WHAT IS THE AWARD?
The Award equips young people for life and work
Not all learning happens in the classroom. Young people need experiences outside the classroom to become committed, responsible and fulfilled citizens of the world.
The Award is available to all 14-24 year olds and is the world’s leading youth achievement award. It equips young people for life regardless of their background, culture, physical ability, skills and interests. Doing the Award is a personal challenge and not a competition against others; it pushes young people to their personal limits and recognises their achievements.
Participants are required to complete various activities over a set period of time in order to earn the Award. Upon completion, they are awarded a certificate and badge for the Level they have completed. In South Africa, the certificates have the signatures of HRH The Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Philip and His Excellency, President Cyril Matamela Ramaphosa. The certificates are recognised globally by employers and institutions of higher learning.
How is the Award Achieved?
To earn an Award, each young person must learn a skill, improve their physical well-being, volunteer in their community and experience a team adventure in a new environment. All Participants are supported by a network of adult Award Leaders, Assessors, and Supervisors.
KEY ELEMENTS
Time requirements
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Why do the Award?
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.
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.
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.
Award Framework
The Award is comprised of three levels and four sections
Participants complete all four Sections at each level in order to achieve either their Bronze, Silver or Gold Award. At Gold level, Participants also complete a Gold Residential Project.
Voluntary Service
Physical Recreation
Skills
Adventurous Journey
Gold Residential Project
Award Impact
The Award equips young people for life through the development of universal skills enabling them to become responsible, committed, dedicated citizens. It provides a framework for non-formal education and has set guiding principles, with proven outcomes for young people who complete the Award. It creates experiential learning opportunities to help young people discover talents that do not necessarily show up in the classroom context. The programme brings together practical experiences and life skills, building confidence, encouraging physical health and recreation, and motivating young people to engage with their communities. The Award is structured to develop soft skills, preparing young people for the world of employment and thriving during high school and tertiary education.
SURVEY RESPONSES
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:
Individual Skills
- Confidence
- Resilience
- Determination
Analytics
- Critical Thinking
- Problem-solving skills
Social Skills
- Communication
- Teamwork
- Leadership skills
Humanitarian Skills
- Empathy
- Adaptability
- Intercultural and Civic Engagement
Technical Ability
- Technical Knowledge
- Practical Technical Skills
Theory of change
THE ENTIRE PROCESS
INPUT
The costs involved in delivering the Award (to the National Award Operator, Award Unit, participant, volunteer, supporter, etc.)
OUTPUT
Participants undertake regular activities in four main sections:
- Physical Recreation
- Voluntary Service
- Skills
- Adventurous Journey
- Gold Residential Project
OUTCOMES
Participants develop social and emotional capabilities such as:
- Confidence
- Managing Feelings
- Communication
- Problem Solving
- Resilience and determination
- Creativity and adaptability
IMPACT
This leads to longer term impacts, such as:
- Improved employability and earning potential
- Improved physical health and fitness
- Improved mental health and well-being
- Increased engagement with charitable and community cases
- Improved environmental impact
- Increased social cohesion
- Reduced offending
SOCIAL VALUE
Participants develop social and emotional capabilities such as:
- Confidence
- Managing Feelings
- Communication
- Problem Solving
- Resilience and determination
- Creativity and adaptability
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.
We would like to create a thriving Global Award Alumni Network with Award holders across the world. As someone who has completed an Award level, we would like to take this opportunity to extend the invite to you. We have some great ideas and we would also like to hear what would make an interesting worthwhile and fun network for all. This is a great time to share your thoughts so that we could include them in our plans.
Follow the link to register: https://alumni.intaward.org/
Best wishes,
The President’s Award Team
