About the Award

Not all learning happens in the classroom – and the skills that shape your future often come from real world experience.

The President’s Award is a leading youth development programme in South Africa designed for young people aged 14 to 24. It helps youth build confidence, leadership skills, and practical experience that prepares them for work, study, and life.

Through a structured journey, participants take part in:

  • Volunteer work in their communities,
  • Skills development activities,
  • Sport activities,
  • Adventure and outdoor challenges.

This isn’t a competition. It’s a personal journey that challenges participants to discover and develop themselves at their own pace.

Why it matters

If you’re looking for ways to:

  • Build your CV as a student,
  • Gain recognised volunteer experience,
  • Stand out when applying for jobs or university,
  • Develop leadership and life skills,

The President’s Award gives you a clear, proven path to do exactly that.

Recognition and impact

As you complete each level of the Award, you receive an official certificate and badge recognizing your achievement.

In South Africa, these certificates are endorsed at a national level, including recognition associated with the Office of the President under Cyril Ramaphosa.

Globally, the Award forms part of a wider network of youth development programmes aligned with the The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Foundation, making it respected by employers, universities, and institutions around the world.

Award Levels

Bronze

Between 14 and 24 years old

Minimum completion period of 6 months

Participants must complete the requirements of each section simultaneously.

Silver

Between 15 and 24 years old

Minimum completion period of 6 months for Bronze Award holders and 12 months for non-Bronze Award holders.

Participants must complete the requirements of each section simultaneously.

Gold

Between 16 and 24 years old

Minimum completion period of 12 months for Silver Award holders and 18 months for non-Silver Award holders.

Participants must complete the requirements of each section simultaneously.

Award Sections

The Award is made up of four sections at each level, with a fifth one completing the Gold Level. Participants are challenged to engage with each section for a minimum of one hour per week under each level.

Voluntary Service
Skills

Becoming World Ready

Achieving an Award will give you skills, confidence and an edge over others when you apply for college, university or a job. Beyond your academic achievements, universities want to see evidence of so called ‘soft skills’ that you have developed through extra-curricular activities, such as communication, commitment, leadership and teamwork. Your President’s Award is a fantastic way to demonstrate these skills in practice.
71% of business leaders and 63% of young people asserted that formal education alone is not enough to equip young people to be world ready. According to business leaders surveyed during the 2018 Global Survey; the following skills are considered important in helping young people become ready for the world in the order of importance:
View Our Case Studies

Theory of Change

For the thousands of young people who take part in developing themselves through the Award each year, the benefits of achieving The President’s Award at any level are endless. The Award is about helping you along the path to a productive and prosperous future. As many of our participants say, it’s life-changing experience.
You’ll also make a difference to other people’s lives and your community, be fitter and healthier, make new friends and have memories to last you a lifetime.
Do The Award

Global Award Alumni Network

We are excited to share that South Africa has launched its Alumni platform on the Global Award Alumni Network. It is a global networking platform for people that have completed their Bronze/Silver/Gold. One of the benefits is that registered Alumni will also have access to available opportunities such as internships, scholarships, employment, etc.

Register with the Alumni Network