Duke of Edinburgh gold for Southwater teenager
This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission on items purchased through this article, but that does not affect our editorial judgement.
This year 85 young people in West Sussex completed their DoE Gold Awards and were presented with their certificates by the county’s high sheriff Mark Spofforth at a special ceremony on Sunday July 3 at the Hilton Avisford Park Hotel in Arundel.
The scheme sees participants volunteer for a year, take on physical and skills-based activities, and tackle both a four-day expedition and shared activity in a residential setting.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdRobert Cox, 18, from Southwater, said: “I learnt about team work and leadership which helped me get a job at John Lewis. There was a group interview which I passed, as I had confidence to give my opinions and have more authority than the other candidates. Doing DofE feels like a massive achievement, which I’m really proud of.”
Supported by the Young People’s Service, 58 centres are delivering DofE in West Sussex to 9,571 participants.
These are from schools, colleges, special schools, open award centres and independent organisations.
This year’s awards ceremony was hosted by Patrick Burgess, deputy lieutenant and chairman of the West Sussex DofE County Committee.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdHe said: “It’s been buzzing with inspiration and people inspiring each other.”
During the event Pat Arculus, West Sussex County Council’s chairman, expressed how important it is for all young people to have access to DofE.
She said: “Each time you undertake a personal challenge, you grow a little more and gain more valuable life experience.
“Forget the ‘careers ladder’ as we are more in a time of ‘careers snakes and ladders’. However, the DofE gives you a new and better ladder, to move on to a good career.”
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdTo find out more about taking part in West Sussex email [email protected], or contact a school, college, youth group or one of the five open centres in the county.
Hundreds attend the Exceptional People in Care (EPIC) Awards to celebrate the achievements of West Sussex’s young people.
Don’t miss out on all the latest breaking news where you live.
Here are four ways you can be sure you’ll be among the first to know what’s going on.
1 Make our website your homepage at www.wscountytimes.co.uk
2 Like our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/wscountytimes
3 Follow us on Twitter @wscountytimes
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide Ad4 Register with us by clicking on ‘sign in’ (top right corner). You can then receive our daily newsletter AND add your point of view to stories that you read here.
And do share with your family and friends – so they don’t miss out!
The County Times – always the first with your local news.
Be part of it.