Twenty persons received certificates as trainers in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award programme last Wednesday, October 5, at Government House.{{more}}

The training programme, which was conducted last year, is designed for adults, to equip them with the skills to manage and guide young people, according to Bertillon Hamilton, Regional Duke of Edinburgh Officer.

Hamilton further explained that the group of persons will now go to some selected secondary schools to try to get more young people involved in the programme.

“This is part of the thrust to help the national award programme to expand so that more young people can benefit,” he said.

The programme was formerly offered to young people aged 14 to 25 who were members of the Girl Guide Association or the Cadet Corps, but Hamilton said that efforts are being made to introduce the programme into a few schools.

He said that letters have been written, but they are still awaiting responses.

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award programme was formed to provide a balanced programme of activities that develops the whole person in an environment of social interaction and team working.

Young people progress through three levels, Bronze, Silver and Gold; taking part builds confidence and develops self-esteem.

The programme has been in St. Vincent and the Grenadines since 1972. (DD)