Dukes testimonials
Basketball to Multimedia
- Bronze Award:
- Jericho Sayson
Finally after a year of doing this level of The Duke of Edinburgh's Award, I have finished – from sweating it out playing a basketball game to abseiling down a cliff face; visiting the elderly of the community to learning new computer multimedia skills every week.
Now that I have found the activities I am doing in each area of sport, skill, community service and adventurous journey I believe that the road to completing silver will be a rather faster one than the bronze. I have had a great time doing this Award and I believe it has and will continue to open up new opportunities to me as I continue to do The Duke of Edinburgh's Award.
Mount Isa to Africa
- Gold Award:
- Ruth Hosking
Ruth Hosking is not afraid of challenges – in fact she welcomes them.
Whether it's working with displaced pygmies in Uganda or learning Scottish dancing Ruth, The Duke of Edinburgh's Gold Award holder, is confident of her ability to learn skills and adapt to any situation.
She credits the Award with building her confidence and giving her the opportunity to serve at different levels in the community.
As part of the adventurous journey component of the Gold Award, Ruth travelled to Uganda where she worked with Batwa pygmies. Malnutrition is a severe problem among the pygmies because they were moved from their traditional forest home after it was claimed as a national park.
Today, Ruth is a registered nurse working in the Mount Isa area. She says the Dukes Award got her started on her career path.
“I did a first aid course as part of the Bronze Award and have been passionate about emergency health ever since. The Award helps you get started, set goals and achieve them.”
Young leader inspiring others
- Gold Award:
- Jason Munro
At 17, having received his Gold Award from His Royal Highness Prince Edward, The Earl of Wessex, Jason Munro has become an inspiration to others.
Completing activities in the five categories, this young leader says the Award inspired him to try new things.
“I was doing so many things that were putting me out of my comfort zone, it was really good – from playing the euphonium and helping others at Meals on Wheels to camping and playing rugby,” said Jason.
“I have learnt to start projects and to work steadily to finish them – this was my biggest project so far.”
As well as helping his friends and other students, Jason has become an inspiration to his two younger brothers.
“There’s a great sense of personal satisfaction but encouraging others to complete the Award is equally rewarding.”
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