The President’s Award for Youth Empowerment forms part of the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Foundation and is an exciting challenge for young people between the ages of 14 and 24.

The award is a voluntary, non-competitive programme with three categories: bronze, silver and gold; each having its own specific requirements. There are four sections of the award programme: service, skills, physical recreation and an adventurous journey. Additionally, a residential project is required for the gold level. Participants progress at their own pace through the levels but must simultaneously tackle the different sections for a specified minimum period of time at each level.

The award programme encourages personal discovery, self-reliance, perseverance, responsibility and service to the community, in the hope of developing self-belief and independence in its participants. It also aims to teach them a sense of responsibility towards others, as well as life skills such as negotiation and problem-solving.

Congratulations to the following St Charles College boys who have received their President’s Awards in 2023: Nathan van Staden (silver), Hayden Eilers (silver), Sduduzo Mtalane (bronze), Carlo Van den Berg (silver) and Daniel Gurney (bronze). – Mrs Eliana Le Roux (Award Leader)