The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award was officially launched in Romania yesterday evening at a gala event attended by Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex (in picture). Romania's Education Minister Remus Pricopie and the CEO of the The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award Global Foundation John May signed the agreement. After a successful pilot project, the scheme will be open to young people in Romania. Also present at the gala were Princess Margareta of Romania, Prince Radu and Prince Nicolae.

The Award challenges young people aged between 14 and 24 to complete tasks, which can vary from mountaineering to community work, for which, once complete, they receive the Duke of Edinburgh's International Award. The scheme is currently running in over 140 countries and territories around the world and the Foundation's ambition is to make the Award available to all young people everywhere.

“We are pleased to sign today an agreement of cooperation with an important partner: The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award. By setting up this program officially, we recognize its importance to our country and enable the program to be implemented in schools and universities in Romania, by establishing permanent communication between the two sides. As I have said on other occasions, I think there is a need to focus, in addition to formal activities provided by the school and university curricula, on the non-formal education programs and this type of program is very useful for young people aged 14 to 24 years,” said Education Minister Remus Pricopie on signing the agreement. Foundation CEO John May said he was confident the Duke of Edinburgh's Award scheme would render positive results among Romania's young people, developing their awareness of the importance of team work in an environment of social interaction and building their confidence as they complete the challenges.

Find out more about The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award.

editor@romania-insider.com