Services for Young People (SfYP) runs the Duke of Edinburgh's (DofE) Hertfordshire Open Award Centre for young people aged 14 to 17. Based at SfYP young people’s centres, these projects enable young people who may not usually participate in the DofE Award to get involved. Whatever their background or ability, young people are supported to achieve their awards, overcoming any personal challenges they may face. Taking part in the projects helps the young people’s personal development in many ways, improving their resilience, motivation, self-esteem and confidence.
At the Watford, Three Rivers and Hertsmere area team event, 42 young people, along with their guests, gathered at Watford Young People’s Centre to receive their certificates. In their speeches, the Youth Work Practice Manager and Youth Worker for DofE highlighted the progress made by the young people during the projects. One of the parents commented: "What a fantastic event; it's amazing to see how much everyone has grown."
SfYP Youth Worker giving a speech at the Watford, Three Rivers and Hertsmere DofE Award celebration evening
During the events, the young people enjoyed reuniting with the friends they met during their challenging expeditions. Parents and young people also got more information about further DofE opportunities, and many are already excited about progressing to the next DofE Award level.
SfYP Youth Workers with DofE Award recipients
One young person who completed her Silver Award plans to volunteer with the SfYP DofE Team and hopes to achieve the Gold DofE Award saying: “I believe this will be another step to possibly gaining employment in the future as it will be something else to add to my CV. It will give me another qualification and skills of leadership and teamwork that the government and employers recognise. This is a challenge for me due to my multiple chronic illnesses and disabilities, but I am up for the challenge…”
The young people expressed their gratitude to SfYP staff for their support throughout their DofE journeys. The group supported by the Dacorum Team reflected on "the most amazing Bronze DofE expedition" in the summer term, where they planned and navigated a route, walked 25km over two days, and camped independently overnight.
For more information or to find your nearest SfYP DofE project, please see the SfYP DofE web pages.
