The Award Programme Prepares Young People for Life!
Welcome to the world of the Award — a space where stories are more than simple testimonials; they are living echoes of bold dreams transformed into reality. Each experience shared here is proof that when you push beyond your limits, with the right support, you can discover strengths you never knew you had.
From intense teamwork moments during team‑buildings to leaders carrying forward the mission in far‑flung communities, these stories capture the personal and collective transformation inspired by the Award. They speak of confidence gained through effort and perseverance, the courage to try something new, and the joy of giving time and energy to create real change.
Impact is not measured only in goals achieved or medals won, but also in friendships formed, shared values and a clearer sense of each person’s place in the world. Through the Award, young people find their voice, leaders refine their skills, and communities grow stronger and more engaged.
These stories are more than inspiration — they are an invitation to believe in yourself, act with purpose, and turn every challenge into an opportunity for growth
Leadership, collaboration, integrity, self‑discipline
“In today’s world, where old certainties are constantly challenged by artificial intelligence, geopolitical conflict, climate change and many other forces, it is essential that the next generation remain grounded and do not lose their core values.
Regardless of how the future unfolds, humanity cannot thrive without essential life skills such as leadership, collaboration, integrity, self‑discipline and a sense of community service — all of which are promoted by The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award in Romania. Personally, I cannot imagine myself, my children or my colleagues living in a world without these values
Cătălin Iorgulescu,
Partener RADC Deloitte
A journey of discovery and support
Being part of the programme gave me the chance to see beyond myself and help others discover their potential. Everyone is capable and special in their own way, and I believe the Award is one of the best ways to bring that ‘special’ out into the world.
As young people are given opportunities to make their own decisions and take responsibility for them, their confidence grows and they uncover skills and qualities they didn’t know they had. It’s about offering trust and support, working in teams, setting goals and achieving them by overcoming fears and finding solutions.
The whole process leads to a better version of ourselves without forgetting those around us. I’m proud to see participants taking steps forward on this journey and getting closer to their goals. I believe that everyone we meet has a purpose in our lives and vice versa. So let’s leave a meaningful imprint on each other’s paths
Denisa Maier,
Lider Award & Ambasador, Royal School in Transylvania,
Cluj Napoca
We inspire young people to change their destiny
”Watching young people around us, I realise how important everyday education is in challenging them to change their destiny. In Romania, the Award looks to core values and, while respecting international quality standards, is not just about developing new skills — it is about inspiring young people to take control, make their own choices and build their own programme, connecting them with the needs of the 21st century. It helps them accept themselves and discover their full potential.
Erika Hristea,,
World Fellow și Membru al Consiliului Director al,
Fundației Award din România
What could be better than that?
Our students have become very enthusiastic about the opportunity to take part in the Award programme, which they recognise as valuable for university applications and future employers. The knowledge they’ve gained is unique and personal, extending their learning beyond the classroom.
They set new goals and, while focusing on achieving them, develop resilience, become more independent, learn to organise their time effectively, stay motivated and enjoy the uniqueness of these moments. They choose a wide range of activities that help them grow at every level, and we are delighted to be part of their development into healthy, functional adults who are aware of society and its needs. What could be better than that?
Rita Hayek Maalouf,
Director Cambridge School of Bucharest
Growing beyond my limits
Looking back on my journey, I realise how much I’ve grown and how many things have changed in my life. I’ve met wonderful people who inspired me, believed in me and pushed me out of my comfort zone, showing me that I can go beyond my own limits.
Now I can speak in front of an audience, inspire other young people, and I know that anything is possible if you are motivated and believe in yourself. I love hiking, nature, playing guitar, football, photography and, above all, people. I believe that if every person were appreciated and surrounded by love, they would become the best version of themselves, discovering their best abilities — and the Award has those kinds of people.Gândindu-mă la călătoria mea, realizez cât de mult am evoluat şi câte lucruri s-au schimbat în viaţa mea. Am întâlnit oameni minunaţi care m-au inspirat, au crezut în mine şi m-au scos din zona de confort, arătându-mi că pot merge dincolo de propriile limite.
Beatrice Podeanu,
finalizator al nivelurilor Bronz, Argint, Aur şi Ambasador,
Award, Iași
From passion to studies in politics and diplomacy
As an Award Ambassador in Romania, after completing the Gold level and serving as an Award Leader in my school, I encourage every young person to respond positively to this challenge, knowing from my own experience how much you develop personally and professionally.
I helped young people living in isolation in the Atlas Mountains in Morocco, an experience that taught me to be more socially aware and give back to society, and it also greatly strengthened my passion for politics and diplomacy — something that will help me in the future!
Ioan Pristavu,
finalizator al nivelurilor Bronz, Argint şi Aur, Ambasador,
Award, Transylvania College, Cluj Napoca
We build memories for life
The Award programme has been an incredible opportunity from the start — to get to know ourselves, do what we love, and be challenged in a supportive and generous environment continually adapted for young people. It gave us the chance to meet fabulous people and build memories for life.
Working as a team — both adults and young people — in a constant search for the best solutions and highest purpose, understanding the work of others and supporting them until the end, facing our fears and growing together with fearless young people.
Gianina Păun,
Coordonator, Supraveghetor și Evaluator, Asociația Tânăr
și Liber, Piatra Neamț
Embracing the sky through aviation
It’s a great delight to be an Award Ambassador, to have the opportunity to share my experience and support the programme’s initiatives in Romania. Taking part at the Gold level taught me to see the potential in people and look at them with more love. I grew harmoniously, broadened my horizons, embraced the sky through aviation, and brought a spark of love through music, together with my beloved violin.
