The nation’s youth were once again at the fore receiving awards from a programme that motivates young people to realize their full potential, while providing an avenue for them to develop their natural talent. The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, a programme which originated in the United Kingdom in 1965, is quite popular in the Commonwealth, which Antigua and Barbuda is a part of. The programme consists of activities that can be undertaken by anyone aged 14 to 25 and is divided into three progressive levels, each of which comprises of a number of criteria that must be met in order to advance to the next level.

These categories include entering into volunteer service, improving ones physical activity, developing practical and social skills, training for and participating in an expedition, and doing a residency, which takes one away from home and shared activity.

Participants are assisted by adult leaders who are knowledgeable in the area being undertaken and the completion of each leads to a Bronze, Silver or Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award.

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