Award Stories
The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award – Romania can be found right across the country, engaging over 8,000 young people and over 1,500 Award Leaders and with millions having participated around the world. Our program is run in cities, rural and remote areas, through government and independent schools, universities and colleges, and a wide range of organizations, sports clubs, employers, youth detention centers and community youth organizations. They are empowered with not just the confidence, but also the desire to create meaningful change, finding their purpose, passion and place in the world. Here are just a few of their stories.
Watching young people around us I realized how important every day education is, it challenges young people to change their destiny. In Romania, the Award turns it’s eyes primarily to basic values and international quality standards; it’s not just about gaining skills, having outdoor expeditions, but also inspires young people to take control, make their own choices and build their own unique program, to connect them with the needs of the 21st century. It helps to accept themselves and discover their full potential. Erika Hristea, World Fellow and Board member Award Foundation Romania
Being part of the Award offered me the opportunity to look beyond myself and to help others discover that too. Every person is capable and special in their own way, and I think the Award is one of the best ways of getting that “special” at the surface and share it with the world. As young people receive the opportunity of making choices by themselves and taking responsibility for those, their self-confidence increases and reveals skills and qualities they didn’t know they have. It’s about giving trust and support, working in a team, setting a goal and achieving it by overcoming fears and finding solutions. The whole process leads to a better version of yourself, without forgetting the ones around. I am proud to see participants taking steps forward in this journey and getting closer to their goals. I think everyone we meet has a purpose in our lives and the other way around. So lets leave a meaningful footprint on each others path. Denisa Maier, Award Leader and Supervisor Royal School in Transylvania
Thinking about my journey I realized how much I have evolved and how many things changed in my life. I met wonderful people who inspired me, people who trusted me and pulled me out of the comfort zone by showing me that I can go beyond my limits. Now I can speak freely in front of an audience, inspire young people and realize that anything is possible if you are motivated and trust yourself. I love nature, hiking, guitar playing, basketball, photography and, above all, people. I found that if every person is appreciated and surrounded by love, flourishes and makes use of his best qualities, and the Award has such people! Beatrice Podeanu, Award Ambassador and Bronze and Silver Holder
Our students have become energized by the opportunity to undertake the Award which they also recognize as valuable for university enrollment and future employ-ability. The knowledge they have already picked up is unique, personal and has extended their learning beyond the classroom. They are setting new, wider goals and as they focus on achieving them they are developing resilience and dependability, learn to manage time effectively, become more self-motivated and enjoy the uniqueness of these moments. There is a wide range of activities they have chosen which are helping them grow on every level and we are enjoying watching them develop into healthy, well-functioning adults, more aware of wider society. What can be better than that? Rita Hayek Maalouf, Director The Cambridge School of Bucharest
The Award programme was from the beginning an amazing opportunity to get to know each other and to get beyond ourselves, to do what we love and scares us in an organized and generous environment, continuously adapted for young people. It gave us the opportunity to discover fabulous people and build memories for a lifetime. To work as a team, both adults and young people, in a permanent search for the best solution and the highest goal. To understand the work of the person next to us and support him to the end. To interact with our own fears and to grow up alongside fearless young people. Gianina Paun, Award Coordintor Tînâr și Liber Association
As Ambassador Award in Romania I can go further in the program, being also a Gold Holder and Award Leader in my school. I recommend to every young person to say yes to this challenge, because I know from my own experience how much you can develop personally and professionally. I helped young people living in isolation in the Atlas Mountains, in Morocco, experience that taught me to be more socially aware and give back to society, and also developed a lot on my passion for politics and diplomacy, which will help me in the future! Ioan Pristavu, Award Ambassador and Gold Holder










The Award helped me discover the guitar, that has become an essential part of me, it comforts my soul when I am stressed, tells me that there are moments of joy even when you are tired, and that I can turn beauty into excellency. But what I like most is Sunday, when with my brother who plays the org, we bring together a beautiful harmony in the family with every moment, chord, string and clapper.Sara Sticea, bronze participant
