Award participants celebrate International Youth Day with first-ever digital takeover of the Royal Family’s Instagram channel
As young people across the globe gear up to celebrate International Youth Day on 12 August, five young people will be marking it in a very special way. These Award participants from around the world, will share their story with more than 8 million people, in the first-ever takeover of the British Royal Family’s Instagram account, @theroyalfamily.
The initiative celebrates some of the inspirational young participants involved in The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award and the resilience, ingenuity, and adaptability they have shown during the challenges of COVID-19.
Hailing from Canada, Czech Republic, Kenya and Indonesia, the five young people will use the Royal Family’s Instagram stories to highlight how the global pandemic has impacted their lives, and that of their communities, and how, by taking part in the Award, they have overcome these challenges.
The young people were introduced on Instagram by HRH The Earl of Wessex, Chairman of Trustees for the International Award, who said in a video message:
To all those young people who have responded to the challenges of COVID-19 by volunteering, being a carer or a keyworker and especially if you’re part of The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award community, I just want to say a massive thank you.On this International Youth Day, and as a tribute to the role played by so many young people, we are handing over our Instagram account to some of these inspiring young people from around the world so they can share the stories of how they are making a difference."
Whilst COVID-19 has brought exceptional challenge and change to every corner of the globe, we have been so inspired by the ways in which young people have responded. Award participants have been leading the way, taking on the challenges of COVID-19 and finding ingenious ways to keep active, learn new skills and support their communities. These Award participants been at the forefront and we’re delighted that we can celebrate their achievements in this way."It has never been more important to ensure that young people are equipped with the skills they need to be ready for change. Quality non-formal education and learning such as the Award can help them to develop skills such as resilience, adaptability and confidence, which will ensure they are ready for the world, at a time when the world needs them more than ever.