“The future of education is in coming back to the basics. We shouldn’t push the learners to what we think is best for them but what it is that they can contribute, to the betterment of the future of themselves, the community and the globe generally.”
Young people across the world are facing unprecedented challenges; their mental health and wellbeing is at an all time low.
Access to education is limited and fewer decent work opportunities are available. The global pandemic dramatically worsened the situation and its impact will be felt by young people for years to come.
More than ever, local communities, global economies and the planet as a whole needs innovators and changemakers who are truly #WorldReady.
To be truly #WorldReady, young people need to know that many of life’s greatest lessons can happen outside the classroom. The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Foundation gives as many young people as possible around the world the chance to discover exactly that.
of young people are not in education, employment or training.
Around the world, 258 million, or 17% of the world’s children, adolescents and youth are out of school.
Globally, one in seven 10-19-year-olds experience a mental disorder, yet these remain largely unrecognised and untreated.
Youth unemployment rate is three times as high as that of adults.
of young people are worried about their future.
“As someone who had a lot of anxiety surrounding issues of identity and a lack of self-confidence, I wanted to become part of something that could allow me to focus more on myself. The Award really acted as a catalyst for me to start figuring out who I was, what my values were, and what I wanted to do with my life.”
The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Foundation is an international charity supporting young people to find their purpose, passion and place in the world. Founded in 1956, the Award highlights the value of Non-Formal Education and Learning.
We’re on a mission to increase the Award’s global access, reach and impact. And we want to do this by:
Working in partnership with organisations and governing bodies in more than 120 countries and territories, we oversee the licensing of Award operators – including schools, youth groups, employers and custodial institutions.
With our support, operators deliver the globally-recognised Award,
which provides opportunities for 14 to 24-year-olds to develop their interests, skills and life ambitions, inclusive of all backgrounds, locations, cultures and abilities.
The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award gives young people the chance to dig deep. To foster resilience. To think creatively. To engage in the world outside of the classroom - a world which is unpredictable, dynamic and brimming with potential.
The result? Entire generations of innovators and changemakers who are truly world-ready.
Operating in 120+ countries
and territories.
In 2023 we gifted over $3.2 million to local Award Operators.
Today, over a million young people are taking on the Award's challenge to realise their potential, make a difference in their communities, and take control of their future.
As a globally recognised Non-Formal Education and Learning Framework, the Award creates opportunities for young people to develop skills and get physically active; to volunteer and support their local communities and to experience adventure.
And it rewards these achievements with a globally recognised certification. Through experiential learning, the Award supports young people to meet challenges with creativity, compassion and resilience both inside and outside of the classroom. It helps them to develop into confident, responsible, reflective, innovative and engaged individuals.
Encourages participation in sport and physical recreation to improve health, fitness and wellbeing.
are more likely to participate in future physical activities
Encourages the development of personal interests, creativity or practical skills.
improved their teamwork skills.
Encourages a sense of adventure and discovery while undertaking a team journey in an unfamiliar environment.
now see challenges as opportunities to develop.
Encourages compassion and often a lifelong commitment to community.
see the importance of contributing to their community.
Participants take part in a shared in-depth activity or specific course to build on a talent in development.
As a direct positive contribution to the young people and communities involved, the Award has a Global Social Value of $970 (£762) million in 2022.
Encourages participation in sport and physical recreation to improve health, fitness and wellbeing.
are more likely to participate in future physical activities
Encourages the development of personal interests, creativity or practical skills.
improved their team work skills.
Encourages a sense of adventure and discovery while undertaking a team journey in an unfamiliar environment.
now see challenges as opportunities to develop.
Encourages compassion and often a lifelong commitment to community.
see the importance of contributing to their community.
Encourages a sense of adventure and discovery while undertaking a team journey in an unfamiliar environment.
Participants take part in a shared in-depth activity or specific course to build on a talent in development.
As a direct positive contribution to the young people and communities involved, the Award has a Global Social Value of $970 (£762) million in 2022.
Encourages participation in sport and physical recreation to improve health, fitness and wellbeing.
are more likely toparticipate in futurephysical activities
Encourages the development of personal interests, creativity or practical skills.
improved their teamwork skills.
