Award Awareness Week: Celebrating Youth Achievement Across Canada

October 20, 2024 Tiana Squire 0 Comments 3 min read

Toronto — Award Canada is set to celebrate the achievements of young people across the country during Award Awareness Week, taking place from October 21 to October 25, 2024. This annual event highlights the transformative impact of The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award in Canada, which empowers over 11,000 young participants to develop essential life skills, resilience, and leadership. The celebration will also recognize the dedication of more than 350 Award Leaders, including volunteers, educators, and mentors who guide youth through this life-changing program.

Stephen De-Wint, CEO of Award Canada, emphasized the importance of recognizing not just the young participants but also the mentors who support them. “This week is a celebration of the remarkable journeys undertaken by young people, but it’s equally a recognition of the adults who selflessly give their time to mentor and support them,” De-Wint said. “The Award isn’t just about skills—it’s about preparing the next generation for success in an increasingly complex world.”

Growth and Community Impact

The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award has a rich history of providing Canadian youth with opportunities for personal growth. In 2023, the program experienced a surge in participation, with over 5,000 new registrants. Young people contributed a total of 520,000 hours of community service, demonstrating the framework’s ability to foster community engagement and social responsibility. The Award encourages participants to take on a variety of challenges, from physical activities to community service, equipping them with skills that are highly valued by employers, such as problem-solving, teamwork, and leadership.

Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan, Russ Mirasty, expressed his support for the program, stating, “For over sixty years, The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award has offered Canadian youth outstanding opportunities for personal growth. Young people who have taken on the challenge have enriched their lives, expanded their horizons, and gone on to make countless, positive impacts throughout our country.”

Highlights of Award Awareness Week

Throughout the week, various events and activities will celebrate the accomplishments of participants and the contributions of Award Leaders. These include flag-raising ceremonies at Government Houses in Charlottetown, Halifax, and Regina, as well as proclamations and honorary mentions from provincial leaders. The celebrations will also feature mixers and community gatherings that will connect alumni, participants, and supporters.

One of the key initiatives highlighted during the week will be the Co-curricular Approach, which integrates the Award into mainstream curriculum and trades education, making it more accessible to youth from diverse backgrounds. This approach not only enhances formal education but also provides a structured framework for teachers, community members, and volunteers to mentor young people.

Sonya Lee, an Instructional Resource Teacher who has been involved with the Award program in Newfoundland and Labrador since 2001, shared her perspective on the initiative’s impact: “The Award has been one of the most important highlights of my teaching career. It has given me direction and guidance in my teaching, and it has enhanced and fostered my growth and development as a teacher as well as the growth and development of my students and their families.”

Shaping Future Leaders

Award Awareness Week aims to inspire youth to unlock their potential and pursue their aspirations. The program’s experiential learning framework is designed to build confident leaders who can navigate an ever-changing world. The 2023 data illustrates the profound influence of the Award, with thousands of young Canadians embracing the challenges it presents and making a meaningful difference in their communities.

Laurie Stimpson, a recipient of both the Silver and Gold Awards, reflected on the experience: “The Award taught me I could go beyond my limits. I learned that no challenge is too big if you keep pushing. It’s an experience that prepared me for the toughest moments in life and my career.”

A Call to Celebrate

Award Canada is inviting the public, educators, and community organizations to join in celebrating Award Awareness Week. The organization encourages sharing stories of youth achievement and mentorship on social media using the hashtags #AwardCanada and #WorldReady.

For more information about the events or to schedule an interview with representatives, visit www.dukeofed.org/award-awareness-week.