Twenty-six young people from Dr. Luís Maurílio da Silva Dantas Primary and Secondary School and the Santa Cecília Scout Group were honoured with The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Portugal in the Bronze, Silver, and Gold categories, recognising their commitment, dedication, and personal growth throughout the programme.
The ceremony took place in the municipality of Câmara de Lobos, with the presence of the Mayor, Celso Bettencourt, and the councillor for Social Intervention, Education and Youth, Sónia Brazão, and also with the presence of HRH the Duke of Bragança, Honorary President of the Programme and the National Director, Luisa de Sá Carneiro Beirão.
The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Portugal expresses a deep gratitude for the collaboration, availability and strong commitment to the promotion of youth development and active citizenship in the Autonomous Region of Madeira, especially in the Municipality of Câmara de Lobos.
The event recognises the dedication of those who have completed the different levels of the Award, reflecting a path marked by overcoming challenges, serving the community, taking part in sports, and developing personal and social skills.
Câmara de Lobos City Council and The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Portugal also thank the essential contribution of the monitors and supervisors, whose close monitoring, dedication and professionalism are decisive for the success of the programme. Their role is fundamental in the transmission of values, in the continuous motivation of participants and in the creation of transformative experiences.
For the Mayor of Câmara de Lobos, Celso Bettencourt, this initiative represents “a strategic investment in the future of the municipality.” The Mayor underlines that “The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award is an initiative that goes far beyond formal recognition, promoting essential values such as responsibility, solidarity, resilience and the spirit of leadership in our young people.” He also adds that “it is with great pride that the Municipality recognises the merit of these young people and the tireless work of the monitors and educational partners, reaffirming our commitment to creating opportunities that prepare the new generations for the personal, academic and professional challenges of the future.”
The ceremony further welcomed the new Young Award Ambassador, Maria Catarina Agrela, who represents the Municipality of Câmara de Lobos and takes an active role in promoting the programme among other young people, inspiring by example and representing the values of commitment, leadership and responsibility that the Award promotes.
During the event, the importance of The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award as a differentiating asset in the curriculum of young people. Recognised nationally and internationally, the programme contributes to the development of key skills such as leadership, resilience, teamwork, autonomy and sense of responsibility, increasingly valued in higher education and the labour market.
More than a formal recognition, the award represents a path of growth sustained by fundamental values, such as solidarity, perseverance, respect, a spirit of initiative and civic involvement. In a challenging social context, it is essential to provide young people with opportunities that promote not only technical skills but also character and social awareness.
The Câmara de Lobos City Council and The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Portugal thus reaffirm “their commitment to the integral education of young people, believing that investing in values today is building more responsible citizens, more conscious leaders and a stronger society in the future.”
Samantha Gannon
info at madeira-weekly.com
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