The Duke of Edinburgh's Award Northern Ireland

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (the DofE) programme operates in over 140 countries around the world.  In Northern Ireland we have a Joint Award Agreement with Gaisce – The President’s Award which enables a young person who does the DofE programme to have a choice of certification – A Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Certificate, a Gaisce – The President’s Award Certificate or an International Certificate.

 The Duke of Edinburgh's Award is a voluntary, non competitive programme of activities for anyone aged 14-24.  Doing their DofE gives young people the opportunity to experience new activities or develop existing skills.  There are three progressive levels of programmes which when successfully completed lead to a Bronze, Silver or Gold Award.  Young people create their own DofE programme by choosing a volunteering, physical and skills activity, going on an expedition and, for their Gold only, taking part in a residential activity.

Over 275,000 young people a year from every possible background take part in the  programme in the UK to broaden their horizons, develop their leadership skills, learn to work with others, volunteer in their local communities, increase their employability and prove to themselves they can succeed at a serious challenge.  Sometimes we completely change the direction of their lives.

The charity is currently undergoing significant development in many areas, including the use of our programme to significantly reduce re-offending and increasing its use with more disadvantaged groups.