2006 was the first year that Jeppe High School for Boys participated in the President’s Award for youth empowerment, which is the South African chapter of the international Duke of Edinburgh’s award. The President’s Award was part of the Enrichment Academy undertaken by the school this year, which was a great success. The President’s Award aims to develop youngsters between the ages of 14 and 25 by acknowledging and encouraging self-development amongst the youth in four main areas.

 These areas are:  skills development; participating in a physical activity or sport as well as promoting service in the community at large through a set number of hours and, lastly, by taking part in an adventure such as a journey or a hike. The Award consists of three levels: Bronze - ages 14 and upwards; Silver - ages 15 and upwards; and Gold - ages 16 and upwards. Each level consists of more challenging and longer periods of participation.

 In 2006 we started with 14 participants: five Grade 8 learners, and nine Grade 9 learners, consisting of six bronze entrants and eight silver entrants.  All aspects of the award (with the exception of the hike as there was not enough time) were completed. 

The participants’ community service contributed to an outside organization such as the Lambano Children’s Home for Aids orphans and to the school as well. Two boys from Grade nine organised a bell monument to be erected at the school as a tribute to Mr Tait as a farewell gift. This provided a home for the old 1897 school bell which was returned to the school.

 Furthermore, 2006 was also the 50th year of the award’s existence world-wide. A Gold Awards ceremony took place at St John’s College this year where both Mr Tait and I were lucky enough to meet and talk to Prince Edward, the Earl of Wessex, son of the Duke of Edinburgh. Prince Edward is taking over the award from his father, the Duke of Edinburgh.
 
In 2007 the President’s award is set to meet and beat the success that it achieved this year. Well done to all those boys who put in effort and participated in the award. Your effort does not go unnoticed.   

Article by Robert Faltermeier