Duke of Edinburgh Int’l Award: Cameroonians decorated for community service, skills dev’t….

This was the substance of an event grouping recipients, former award unit leaders and the Board of Trustees of the Award, Monday December 4. It took place at the residence of the British High Commissioner in Yaounde.

The ceremony was co-presided by the British High Commissioner to Cameroon, H.E Barry Lowen, and the Minister of Youth Affairs and Civic Education, Mounouna Foutsou.

Minister drums fighting spirit among young people

The Minister of Youth Affairs and Civic Education, Mounouna Foutsou, lauded the laureates for having engaged themselves in different forms of service. He said the outcome is “an important program for self-development”.

Minister Mounouna Foutsou added that government is committed to imbibing fighting spirit in young Cameroonians. 

Such a spirit, he said, is expected to be demonstrated in their various communities. 

He urged them to put their sight on achieving more by using the “skills to take the opportunities in the socio-economic integration process”.

For his part, the British High Commissioner to Cameroon, Barry Lowen, congratulated the recipients and assured them of his “continuous support” to ensure they achieve their goals to positively impact lives.

The National Director for the Duke of Edinburgh International Award, Munge Epie Nicole epse Bomki, on her part applauded the award unit leaders.

She encouraged them to continue spreading the word about the award in their communities. One of the award unit leaders, Blessing Besong, told reporters that the joy of such recognition is immeasurable.

(L-R): Youth Affairs Minister, Mounouna Foutsou & British High Commissioner to Cameroon Barry Lowen, during award ceremony

Service to communities 

For the past three years, the volunteers promoted the award in schools, youth centres, prisons, youth movements and associations in different regions of the country.

They implemented the award in the field of advice, guidance and assistance to young people to enable them achieve their goals.

The recipients led by examples through their exceptional long-term leadership and voluntary service. 

They also made outstanding contributions to their communities without expecting remuneration or reward.

The award, officials said, is in recognition of the awardees generosity, service, selflessness and contribution to the empowerment of young Cameroonians in building a better future.

Prior to the award ceremony, the award volunteers cleaned the Cameroon Old People’s Abandoned Home popularly known by its French acronym, VIACAM at Nkolmesseng.

The Award in Cameroon

The programme has been operating in Cameroon since 1988, recording the participation of some 15,000 young people. 

Since June 2015, the programme has been placed under the leadership of a new National Director with a functional Board of Trustees and National Award Committee.

About The Duke of Edinburgh's Int’l Award

It is a global non-formal education framework which challenges young people to discover their potentials and find their purpose, passion and place in the world. 

Since 1956, millions of young people have taken part in the Award in more than 130 countries and territories.

The programme's objective is to; provide a balance, non-formal and voluntary training to young people aged  between 14 and 24 through schools, youth clubs, associations, faith-based movements, youth empowerment centers and prisons among others.

Participants’ achievement in completing the Award is acknowledged with the award of Bronze, Silver and Gold Award Medals and Certificates during award ceremonies.

The minimum period of participation for direct entrants to qualify for an Award is: 6 months for Bronze, 12 months for Silver and 18 months for Gold.