About Us

The Award is a leading structured (non-formal education) youth development programme, empowering youth aged 14-24 to explore their full potential and find their purpose, passion and place in the world, regardless of their location or circumstance. The Award is a fully inclusive programme and has no social, political, or religious affiliations.

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President's Award participants and volunteers

Building young people who are ready for the world

Our Vision

To reach more young people from diverse backgrounds and equip them as individuals to succeed in life.

Our Mission

Our mission is to empower young people between the ages of 14 to 24, through a balanced non-competitive framework for self development, enabling them to become responsible, active citizens within their communities.

Our Ambition

Every eligible young person in South Africa will have the opportunity to participate in the Award.

Part of The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award

The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Foundation oversees the Award Programme in over 120 countries and territories globally, with 18 countries in Africa. The Programme currently has over 1 million active participants globally with about three hundred thousand of the total participants based on the African Continent.

120+

Countries and territories worldwide

Countries in Africa

1M+

Active participants globally

300K

Participants on the African continent

How the Award works

Three levels, four sections and one goal: to discover what you're capable of. See how Bronze, Silver and Gold fit together, from volunteering and skills to the Adventurous Journey.

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The History of the Award

1956

Founding of The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award

The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award was founded in 1956 by HRH Prince Philip, Kurt Hahn, a German educationalist, and Lord Hunt, leader of the first successful ascent of Everest. The idea was born in response to their concerns about the development of boys post World War II, due to the gap between leaving school at 15 and entering National Service at 18.

1958

Evolution of the Award

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.

1980

Development of Skills Sections

In 1980, the upper age limit was extended to 25 and the Award took on its current four-Section format of: Service, Adventurous Journey, Skills and Physical Recreation.

1983