What is the DofE Award Scheme?
A life-changing experience. A fun time with friends. An opportunity to discover new interests and talents. A tool to develop essential skills for life and work. A recognised mark of achievement; respected by employers.
The DofE Award scheme is many things to many people, supporting generations to successfully navigate adult life.
14-24 year-olds can do a DofE programme at one of the three progressive levels which, when successfully completed, lead to a Bronze, Silver or Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.
There are four sections to complete at Bronze and Silver levels and five at Gold. They involve helping the community/environment, becoming fitter, developing new skills, planning, training for and completing an expedition and, for Gold only, working with a team on a residential activity.
Why DofE?
The Greater Manchester Youth Federation’s aim is to support aspiration and create opportunities. We believe all young people should have equal access to opportunities, regardless of ability, gender, background or location.
Launching the Duke of Edinburgh Award programme to our clubs is something we are really passionate about. Even though the DofE Award Scheme is the world’s most popular achievement award for young people, there are many who still can’t access it.
For lots of young people who are part of our affiliated clubs, there is a financial barrier to starting their DofE Award, and we are working hard to break that barrier. There are others who do not have a good relationship at school but have found a place of trust and safety in our youth groups making them more accepting to opportunities given to them.
Our involvement in DofE is core to our mission statement. The aims and principles of The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme is directly in line with ours, empowering young people, supporting them as they learn new skills, overcome obstacles and build confidence and resilience; all to support the preparation for life outside of education.
How are we achieving this?
To break any financial barriers for young people, we are securing funding through charities and businesses. We also continue to receive incredible donations of high-quality expedition equipment and clothing for our young people to loan. Wherever possible we are using our own resources, knowledge and skills to train and support our clubs, led by our experienced Duke of Edinburgh and Club’s Engagement Officer.
Why come to us?
For the hundreds of thousands of young people who take part each year, the benefits of achieving a DofE Award at any level are endless. DofE is about helping you along the path to a productive and prosperous future. As many of our participants say, it is life changing!.
In running the DofE Award Scheme, we are providing safe spaces, where you can build confidence, have fun and become the best version of yourself!
We are running the award scheme at an extremely low cost. Our DofE centres are located in the hearts of local communities, with the aim of reaching the young people who have never had the opportunity to start their DofE journey before, especially in marginalised areas.
Build lasting friendships
Safe and supportive
Inclusion
Give back to your community
Get involved today!
If you are a young person wanting to start your DofE journey, a club looking for support in running the Award programme, or some who wants to volunteer, please get in contact!