South Ayrshire Council's Gold group with their awards.
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Young people from across South Ayrshire took part in the annual presentation of The Duke of Edinburgh's Awards that was held at the Princess Royal Suite at Ayr Racecourse.
Councillor Hywel Davies, Lifelong Learning Portfolio Holder said: "A Duke of Edinburgh's Award can only be achieved through enthusiasm, commitment and hard work.
"This year 240 young people from across South Ayrshire achieved either a bronze, silver or gold award. This is a 34 percent rise on last year and shows that our young citizens are actively enjoying taking part in community activities, helping others and facing challenges.
"It is staggering to think that in total these young people have spent over 4,500 hours working on voluntary projects in our communities. The outdoor walking and cycling challenges mean that they have collectively journeyed for over 7,000 miles.
"As part of our commitment to The Duke of Edinburgh's Awards we have made it possible for young people to participate in the programme via their schools which some of the award winners have done. Others have completed the programme working through other organisations.
"The skills these young people have acquired, the things they have experienced and the pleasure that they have brought to others will stay with them for the rest of their lives. In their personal lives, in further education and in employment they will be able to apply their skills and I am positive that they will benefit from this."
To take part in the Duke of Edinburgh's Award you must be aged between 14 and 25. There are three levels of programme to choose from Bronze, Silver and Gold which if successfully completed will lead to an award. Each person taking part has to complete a personal programme of activities which they choose from four different sections, or five if working towards a Gold award. These are volunteering, physical, skills, expedition and if going for Gold residential, categories. This can lead to participants helping people in their community, taking on physical challenges, crafting activities, technical skills, developing skills, going on expeditions and so much more.
Alex Cumming, Assistant Director of The Duke of Edinburgh in Scotland presented the awards, he said: "I'm delighted to be involved in South Ayrshire's Award presentation. It again shows the commitment of the staff and volunteers in recognising and celebrating young people's achievements. South Ayrshire is leading the way in relation to The Duke of Edinburgh in Scotland and I am looking forward to hearing from the young people about their experiences and achievements."
Here are some of the enthusiastic comments from young people who received Duke of Edinburgh's Awards:
- Rebecca Goodwin, (15), "I found I was better at map reading than I thought."
- Scott Houston, (14), "perseverance paid off."
- Ruan Swart, (14), "Feels like you have accomplished something."
- Lewis Brow, (14), "I found self control."
- Isla Ferguson, (14), "I made more friends."
- Blair Munro, (14), "Walks are fun."
- Issac (14) "I just had the best time ever"
- Kieran Wardrope, (16), "It built up my self confidence and self esteem."
- Jordan Jenkins, 15), "Once you start DofE it becomes a way of life."
- Tasmin MacLeod, (15), "It built up my knowledge of geographical and historical features in the local country side."
- Alison Tait, (16), "Made me more responsible and able to handle pressure a lot better."
- Hazel Jamieson, (16), "The experience helped me keep fit and also helped me to work as a team."
- Mitchell Davidson, (17), "When I first started DofE I didn't have any awards or certificates. This has helped me get a grade 3 snowboarding and make a fly fishing rod."
- Natash Beardall, (14), *I have enjoyed myself and been better at the activities than I thought I would be."
- Louise Murray, (16), "It is fantastic because it keeps you fit and I have learned how to dance."
- Kelly McSporrant, Nikki Micheall and Tonie McLaughlan, all aged 16, *We have loved dancing, it has kept us fit and we have loved all the things we have learned. The people at the group are amazing and it's lots of fun."
- Kelsey Dunn, (15), *I thought I wouldn't be able to do it (horse riding) bit I did and I'm getting better at it all the time. I'm so proud of myself."
For more information about The Duke of Edinburgh's Award scheme log on to http://www.dofe.org/scotland/