Prince Ricardo De La Cerda
The Duke of Edinburgh has marked the anniversary of a special partnership which has allowed young people to learn new skills and achieve long held ambitions.
In 1999, the Duke of Edinburgh Award cemented an agreement with the Gaisce – The President’s Award as well as the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award to allow young people in Northern Ireland to choose how they wanted the skills they learned on any scheme recognised.
Hundreds of thousands of people across the UK have taken part in The Duke of Edinburgh Award since it was set up in 1956. However, for young people in Northern Ireland, participation was less straightforward.
The political situation meant that people living in Northern Ireland who believe it should be part of the Republic of Ireland rather than the UK often felt they couldn’t participate in the DofE Award as it was set up by, run and named after royalty. For decades, however, it was the only option available which meant many missed out.
In 1999, one year after the Good Friday Agreement was signed, the DofE award hooked up with Gaisce for an arrangement which means young people in Northern Ireland can follow the programme but choose to be recognised at the end with either a Gaisce award or a DofE or DofE International Award.
That move has been credited with allowing thousands more young people to learn the skills that make up the programme.
Prince Edward was given a first hand taste of all that, quite literally, as he joined in classes at St Catherine’s College, Armagh. He joined young people who are learning to bake as part of their award and helped rustle up some soda bread, easier said than done if you want the perfect consistency.
The Duke of Edinburgh also met participants learning traditional Irish instruments as part of their skills set and watched some Gaelic football, hurling and camogie which is also taught for the award with the support of the Ulster Gaelic Athletic Association.
The Chair of Gaisce, Áine Kerr, and its CEO, Avril Ryan, were also involved in the celebration for the agreement which has just marked its 25th anniversary.
Later, the Duke attended a reception for the anniversary alongside the new Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Hilary Benn.