CYP Africa hosts the International Award Leaders Training Workshop

The International Award is an exciting self-development programme available to all 14 to 25 year olds. It gives all young people regardless of their background, abilities or circumstances, an opportunity to experience challenge and adventure, to acquire new skills and to make new friends. Over the last 53 years it has spread across the globe, because the philosophy and the format have proved attractive and adaptable to many cultures.

Launched in the UK in 1956 as The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, the Programme has now spread to 126 countries. Over 6 million young people worldwide have taken up the Award challenge.

The International Award Association is in the process of establishing a National Youth Award in Zambia, while the Commonwealth Youth Programme Regional centre for Africa plays a facilitatory role in this process. The Award and the Commonwealth youth Programme have complementary goals and strategies that collectively lead to a significant expansion of youth leadership capacity. The Aim of the award is to develop skilled and engaged young citizens who contribute to the development of their communities and the wider world. This partnership has enabled more young people to reach their potential and to bring about change in themselves and others.

The award’s focus on skills and development, goal-setting and personal responsibility and community engagement is in line with CYP’s strategic programme areas. In Addition, the Award is actively building youth networks around the world through Award holders associations and its International Youth Forum.

The Award has a presence in more than 40 commonwealth countries and last year nearly 600,000 young people in the commonwealth participated in the Award Programme.

During the two day training carried out by International Award Association (IAA) Trainers Ms Cristal de Saldanha, Head of Programme, IAA, International Office, Mr Edwin Kimani, National Director, The President’s Award, Kenya and Ms Irene Marais, Executive Assistant, International Award Association Africa Region the relevance of the award for young people was emphasised. The Award transforms lives. Some of the Programme’s participants – including young offenders, street kids and youths from native populations – have become marginalised. The Award may prove a decisive turning point not just in their lives, but also in those of the people around them.

It is hoped that Zambia’s youth will also benefit from this programme. About 30 participants drawn from different backgrounds, from scouts to girl guides to representatives from youth development organizations like Youth Association of Zambia and National Youth Development Council received certificates of participation. The awarding ceremony was held at the CYP grounds. These youth award leaders were empowered to empower young people in their communities to develop into responsible, active citizens, contributing positively to the development of themselves and their communities, and Africa.

The commonwealth initiated what is called the RYC Innovative Project Award (RIPA). CYP RCA awards a total of six (6) exemplary proposals a maximum of GBP500 (five hundred only) per project annually. This initiative was borne out of a desire to promote, support and represent young people at all levels of decision-making, including a seat for the Pan-Commonwealth Youth Caucus Chair and a voice at the Ministerial table when Youth Ministers gather together for their periodic meetings. The programme seeks to encourage young people to develop innovative ideas that address a particular need in the community and the nation as a whole.

The IAA and CYP share common strengths and complementary goals and strategies that will collectively lead to a significant expansion of youth leadership and personal development outcomes for young people.