Condolences to Her Majesty the Queen and members of the Royal Family

The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award in Dominica wishes to express its heartfelt condolences to Her Majesty the Queen and members of the Royal Family on the passing of His Royal Highness Prince Phillip, Duke of Edinburgh, Founder and Patron of the Organization.

The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award Programme (DofE) was pioneered in 1956 by the Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Philip to encourage and motivate young people to become more involved in a balanced programme of activities, designed to challenge and promote personal self-development.

The Award is a non-formal education and learning framework offered to young persons between the ages of 14-25 years and available in over 130 countries worldwide. It is an exciting, adventure-filled self-development programme that can be undertaken by young people regardless of race, religion or personal ability. The programme is non-competitive; its aim is to help young people discover their talents, to become involved in community/ teamwork and to encourage self-reliance, physical fitness, discovery and perseverance.

The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award has been in existence in Dominica for sixty years, having first been introduced at the Dominica Grammar School in 1961. The Patron of the programme at present is the President of the Commonwealth of Dominica His Excellency Charles Savarin, and the National Chairman is Mr. Reginald Winston.

Over the past 15-20 years approximately 1500 participants have benefited from the programme in Dominica. A number of institutions have also benefited from the programme, including the Dominica State Prison, where the Award programme was initiated to aid the rehabilitation of juvenile offenders. Other institutions which have benefited from the programme are the Scouts and Girl Guides Associations, Dominica Cadet Corps, Dominica Youth Environment Organization and Youth Development Division's Roseau Youth Centre Life Skills Programme.

The Motto of the Organization is "Challenging Young People Everywhere". Whilst we morn the passing of our founder, The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award - Dominica, will continue to challenge young persons in engaging in positive and exciting activities in this way his legacy will continue to have a positive effect in our community.

Reginald M. Winston

Chairman

The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award - Dominica