Prince visits Drakenstein
2009-04-16
YOU have to have fun while doing the President’s Award programme. This was the message from Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex, to the offenders at the Drakenstein Correctional Services facility who participate in the President’s Award for Youth Empowerment programme. Prince Edward, a guest of the British High Commissioner, Paul Boateng, and the chairman of the World Fellowship of the International Award Association, Alex van Heeren, visited Drakenstein on Tuesday. Prince Edward, himself a Gold Award holder, told guests and offenders that when busy with the program it does not make a lot of sense, but after completing it, it really is the most amazing feeling. He encouraged the Award participants to continue on their journey of self-development through their involvement with this life-changing programme. “I am glad to hear about the impact that the Award programme is having on the lives of the young people involved. “I have to thank the prison wardens for the time spent on implementing the programme and to Correctional Services for supporting this programme. “I hope others can follow and take this opportunity to take control of their lives again,” he said. The more than 100 offenders who participate in the programme at the Drakenstein facility, attended the meeting on Tuesday. They are actively involved at either the bronze, silver or gold level. There are some 3600 offenders involved nationally in over 60 correctional centres in this rehabilitative programme. The Award programme offers a holistic non-competitive educational programme to young South Africans. The levels of bronze, silver and gold take three to four years to complete and develop the qualities of leadership, team work, self-worth, initiative, self-discipline, entrepreneurship, commitment, job skills, community responsibility, environmental awareness and a sense of adventure. Participants in the bronze level need to be involved in four mandatory activities that include at least 24 hours of community service over a three month period, developing a new skill, being actively involved in physical recreation and taking part in a 24km adventurous journey. Prince Edward is passionate about the Award programme which is available to young people between the ages of 14 and 25 in 126 countries around the world.
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