FIVE young people from Anglesey have recently enjoyed an unforgettable experience as they attended a special ceremony at Buckingham Palace.
Antonia and Georgia Roberts from Ysgol Uwchradd Caergybi, Louise Roberts from Ysgol Uwchradd Bodedern, and Catrin Williams and Erin O’Neill from Ysgol Gyfun Llangefni were all presented with their Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award.
The County Council’s Youth Service is responsible for leading and organising Duke of Edinburgh Award activities, with the Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award taking between 12 months and two years to complete.
As well as going on a four-day expedition, participants must also learn new skills, volunteer in the community, undertake physical challenges and partake in a residential experience.
The young people gained new experiences whilst improving their group work skills, recognised their own strengths, and learnt to be more independent while completing the Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award.
One of the young participants, Georgia Roberts said, “Doing our Duke of Edinburgh has been a fantastic opportunity to learn new skills and meet like-minded people. The experience has pushed us in many ways to develop our own resilience and teamwork. Although we faced highs and lows along our journey, looking back now as Gold Award holders, we feel proud of what we have accomplished.
“The skills we have learnt have helped us to grown into the independent young people we are today. Going to Buckingham Palace for our Gold celebration event was a once in a lifetime experience; being recognised for the hard work and effort we have put in we were able to reflect on what an amazing time we have had during our DofE experience.”
Many young people from the Island have also completed their walking expedition in Eryri National Park, with many young people completing their Bronze and Silver Award on the Anglesey Coastal Path – ensuring they now have a greater knowledge of their surroundings and local heritage.
Sioned Sawicz, an Officer in the Council’s Youth Service, said, “Anglesey Youth Service would like to wish every participant of the Duke of Edinburgh Awards the best of luck as they move on to seek new experiences and opportunities either in college, Universities or in new jobs. Keep up the good work!”
