Minister for Youth and Sports, Parveen Kumar Bala, awarded 14 youth clubs with the Duke of Edinburgh International Award (DEIA) in Suva yesterday (5/10/2022).
The award which is internationally recognised and is one of the leading youth achievement awards that help builds lifelong skills for young people such as teamwork and leadership, decision making and problem-solving, unity and diversity, exploring and creating new opportunities, community service, empathy, and patriotism.
“With this award ceremony, the Central Division will now surpass the 100 mark having been awarded 122 awardees with Silver and Bronze awards. So double
congratulations
for passing the century mark, to all concerned – including coordinators, trainers, teachers, parents and of course our successful participants.”
Minister Bala highlighted that through its non-formal education programs such as the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award, the Ministry is mandated to carry out empowerment training specifically to develop the young minds of our future leaders.
“Not all learning takes place in a classroom. Young people need experiences outside the classroom to be committed, responsible and fulfil citizenship,” said Minister Bala.
“I sincerely thank all those whose efforts have ensured that these 62 participants have committed themselves to the program, a well-deserved achievement.”
“I recognise that you support the Duke of Edinburgh International Award over and above your normal workload ensuring that the participants receive proper training and fulfil the program requirements,” he added.
This is among the many tireless tasks performed by our teachers, and you deserve all the recognition and
congratulations
for going beyond the call of duty in providing training for this program.
Minister Bala also acknowledged the assistance and support of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces and the Fiji Red Cross Society who are always available to travel with the students during their adventurous journey.