Funding boost for Duke of Edinburgh's Award program

29/7/98

Young Western Australians will have greater opportunity to participate in the highly successful Duke of Edinburgh's Award following a funding boost from the State Government.

Presenting a group of 15-year-olds with their Silver Awards as part of the Duke of Edinburgh's Award program yesterday, Youth Minister Mike Board announced extra funding of $30,000 to increase access to the program in WA schools.

The allocation, which is in addition to annual State Government funding for the program, has been made available under the Youth Grants WA scheme.

The grant will assist in the employment of an officer to promote the Duke of Edinburgh's Award program in schools throughout the State.

Mr Board said the award was recognised worldwide for its positive impact on the lives of young people.

"The program gives our youth different experiences and provides them with an opportunity to develop new skills and to foster self-discipline," the Minister said.

"It is an outstanding program and has many benefits for young people in the community."

The Duke of Edinburgh's Award operates in 60 countries around the world and attracts 180,000 new entrants each year. In WA alone there are 6,000 young people enrolled in the program at any one time.

Mr Board said the program was currently being offered as an elective as part of the Government's successful Cadets WA initiative and there was significant potential to expand the scheme in WA schools.

"Currently 80 per cent of entrants join the program through schools, yet only 25 per cent of schools in WA participate in the awards," he said.

"With an officer working in schools to promote the awards there will be far greater opportunity for young people to get involved.

"By giving our young people the opportunity to become involved in programs such as the Duke of Edinburgh's Award, I believe the community is making a real investment in the future of the State."

Youth Minister Mike Board congratulates Duke of Edinburg Silver Award winner Bianca Rogers, 16, of Lockridge, a member of the 57 Regional Cadet Unit.

Media contact: Jody Robb 9222 9211