Britain’s Unsung Education Export

DUBAI, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News / WAM - 24th Mar, 2019) This week, the world’s education experts will convene in Dubai for the Global Education and Skills Forum. Joining them is a British export which is paving the way in international education, right now. Yet, despite it being widely known in its home country, very few are aware of its international credentials.

Currently running in more than 130 countries and territories, including the UAE, and supporting in excess of 1.3 million young people, The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award – also known as the DofE in the UK – has enabled millions of young people to step outside their comfort zone and challenge themselves through non-formal education.

And a recent survey by the charity of more than 12,000 people from over 150 countries and territories found that this type of education – learning outside the traditional classroom environment – is becoming more and more sought after. In fact, of those surveyed, two in three young people and four in five adults believe that classroom learning alone is no longer enough to prepare them for the world.

Commenting on the award, John May, Secretary-General of The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Foundation, said, "Ask many about the award in the UK and they have either been involved themselves, or know someone who has. Yet few realise that this British initiative is also a strong British export, which has been running internationally for more than 60 years."

In a series of global surveys run by The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Foundation, more than 10,000 young people across two age groups (13 – 25 and 16 – 25) and nearly 2,000 adults (aged 25+) were asked their opinion on the challenges and opportunities young people face and the skills necessary for success in today’s world.

The surveys found that seven in 10 young people feel they face more uncertainty, today, than previous generations. Further, six in 10 think that growing up is more complicated than it was for their parents and grandparents.

Those surveyed rank skills such as confidence, resilience and determination – those skills targeted by the award’s activity - as important for ensuring young people are ready for the world. Other skills such as leadership and teamwork are also seen as necessary for success, by both adults and young people alike.

"From Bangladesh to the Bahamas; Czech Republic to Cote d'Ivoire; the award is one of only a handful of examples of education frameworks which are delivered identically around the world. The award started more than 60 years ago as a ‘do it yourself growing up kit’ for British teenagers – almost three quarters of a century on, it’s just as relevant - if not more - both nationally and internationally, than when it began," May added.

The Award’s strength, he said, lies in the fact that each and every participant creates their own unique programme, to fit their motivations and circumstances, and that programme can also adapt to meet cultural, religious or environmental factors as well.

"Participants pursue their self-identified areas of interest, developing their own unique award programme of skill-building, physical activity, voluntary community service and challenge through outdoor adventure," May noted.