, and ambitions, then set challenges in the four different
sections of the Award. These challenges become the goals young people aspire to
reach and require persistence and determination to overcome.