Duke of Edinburgh's Award
The Genesis
When Females Lead (WFL) signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Duke of Edinburgh Awards (DofE) in November, 2022. This partnership between WFL and DOfE falls under WFL’s Vulnerable Children Pillar which aims to provide the DOfE award to 20 students in the two schools selected for our pilot project. These schools are namely; Lake Road PTA School and Handmaid Sisters Our Lady of Assumption School.
What is the DofE Award?
The DOfE Award focuses on non-formal education and is a youth awards program founded in 1956 by Prince Philip, the former Duke of Edinburgh. The program aims to encourage young people aged 14 to 24 to develop their skills, physical fitness, volunteering and adventurous spirit through a series of challenges and activities. The DofE Award is recognized internationally and is widely considered to be one of the most prestigious awards for young people. It aims to promote personal development, leadership, and social responsibility, and has helped millions of young people across the world to achieve their goals and develop valuable life skills.
Importance of Implementing the DofE awards into Zambian Schools
Integrating and implementing the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE) into Zambian school systems can have several important benefits for young people in the country, continent and world at large. The DofE can help to promote personal development and improve employability skills among young people. The project provides opportunities for young people to develop skills in areas such as leadership, teamwork, problem-solving, and communication, which are highly valued by employers. By participating in the DofE Awards, young people can improve their chances of gaining employment or pursuing further education. Overall, integrating and implementing the DofE into Zambian school systems can help promote personal development, community engagement and physical fitness among young people. These are important factors for success and wellbeing. By participating in the program, young people in Zambia can develop valuable life skills, become active citizens and contribute to positive change in their communities.
The Launch!
The DofE project was officially launched on the 28th day of March, 2023 and was hosted by Lake Road PTA School. The launch was facilitated by WFLs Patron, Ms. Mulenga Kapwepwe along with the Director of the Vulnerable Children Pillar, Ms. Sibeso Mofya, Associate Director of the Vulnerable Children Pillar, Mrs. Daniella Turner-Zimba and Associates from WFL.
Present at the event was; Ministry of Education Planner – Mr. Fred Kabwe, Duke of Edinburgh Board Member – Mrs. Rita Milner, DoE Program Manager – Ms. Violet Mbwili, DoE Operations Manager – Ms. Grace Gondwe, Lake Road PTA School Headmistress – Mrs. Kafwariman and Handmaid Sisters Our Lady of Assumption Convent School Representative – Ms. Jean Masenke.
Next Steps
During the next few months of this project being implemented into both schools, the trained teachers and WFL Award Leaders will be working hand in hand with the 20 selected children, ensuring they successfully complete the project to the best of their ability!
Other topics covered included:
Be clear on the value you bring to the table. Don’t just go into the boardroom and keep quiet!
On Personal branding: WHAT EVER YOUR BRAND IS – BE CLEAR. Make sure people know about it
– COME OUT PUBLICLY WITH YOUR BRAND
– KNOW THE SPACE
– SHARE IT
– DO IT WITH FLARE***
CONFIDENCE IS OFTEN MISTAKEN FOR COMPETENCE, AIM FOR COMPETENCE
Men are allies in the boardroom. Once we view them as such, we will be more supported. Parenting plays a huge role. Do not wait to be invited.
– Keep learning.
– Be prepared for your next position. Dress up and show up like it.
– Package yourself in a way you want the world to know you for. Don’t be apologetic about your achievements
– Be authentic.
– Have Impact.
All in all the event was a resounding success and we look forward to more engagements.
