About the Award
The Award (Internationally)
The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Foundation drives and supports the Award’s global growth, so more young people can undertake the world’s leading youth achievement award.
Working through our network of Award Operators in more than 140 countries and territories, we are creating new ways and places for young people to do the Award, using innovative online tools.
Ambition
Since the Award’s launch over 60 years ago, millions of young people have participated, with millions more benefitting from its impact in communities around the world. By creating opportunities for young people to develop skills, get physically active, give service and experience adventure, the Award plays a critical role in their development outside the classroom. It also allows their achievement to be consistently recognised worldwide, giving young people unique international accreditation of their experiences. Our ambition is that every young person aged 14 to 24 in the world should have the opportunity to participate in the Award.
We are a registered charity and rely on the support of individuals, companies, trusts and foundations.
The regions
Award Operators around the world are supported through four regional offices:
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Africa
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Americas
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Asia Pacific
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Europe, Mediterranean and Arab States (EMAS)
Various meetings and events are organised to promote and support Award activities in each region and on an global basis.
The Award in Barbados
The Duke of Edinburgh's International Barbados is locally registered charity No. 3. It falls under the Americas region and is part of Caribbean Award Sub-regional Council. The Award was first introduce to the island in 1963 through the initiative of Kenneth Pile and Deighton Maynard, who at the time were integrally involved with Scouts at the Combermere School.
In 1964, thanks to the efforts of Mr. Lomer Alleyne, the Barbados Voluntary Council took on the responsibility for the Award by becoming the official sponsoring body. Over the years the programme expanded and has become a household name as more and more youth signed on to the Award.
Today the Award is available in secondary schools, churches and is delivered the Barbados Cadet Corps, The Girl Guides Association of Barbados and the Barbados Boy Scouts Association. The Award is delivered and administered by a team of dedicated volunteers; they are led by the National Award Council.