5th March 2018
The 3rd March 2018 marked ten years since the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE) launched at South Devon College.
The scheme started at South Devon College with the dedicated support of Frank Sobey, a College lecturer, who was also the Chairperson of the Torbay Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and a lifelong supporter of the scheme having gained bronze, silver and gold awards. Working alongside a number of key staff at the College, Frank was instrumental in setting up the scheme for young people to take part in. In 2008, HRH Prince Edward attended South Devon College to unveil a plaque to celebrate the launch of DofE. The first group of participants were a group of plumbing students, and the enthusiastic and aspiring team all successfully gained their bronze award.
Heather Thompson, Director of DofE South West said, “It’s great to celebrate 10 years of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award at South Devon College, and we look forward to continuing to work with the College in supporting young people taking part in the DofE for years to come. The DofE is on its way to enabling even more young people to do their DofE and the Charity can only do this with the support of schools and colleges in the region. As such we are incredibly grateful for all the hard work of teachers, lecturers and volunteers at the College, giving young people in the area the opportunity to do their DofE and transform their lives.”
Many young people have achieved an award after volunteering in their community, learning a skill, getting fit, going on an expedition and taking part in a week-long residential. Completing a DofE programme has a significant impact on young people’s futures enabling them to develop vital skills for life and work; such as confidence, commitment, resilience and teamwork. The DofE is a great opportunity for young people to develop their skills and attitudes to become more rounded and confident adults. The DofE is an internationally recognised award that enhances a young person’s CV, as they benefit from a number of transferable skills that enhances their employability.
Matthew Harbour, Vice Principal Curriculum, Quality and Performance at South Devon College said, “The DofE offers young people a unique way to develop their skills and confidence. We have seen many students benefit from DofE over the years and we look forward to encouraging many more to take part in the future.”
The DofE Scheme is a flexible programme that helps to develop young people for life and work. The numbers speak for themselves: 93% of participants feel that DofE has helped them to work in a team and 84% feel that they have become a more responsible person. The charity has inspired and transformed the lives of millions of young people from all backgrounds.
Since its creation in 1956 by HRH The Duke of Edinburgh, the DofE has gone from strength to strength. Guided by the same set of principles and by young people themselves, it is as relevant today as it was then.
For more information about the walk or the College’s DofE programme, please email Rich Blagden, Duke of Edinburgh Co-ordinator at [email protected]