‘Sixty-five years ago, His Royal Highness established The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award in the UK. Since then, it has been delivered in more than 130 countries and territories, equipping and empowering millions of young people to build the skills, confidence and resilience they need to support their communities and be ready for the world.

It is with great sadness that we acknowledge the death of our Founder HRH The Duke of Edinburgh, a committed champion of young people. HRH leaves a legacy that continues to inspire millions to discover their infinite potential. His Award program has been present in Romania for many years impacting in a positive way the lives of many young people in Romania. He will be sadly missed but never forgotten.’

Shajjad Rizvi MBE, Chairman of The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Romania Foundation

‘The International Award family mourns the loss of our inspirational Founder. Prince Philip’s belief in the infinite potential of young people, coupled with his championing of non-formal education and learning, positioned him as a leader and thinker of truly global stature.

Through the personal leadership and involvement of Prince Philip, the Award that bears his name has transformed the lives of millions of young people since it started in 1956 and has impacted countless more in local communities. As young people face exceptional challenge and change in the wake of the current pandemic, this “do-it-yourself growing-up kit”, as he described it, is even more relevant today than ever.

His Royal Highness’s passion for, and commitment to, the work of the Award and the development of young people continued until the last. His determination, energy and enthusiasm will be greatly missed.’

John May, Secretary General of The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Foundation

From its founding, The Duke has been committed to ensuring the Award is accessible to young people of all backgrounds. Around the world, the Award has provided opportunities to at risk and marginalised young individuals, including post-conflict communities (Cote d`Ivoire; Uganda); disability groups (Indonesia); indigenous peoples (Belize, Australia) and young offenders (Ghana, South Africa).

In Romania, the program was first introduced in 1991 by Sister Agnes in Roman-Catholic Parish of Motru, being carried on locally until 2011. Starting 2011, the program has expanded nationwide, where it was successfully implemented in several cities of Romania, and in June 2013 Her Majesty Margareta, Custodian of the Romanian Crown becomes the Patron of The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award in Romania. Since then, the Award has seen a rapid expansion, engaging over 10.000 young people and 2.000 Award Leaders finding their purpose, passion and place in the world.

Every year, more than a million young people participate in the Award worldwide, supported by around 200,000 volunteers. Whilst it is known by a number of different names globally – from The President’s Award in South Africa, to The International Award for Young People in India, the framework remains the same.

May continues: ‘As we mark the extraordinary life of The Duke of Edinburgh, we are resolutely committed to ensuring His Royal Highness’s vision for the Award continues to grow and reach even more young people worldwide in the years to come, under the Chairmanship of HRH The Earl of Wessex.’

At this time, the International Award family encourages anyone who would like to share a message of condolence, or memories of the Award and what it means to them to visit www.facebook.com/intaward.

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For more information, interviews or Award content:

Shajjad Rizvi MBE, The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Romania Foundation

shajjad.rizvi@dofe.ro

For international interviews or content:

Marianna Davis, The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Foundation

marianna.davis@intaward.org.