The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award

International Award

The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award is a global non-formal education framework for young people aged 14 to 24. It helps young people discover purpose and develop essential life skills through a personalized program of activities. The four sections are Skills, Physical Recreation, Voluntary Service and an Adventurous Journey.

The Award is internationally recognized, offering participants the chance to grow confidence, resilience, and leadership while making a positive impact on their communities. It has been inspiring young people worldwide since 1956, fostering personal growth and preparing them for future success. This program supports young people in Kazakhstan and around the world to develop their potential, engage actively in their communities, and gain valuable international accreditation.

An Award without barriers

The Bronze Award is the starting level for young people aged 14 and over. Participants must commit to at least three months in each of the following sections: Voluntary Service, Developing a Skill, and Physical Recreation, dedicating about one hour per week to each. Additionally, they must complete a two-day, one-night Adventurous Journey involving preparation, training, a practice journey, and a qualifying journey.

The Silver Award is for participants aged 15 and above. The time commitment increases, requiring at least six months in Voluntary Service, Developing a Skill, and Physical Recreation (with some allowances if Bronze was previously completed). The Adventurous Journey at Silver level lasts three days and two nights.

Why do the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award?

The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award is important from a non-academic perspective because it promotes personal growth and development beyond traditional classroom learning. It encourages young people to step outside their comfort zones, take responsibility for their own progress, and embrace new challenges. This approach nurtures independence, resilience, and determination—qualities essential for lifelong success.

Participants build a wide range of valuable qualities including:

Self-belief and self-confidence through accomplishing challenging goals.
A strong sense of identity and personal responsibility as they own their learning journey.
New talents and practical abilities that broaden their horizons.
Enhanced planning, problem-solving, communication, and teamwork skills.
Opportunities to form friendships and connect with their communities.
Development of leadership skills and the ability to work effectively in teams.

These qualities together shape well-rounded, confident young people prepared for life’s varied challenges and opportunities, beyond academic achievements.

Structure of the Award

The Award has 4 Sections:

Voluntary Service

For this section participants are required to give service (volunteer) over a set period of time. It enables them to experience the benefits that their Voluntary Service provides to others in their community. e.g. helping with conservation work, animal shelters, orphanages, supporting events at school and providing support in the library

Skills

This section of the Award encourages the development of personal interests, creativity or practical skills e.g. Learning a musical instrument, art, cooking, learning new languages and creative writing.

Physical Recreation

This section of the Award encourages young people to participate in sport and other physical recreation for the improvement of health, fitness and wellbeing e.g. ball sports, athletics, swimming, rock climbing, skiing, kayaking or judo.

Adventurous Journey

This section encourages a sense of adventure and discovery while undertaking a team journey. As part of a small team, participants plan, train for and undertake a journey with a purpose in an unfamiliar environment. Training includes navigation, route planning, First Aid, how to pack a rucksack, campcraft and cooking.