History of The Award
The
Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award grew out of the efforts of three men: The Duke of
Edinburgh; Kurt Hahn, a German educationalist and founder of Outward Bound, and
Lord Hunt, leader of the first successful ascent of Mount Everest. The Award
was first launched in The United Kingdom in 1956 for boys aged 15-18 to
motivate them to become involved in a balanced program of voluntary
self-development activities.
Based on the philosophy of Kurt Hahn, founder and
headmaster of Gordonstoun School in Scotland (where HRH The Prince Philip
attended), the Award was designed around four sections: Rescue and Public
Service Training, the Expedition, Pursuits and Projects, and Fitness.
Although
initially only available to boys aged between 14 and 18, there was great demand
for a similar scheme for girls, and this was launched in September 1958. The
Award continued to evolve over subsequent decades, until 1980 where the upper
age limit was extended to 24, and the Award took on its current four section
format of: Service, Adventurous Journey, Skills and Physical Recreation.
The Award Goes Global
As soon it launched in the United Kingdom, The
Award quickly spread and was soon running in many schools and youth groups
outside of the British Commonwealth. The unique composition of the Award
program is made it easy to be adapted and integrated into many different
cultures and societies. To find out more the global reach of the Award visit
The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Foundation.
The Award in Canada
The Award was officially launched to Canadian Youth in 1963.
Many of the first Award groups were established thanks to early Operating
Authorities including several different youth-serving organizations and
secondary schools and colleges. The Air Cadet League of Canada and the Y.M.C.A
were particularly instrumental in supporting The Award in several different
provinces.
Enrollment grew gradually but
steadily. By November 1964, the very first Bronze and Silver Award recipients
were honored in Ontario, Quebec and New Brunswick. In 1966, the first Gold
Award Ceremony was held in Ottawa. His Royal Highness, The Prince Philip
presented 18 recipients with their Gold Awards. Over the years the Award
program took root in Canada and an estimated 500,000 young Canadians have since
benefited from the program. Download a history of The Award in Canada from 1963 to present.
For All Young People Everywhere
Global expansion over the last 50 years has enabled the
Award to continue its growth and touch the lives of young people in more than
140 countries. The International Foundation continues to evaluate and modify
the program to suit the changing demands of modern society and needs of young
people. The Award is now expanding in
other ways, targeting those who have not previously had opportunities to
develop themselves. Recent Award projects around the world have focused on
involving young offenders, those with disabilities, street children and
aboriginal communities. The impact of the Award on many of these young people
is extraordinary: it transforms lives.
The spread of the Award across the globe
is testament to its universal appeal and the vision of its founder. His Royal Highness has remained committed to
the Award since its inception over nearly 60 years ago. He continues to be involved,
particularly in recognizing the achievements of Award participants and the
adults who support them