St Lucia to host Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Dominica

The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Dominica is a youth-oriented training programme for those aged 14 to 24. It focuses on four major concepts: skill development, physical recreation, community service, and adventurous travel. The program is intended to foster self-development through activities completed over a specific period, preparing young people for life regardless of their background, culture, physical ability, talents, or hobbies. This year, approximately forty (40) young people will attend the activity.

According to the national director’s release, “doing the Award is a personal challenge and not a competition against others; it pushes young people to their limits and recognizes their achievements at three different levels of difficulty.”

Active in Dominica since 1968, the Award has a respectable history despite occasional spells of dormancy. The National Executive is working to revive the Award on an island-wide scale, beginning with promotion and sensitization in secondary schools, Cadet Corps, and other uniformed groups. There are currently three established community chapters: Petite Soufriere, Grandfond, and Roseau.

According to the organization, Dominica’s youth are enthused about the Award Programme.

The group will embark on a Summer Cultural Exchange and Expedition to St. Lucia. This activity will occur between Thursday, July 11, and Tuesday, July 23, 2024, with sixteen (16) Award Participants and eight (8) Adult Leaders in attendance. The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Dominica will be hosted by the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award St. Lucia. They will receive wilderness survival training, participate in outdoor expeditions, and exchange with the Award Programme in St. Lucia. They will also participate in a variety of community projects.