The Award can change one village
Taking part in the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award can be life-changing – not only for participants, but for their community too. Something that Bronze Award holder, Evelina, is a testament to.
Her participation in the Award came after Bulgaria received support from the Foundation’s Special Projects grant-giving fund to develop the Award in the Northwest and Southeast regions of the country, where it was needed. It was in a village in Northwest region, where Evelina first became aware of the Award.
After completing her Bronze level, Evelina was determined to pay it forward and began training as an Award Leader at the earliest opportunity. She felt compelled to pass on her experience to others, and now works with young participants in her village. She is passionate about promoting the Award within in her region.
I want to share with others what I took from the Award, and what the Award made happen to more young people from my region.After completing her Bronze level, Evelina was determined to pay it forward and began training as an Award Leader at the earliest opportunity. She felt compelled to pass on her experience to others, and now works with young participants in her village. She is passionate about promoting the Award within in her region.
Evelina began the Award in 2018 and learned folk dancing (now her favourite hobby), studied Bulgarian medieval history and organized six volunteer initiatives – all skills which she has already used in life outside of the Award.
But it was the Adventurous Journey that really had an impact on Evelina.
“ I had time to balance, to meet other participants in the Award, and then I realized, in fact, that not only the goal is important, but the very path I walk to it in a figurative and literal sense.”
That same year, she decided to participate in the Award Leaders training.
“I am also aware of the role of a leader, thanks to my leader and the inspirational personalities the Award met me with. They are like little fireflies in a dark night.
Evelina is now doing her Silver Award and is looking forward to inspiring participants in her new role as Award Leader. She’s eager to “inspire ourselves together and create ourselves the way we want to be today and tomorrow. I want to include in it the love, to sparkle the motivation, awaken the adventure spirit and cross life boldly to be truly alive.”
Evelina’s participation in the Award is supported by funding from The Foundation’s Special Projects grant-giving programme, which helps more at-risk and marginalised young people to access the Award.
