Duke of Edinburgh award info sessions tomorrow

A109 Light Utility Helicopter flight with mayor Gisborne City from the air in November 2023.

Information sessions about an award that gives young people life skills and experiences will be held in Gisborne tomorrow afternoon,

Widely regarded as the world's leading youth achievement award, the Duke of Edinburgh's Hillary Award helps 14-to-24-year-olds develop life skills through adventure, physical recreation and voluntary service.

The info sessions, at Sport Gisborne Tairawhiti, are for young people, parents, educators, community and sports groups.

The Duke of Edinburgh award comprises four sections — skills, voluntary service, physical recreation and adventurous journey. Participants design their own award and choose their own activities.

“The award has always had a wonderful reputation but might be perceived as Pakeha and middle-class,” national director Karen Ross told The Gisborne Herald last year.

“That is not the case. One of our key drives is to encourage all rangatahi (young people).”

Research shows young people who participate in the award become more confident and resilient and develop their communication, problem-solving and leadership skills, she said.