Hanna Hoos,
finalizator nivelul de Aur & Ambasador Award, Brașov
A chance to discover your true potential
The Award programme is probably one of the most wonderful experiences with young people in my entire life. Although I’ve worked with them for more than two decades, I don’t think I’ve ever met them so relaxed as in this wonderful programme.
Here they experience completely new things, test their limits, make lifelong friends and, more than that, mature rapidly. On the other hand, the Award develops us, their mentors, as we are always close to them and help them overcome age‑specific fears. The Award is, therefore, a chance for every young person eager to meet their own potential.
Ovidiu Albert,
Coordonator, Supraveghetor & Evaluator Award, Asociația
Mușatinii, Roman
Ready to support young people in Romania
I feel very lucky to be part of the Award Ambassadors team.
My two passions are human rights and extreme sports. I am a Gold Award completer and am constantly in touch with my team, together ready to support young people in Romania to complete the programme and develop personally.
The Award is not just about challenging yourself — it’s about being part of an extraordinary community.
Ștefania Vîlcu,
Ambasador Award & finalizator al nivelului de Aur,
Bucureşti
A chance to make your own decisions and follow your path
Many complain about the school system teaching useless skills and not preparing young generations for real life. Well, the Award is an amazing programme where you can make your own decisions and follow that path — build consistency, develop empathy, take responsibility, gain a better understanding of the world and yourself, without competition. Honestly, I could list the programme’s benefits for a long time, and the more I learn about it, the more I realise how essential it is for young people to get involved.
I am very proud to be part of this community, and I’m sorry I didn’t have the chance to join when I was a teenager. I would have had so much fun, and that’s why I encourage all our students to join the Award and be part of this wonderful community.
Botond Cserei,
Coordonator Award la János Zsigmond Unitarian High
School, Cluj Napoca
Nothing is impossible when you overcome your own fears
For me, the Award is a stimulus that constantly pushes me to overcome my fears and face every challenge and, above all, reminds me that nothing is impossible.
The Award programme has contributed greatly to my personal development. From being a Bronze-level participant to becoming a Centre Coordinator, it has been — and continues to be — about wonderful people, challenges, fun, motivation and friendship, but above all about me, the Ali I am today. I encourage all young people to join today.
Ali Stoicescu,
Ambasador & Coordonator Award pentru Asociaţia „Un
Strop de Fericire”, Ploiești
Dreams become reality: a voice as a journalist
Guiding young people towards belief in themselves and the achievement of their dreams is a task that requires patience, openness and empathy. The results are not visible immediately, but they last a lifetime. Discovering your own value, as well as your talents and abilities, can help with career guidance and building a balanced life, by learning to fight for them.
I believe in the power of the Award programme also because I had a participant on my team who chose guided reading to develop personal skills in a consistent and timely way, and this has already brought recognition and results: his dream of becoming a journalist has been achieved.
Marica Badiu,
Coordonator Award la Liceul Teoretic „Mircea Eliade„,,
Întorsura Buzăului
The Award – a canvas painted by every young person
Working with young people in the Award programme is like painting on canvas: you buy all the colours – watercolours, tempera, acrylics and brushes – but all the canvases already have a sketch on them.
When you return home, you place the canvas on the easel. You look at the outline that already exists and think about how you can transform that shape into the drawing you originally wanted to paint. From that moment until the qualifying expedition, alongside training there are many discussions, adjustments and negotiations, through which you learn and learn again.
Every team I have supervised, assessed or trained has given me a new lesson to take with me.
Ariana Cordoș,
Surpraveghetor & Evaluator Award Aventură,
Cluj Napoca
Development in ways they did not believe were possible
For me, as a teacher, the Award programme is an exceptional opportunity to channel students’ energy in a constructive way, one that highlights their strengths and motivates them to develop in ways they did not believe were possible.
For Pașcani, a small town lacking cultural opportunities and challenges, this programme helps young people aim higher and push beyond their limits, discover and engage with the community, find their own path, and become active participants rather than mere spectators in our society.
Anca Aparaschivei,
Coordonator Award la Colegiul Naţional Mihail,
Sadoveanu” din Paşcani
Through the Award I have…
Through the Award, I discovered the guitar, which has become an essential part of who I am. It calms my soul when I am stressed, reminds me that there are moments of joy even when you are tired, and that I can turn beauty into excellence.
What I enjoy most, however, is Sunday, when, together with my brother who plays the organ, we bring harmony into our family.
Sara Sticea,
participant la nivelul de Bronz, Colegiul Național Mihail
Sadoveanu, Pașcani
The Award – a bridge that connects generations
The Award programme has a significant impact on the personal development of both young people and the adults involved.
Through the Award, young people are empowered and equipped not only with confidence, but also with the desire to create meaningful change; to find their purpose, their passion and their place in the world.
I would describe the Award as a bridge – a bridge that opens pathways, a bridge that brings destinies together. And we all know how important such a bridge is, and how many benefits it can bring.
Raymond Gheorghiță,
Coordonator, Supraveghetor & Evaluator Award, Asociaţia,
Turul Madar, Sfântu Gheorghe
Every volunteer can make a big difference
One of the best things about being involved in the Award has been the opportunity to meet wonderful, fascinating and inspiring people, who have also become very good friends. Believe it or not, dedicating time to coordination, leadership and assessment as part of the programme has improved both my physical and mental wellbeing.
Delivering the Award programme at Transylvania College teaches me different things about people and places, which ultimately leads to my personal and professional growth. Through the programme, I am able to fulfil my passion for travel and exploration, which has a positive impact on my self-esteem and work experience.
Every volunteer can make a difference. Do not underestimate your potential. No matter how small your steps may be, you have the potential to make a big difference.
Denisa Maier,
Coordonator Award, Supraveghetor şi Evaluator,
Transylvania College, Cluj Napoca