The International Award for Young People Nigeria (also referred to as The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award) is a global framework for non-formal education and learning, which challenges young people to dream big, celebrate their achievements and make a difference in their world. It gives 14 to 24 year olds a framework that empowers them to learn and grow through non-formal education, all while working towards globally recognized accreditation and it operates in over 130 countries worldwide.

The Award is earned in three progressive levels:

• Bronze: for those 14 years or older (after participating for at least six months).
• Silver: for those 15 years and older (after participating for at least twelve months).
• Gold: for those 16 years and older (after participating for at least eighteen months).

 

The Award is achievable at any level by undertaking activities under 4 sections:

Skills, Service, Physical Recreation and Adventurous Journey with an additional requirement: Residential Project at Gold level.

Skills: The aim of this section is to encourage the development of personal interests and practical skills such as painting, craft work, fashion designing, music etc.

Voluntary Service: The service section aims to encourage giving useful voluntary service to others and their communities. Examples include: First Aid, environmental sanitation, care for the physically challenged, elderly, sick or visit to orphanages etc.

Physical Recreation: Participation in physical recreation helps to improve performance, health, and fitness. Examples include: jogging, basketball, badminton, weight-lifting etc.

Adventurous journey: The aim of this section is to encourage a sense of adventure and self-discovery whilst undertaking a journey in a group. It involves a camping trip taken to cultivate good teamwork habits, self-confidence, appreciation of nature, enhancement of problem solving skills and it also helps create new friendships. Examples are: bush walking, hiking, cycling across a state or town, canoeing etc.

Residential Project: This section aims to broaden young people’s experiences through living and working with others in a residential setting. This is undertaken only at Gold level and it provides participants with the opportunity to share a purposeful experience with people who are not their usual companions and work towards a common goal, set out by the participants themselves. Examples are: residential language courses, environment and conservation projects, skill development, providing service to other people and communities etc.

 

For more information and enquiries kindly contact The Award Leader in school.

Or visit The Award’s website on www.intaward.org.ng