The Vocational School of Computer Programming and Innovation has officially become an award running operator of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (commonly abbreviated DofE), which is a youth awards programme founded by Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh in 1956. It is a leading programme for personal development and a recognized mark of achievement. Adolescents and young adults complete a series of self-improvement exercises, challenging their own perspective and competence to achieve their goals, thus getting a powerful tool to develop essential skills for life and work.
HOW TO DO THE DUKE OF EDINBURGH AWARD
14-24 year-olds can do a DofE programme at one of three progressive levels which, when successfully completed, lead to a Bronze, Silver or Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. With assistance from adult Leaders, participants select and set objectives in each of the 4 areas: Volunteering, Physical, Skills, Expedition.
To achieve an award, the participant must work on each section for a minimum period of time, and must be monitored and assessed by someone with knowledge of the chosen activities. Each progressive level demands more time and commitment from participants: Bronze 3–6 months; Silver: 6–9 months; Gold: 12–18 months with an additional activity in favour of a local community away from home. Participants are required to show regular activity and commitment to the award for the duration of their DofE programme, which is usually at least one hour per week.
Any young person can do their DofE – regardless of ability, gender, background or location. Achieving an Award isn’t a competition or about being first. It’s all about setting personal challenges and pushing personal boundaries. Through a DofE programme young people have fun, make friends, improve their self-esteem and build confidence.
If you are interested in the award, please contact the school leaders Ivan Angelov, Ivelina Koleva, coordinator- Viktor Stoev, or the head leader- Hristo Simeonov.