WIREDGOV

The Northern Ireland Assembly Speaker, Alex Maskey MLA, recently (22 April 2021) took part in a virtual event with young people who have completed the various levels of the Duke of Edinburgh Award.

The event included over 45 recipients from across the region, six of which spoke directly about their experiences and how the award has benefited their lives. Also in attendance was the Director of Gaisce—The Irish President’s Award which works closely with the Duke of Edinburgh Award.

Speaker Alex Maskey MLA recently said:

“As I said in the Assembly recently, the Duke of Edinburgh awards have a massive reach and an admirable record of empowering young people and helping develop their opportunity. It’s been a great pleasure to hear about those experiences first hand with young people who have achieved so much through their participation in the Duke of Edinburgh Award.

“I know that the purpose of this initiative is to broaden the horizons of the young people who take part, to introduce them to new activities and to give them confidence in their own abilities.

“Since its inception in 1956, thousands of our young people have taken part and enjoyed the challenges that the Bronze, Silver and Gold levels provide them. I have been impressed by the breadth of activities undertaken and can only applaud the enthusiasm shown today by these recipients. While the scheme is long established, the mission to broaden the horizons of young people to give them confidence in their abilities remains as relevant as ever.”

Notes to Editors

Participants in the online event include:

Kate Thompson, Director of Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme

James McClements, Business Manager, Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme

Averil Ryan, Director of Gaisce—The Irish President’s Award

For media queries please contact:

The Communications Office

The Northern Ireland Assembly

Email: info@niassembly.gov.uk