Encourages a sense of adventure and discovery while undertaking a team journey in an unfamiliar environment.
now see challenges as opportunities to develop.
Encourages compassion and often a lifelong commitment to community.
see the importance of contributing to their community.
Encourages a sense of adventure and discovery while undertaking a team journey in an unfamiliar environment.
Participants take part in a shared in-depth activity or specific course to build on a talent in development.
As a direct positive contribution to the young people and communities involved, the Award has a Global Social Value of $970 (£762) million in 2022.
“I must admit I was very nervous to go on the Adventurous Journey. I learnt lessons I would never have learnt, and friends I would have never met otherwise…I loved being independent and having to figure things out for myself.
These challenges on this camp taught me to stop when things aren’t going your way, to breathe and then to try again.”
There are millions more young people in need of the support and opportunities that the Award provides.
We want every young person to have this opportunity; to have equal access to the Award. As The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Foundation, we deliver on five key areas to increase the access, reach and impact of the Award across the globe.
We raise and grant funds where they are most needed, helping our global Award family to scale up operations, increase diversity and inclusion and increase access to those who are most at risk or marginalised.
Our one-to-one strategic support and online learning for Award Operators builds essential knowledge and skills so they can expand their work, reaching and involving more young people.
We raise the ambition, impact and perception of the Award worldwide, advocating for Non-Formal Education and Learning; actively forming partnerships and campaigns with global organisations including UNICEF and World Health Organization (WHO).
We conduct ground-breaking impact research which estimates that the Award created an astonishing $970 (£762) million in social value in 2022, leading to greater support and recognition from potential funders, policy makers and governments across the world.
We actively work to build a network of Award Partners to deliver the Award in new countries and territories with corporate, advocacy and operational support. Our current partners include Scouts, Girlguiding, Stonehage Fleming, World Bank and Mastercard Foundation.
We raise and grant funds where they are most needed, helping our global Award family to scale up operations, increase diversity and inclusion and increase access to those who are most at risk or marginalised.
Our one-to-one strategic support and online learning for Award Operators builds essential knowledge and skills so they can expand their work, reaching and involving more young people.
We conduct ground-breaking impact research which estimates that the Award created an astonishing $970 (£762) million in social value in 2022, leading to greater support and recognition from potential funders, policy makers and governmentsacross the world.
We actively work to build a network of Award Partners to deliver the Award in new countries and territories with corporate, advocacy and operational support. Our current partners include Scouts, Girlguiding, Stonehage Fleming, World Bank and Mastercard Foundation.
We raise the ambition, impact and perception of the Award worldwide, advocating for Non-Formal Education and Learning; actively forming partnerships and campaigns with global organisations including UNICEF and World Health Organization (WHO).
There are millions more young people in need of the support and opportunities that the Award provides.
We want every young person to have this opportunity; to have equal access to the Award. As The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Foundation, we deliver on five key areas to increase the access, reach and impact of the Award across the globe.
“There’s definitely a positive outlook and great work going into building the foundation blocks that will see us become a truly national programme. We have a Memorandum of Understanding in place with the Ministry of Education to see the Award in government schools across Zambia. We are implementing sub licence agreements with big youth organisations and we have also seen our annual operating budget nearly triple since 2020. I personally see it as the programme of choice for young Zambians in the Non-Formal Education space. I see the International Award Foundation’s support being one of championing our cause in a way that is specific to Zambia. Without support from the Award Foundation I would probably have left to do other things, but they have helped me keep my passion burning to see the Award available to young Zambians.”
Twaambo Chikoye, National Director, The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award - Zambia
Zambia's annual operating budget has nearly tripled since 2020
“Without support from the Award Foundation I would probably have left to do other things, but they have helped me keep my passion burning to see the Award available to young Zambians.”
In Jordan, many Syrian refugees are living in the Azraq refugee camp and are considered to be at risk. Increasing access to the Award helps to improve their quality of life as they face the challenges of life
as a refugee.
By taking part in the Award, these young people will have the opportunity to explore their passions, find a sense of purpose and feel part of a community during what can be extremely unsettling circumstances. Jordan’s El-Hassan Youth Award (as the Award is known in-country) has partnered with Care International, an internationally recognised Non- Governmental Organisation, to deliver the Award in the Azraq refugee camp, home to around 40,900 Syrian refugees.
