56 young people from across India were presented with their Gold Award from the internationally renowned International Award for Young People, India. The award was presented by Dominic Asquith the British High Commissioner to India, at a ceremony held at the India International Centre in New Delhi.
The Award, also known as The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award, is a global, non-formal education framework which challenges young people to discover their potential and celebrate their achievements. It operates in more than 130 countries and territories around the world, helping to inspire over 1.3 million young people every year.
Dominic Asquith, High Commissioner to India, said, “It has been a great honour to meet such a dynamic group of young people , and to hear about their Award journeys. Achieving a Gold Award is no small feat – it requires commitment, resilience and enthusiasm – something these awardees have in spades. I am sure that this will be just the first exciting step in a long journey of achievement.”
Kapil Bhalla, National Director of the International Award for Young People, India said, “The Award helps India’s young people to challenge themselves, experience life and find their purpose, passion and place in the world. The Gold Award challenges participants over 18 months and more, in five areas – physical activity, skill development, service to community, residential project and by taking them outside of their comfort zone, through an adventurous journey”
In India, the Award has established partnerships with NGOs working within the marginalised youth sector, including rural and urban migrants with economic and social challenges and young people with special needs. It has a strong commitment to work with young people who are considered at risk or marginalised, for example those with social, physical or economic challenges. It aims to ensure at least 20% of all enrolment encompasses young people from these backgrounds.
The Award was first introduced in India in 1962 and has since equipped over 100,000 young people with new skills. In 2017 alone, more than 42,000 participants in India undertook the Award programme.
