Two young Islanders have been congratulated for their efforts and achievements in The Duke of Edinburgh's Award (DofE).
Ruth Gale and Aniela Niemiec were presented with their Gold DofE Awards by the chairman of the Isle of Wight Council, Councillor Claire Critchison, at a ceremony at County Hall.
Both have progressed from the Silver level to the top award, despite coronavirus restrictions and leaving school to attend university on the mainland.
Each of the DofE Awards require the candidate to demonstrate aptitude in key areas: volunteering, physical, skill, expedition and working with a team on a residential activity.
Ruth and Aniela were supported initially by the Island Innovation VI Form at the Isle of Wight Education Federation, and latterly by Newport Open Award Centre.
They persevered with volunteering activities — Ruth as sports secretary for her university geography society, and Aniela as a netball coach to the junior team. The pair also learnt new skills — Ruth learning to cook and Aniela coxing the rowing 8s at Oxford Brookes University.
They are both keen sports enthusiasts and despite the challenges of the pandemic, Ruth managed to play netball and organise her own fitness programme while Aniela participated in Park Run and her own running routes.
Both were part of an expedition to Exmoor, and qualifying venture to Dartmoor.
Finally, they had to attend a residential course in Swanage to participate in water sports.
The young women have matured during their time with the award, and will soon be attending a celebration of achievement at one of the London palaces.
Asked what had motivated her to complete her Gold DofE Award, Ruth said:
"During sixth-form we were encouraged to take part in DofE and we both really enjoyed the new experiences it brought.
"It was also a great opportunity to give something back to the community through volunteering and the sense of adventure we got from the expeditions was addictive."
Aniela said:
"The DofE Award is a remarkable award and we are both proud to have achieved Gold.
"We were motivated through our love for adventure and the great outdoors as well as volunteering in the community and giving our time to help others.
"Furthermore Ruth and I have gone the extra mile and are Duke of Edinburgh Ambassadors inspiring the next generation to participate in the programme. We now await our invitation to the palace."
Councillor Critchison added:
"I congratulate Ruth and Aniela on such a tremendous achievement.
"They have much to be proud of in achieving their Gold DofE Awards and it is my hope that the skills they developed by taking part stand them in good stead in their future endeavours."
For more information about the DofE award on the Isle of Wight, contact Carol Taverner, DofE facilitator for the Isle of Wight Council at: [email protected]
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