“I have met new people, received training and become affiliated with the Award family of trainees, participants and sponsors. Now, I look at life through the lens of hope and optimism. My skills have improved and
I have gained confidence in my ability to communicate. My experience in life has increased and my talents have been refined. I have become an active person in my community applying what I have learnt fromthe Award.
This experience has opened job opportunities for me, and now I am offering my services in humanitarian organisations in order to gain the funds needed to complete my university studies. I can only express my sincere thanks and gratitude mixed with love and reverence to everyone who has done me a favour. I hope this project will continue because behind me there are girls who aspire to change their reality and stand in my position.”
Aya has achieved her Bronze and Silver Awards and will continue onto Gold.
Zambia's annual operatingbudget has nearly tripledsince 2020
“Now, I look at life through the lens of hope and optimism.”
After growing up in Saudi Arabia, Farhana moved to Bangladesh as a young woman and was instantly inspired by the launch of the Award there. Although she suffers from an auto immune condition, it hasn’t stopped her from excelling with the Award and achieving success as a symbol of female empowerment across Bangladesh.
“I suffer from a rare inflammatory disease called Crohn’s Disease which has caused a lot of complications for me during my life. Growing up,
I was inspired by my dad, who is an automobile engineer, to follow in his footsteps or to become a computer engineer, I managed to achieve this goal and became a computer engineer, but due to my illness,I wasn’t able to continue working in this field.
The Voluntary Service section of the Award was something I became really passionate about, volunteering at a retirement home and working hard to generate a ray of hope amongst people who felt alone and isolated. As the days passed, I also realised these ladies spoke more confidently about themselves and the home appeared to be a happier place. I am a 'Crohn's Warrior'. While I have been battling my illness, I've also managed to continue my Voluntary Service thanks to my connections made through the Award.
Young people are the future of tomorrow. It is vital that we explore our potential and make use of it. To the young people of today: if you want to discover yourself or change something for yourself or the world, then the Award is for you! It is the starting point of success and you will be rewarded in ways you never thought existed. Go for it!”
Farhana, Gold Award holder
Zambia's annual operatingbudget has nearly tripledsince 2020
“Looking back, I remember being such a shy little girl, but the Award helped me to grow into an independent strong individual who knows how to voice her opinions and take a stand were necessary for what’s right or what’s wrong.”
There are millions more young people in need of the support and opportunities that the Award provides.
We want every young person to have this opportunity; to have equal access to the Award. As The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Foundation, we deliver on five key areas to increase the access, reach and impact of the Award across the globe.
“There’s definitely a positive outlook and great work going into building the foundation blocks that will see us become a truly national programme. We have a Memorandum of Understanding in place with the Ministry of Education to see the Award in government schools across Zambia. We are implementing sub licence agreements with big youth organisations and we have also seen our annual operating budget nearly triple since 2020. I personally see it as the programme of choice for young Zambians in the Non-Formal Education space. I see the International Award Foundation’s support being one of championing our cause in a way that is specific to Zambia. Without support from the Award Foundation I would probably have left to do other things, but they have helped me keep my passion burning to see the Award available to young Zambians.”
Twaambo Chikoye, National Director, The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award - Zambia
Zambia's annual operatingbudget has nearly tripledsince 2020
“Without support from the Award Foundation I would probably have left to do other things, but they have helped me keep my passion burning to see the Award available to young Zambians.”
In Jordan, many Syrian refugees are living in the Azraq refugee camp and are considered to be at risk. Increasing access to the Award helps to improve their quality of life as they face the challenges of life
as a refugee.
By taking part in the Award, these young people will have the opportunity to explore their passions, find a sense of purpose and feel part of a community during what can be extremely unsettling circumstances. Jordan’s El-Hassan Youth Award (as the Award is known in-country) has partnered with Care International, an internationally recognised Non- Governmental Organisation, to deliver the Award in the Azraq refugee camp, home to around 40,900 Syrian refugees.
“I have met new people, received training and become affiliated with the Award family of trainees, participants and sponsors. Now, I look at life through the lens of hope and optimism. My skills have improved and
I have gained confidence in my ability to communicate. My experience in life has increased and my talents have been refined. I have become an active person in my community applying what I have learnt fromthe Award.
This experience has opened job opportunities for me, and now I am offering my services in humanitarian organisations in order to gain the funds needed to complete my university studies. I can only express my sincere thanks and gratitude mixed with love and reverence to everyone who has done me a favour. I hope this project will continue because behind me there are girls who aspire to change their reality and stand in my position.”
Aya has achieved her Bronze and Silver Awards and will continue onto Gold.
“Now, I look at life through the lens of hope and optimism.”
After growing up in Saudi Arabia, Farhana moved to Bangladesh as a young woman and was instantly inspired by the launch of the Award there. Although she suffers from an auto immune condition, it hasn’t stopped her from excelling with the Award and achieving success as a symbol of female empowerment across Bangladesh.
“I suffer from a rare inflammatory disease called Crohn’s Disease which has caused a lot of complications for me during my life. Growing up,
I was inspired by my dad, who is an automobile engineer, to follow in his footsteps or to become a computer engineer, I managed to achieve this goal and became a computer engineer, but due to my illness,I wasn’t able to continue working in this field.
The Voluntary Service section of the Award was something I became really passionate about, volunteering at a retirement home and working hard to generate a ray of hope amongst people who felt alone and isolated. As the days passed, I also realised these ladies spoke more confidently about themselves and the home appeared to be a happier place. I am a 'Crohn's Warrior'. While I have been battling my illness, I've also managed to continue my Voluntary Service thanks to my connections made through the Award.
Young people are the future of tomorrow. It is vital that we explore our potential and make use of it. To the young people of today: if you want to discover yourself or change something for yourself or the world, then the Award is for you! It is the starting point of success and you will be rewarded in ways you never thought existed. Go for it!”
Farhana, Gold Award holder
“Looking back, I remember being such a shy little girl, but the Award helped me to grow into an independent strong individual who knows how to voice her opinions and take a stand were necessary for what’s right or what’s wrong.”
“By helping others they are helping themselves"
The determination and independence young people develop through the Award is vital. These skills help young people to thrive and give them a lasting chance to succeed.
With your support, we can help even more young people to develop their individual interests, skills and life ambitions.
We can also broaden our international network of volunteers and Award operators while ensuring the Award itself is accessible to all.
Together, we can create entire generations of empowered young citizens who have found their purpose, passion and place in the world.
Help us support the Award’sgrowth, access and impact across the globe and invest in the power of young people’s potential.
Work in partnership with us to achieve shared ambitions and support young people to become committed, responsible and fulfilled citizens of the world.
Join the World Fellowship and help support our work and the activities of the Award around the world.
Support one of our many exciting events that take place across the year, both in the UK and overseas.
We run a number of events from fundraising galas to thought leadership roundtables designedto grow both funds and awareness of Non-Formal Education and Learning, and the impact the Award has on young people and their communities.
Leave a legacy for future generations. No matter how large or small, leaving a gift in this way will have a lasting impact, helping us to achieve our long-term ambition that every young person will have the opportunity to participate in the Award.
Help us support the Award’sgrowth, access and impact across the globe and invest in the power of young people’s potential.
Work in partnership with us to achieve shared ambitions and support young people to become committed, responsible and fulfilled citizens of the world.
Join the World Fellowship and help support our work and the activities of the Award around the world.
Support one of our many exciting events that take place across the year, both in the UK and overseas.
We run a number of events from fundraising galas to thought leadership roundtables designedto grow both funds and awareness of Non-Formal Education and Learning, and the impact the Award has on young people and their communities.
Leave a legacy for futuregenerations. No matter how large or small, leaving a gift in this way will have a lasting impact, helping us to achieve our longterm ambition that every young person will have the opportunity to participate in the Award.
We'd love to talk to you about the different ways you can support and inspire young people to find their purpose, passion and place in the world.
Email us at [email protected]
Call us on +44 (0)20 7222 4242
Sources: Global Employment Trends for Youth, International Labour Organization (ILO), 2022. World Mental Health Day, WHO, 2021. Ureport.in, 2020. Technology in education, Global Education Monitoring Report, UNESCO, 2022. 2023 World Employment and Social Outlook Trends, International Labour Organization (ILO), 2023
