'His father shares a special connection with Nepal since the first Mount Everest expedition'
KATHMANDU, FEBRUARY 5
Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Edward Antony Richard Louis, attended the Duke of Edinburgh's International Award (DoEIA)-Nepal, held at SOS Children's Village Sano Thimi in Bhaktapur today.
Prince Edward paid a visit to a stall set up by students to showcase their skills and talents in non-formal sectors. Stalls came from both community and private schools.
According to the operators of the award in Nepal, it is guided by global standards; the award fosters personal growth, resilience, and leadership, creating confident and responsible individuals ready to make a difference.
"The Duke of Edinburgh International Award is a global platform where individuals (14-24) can participate regardless of gender, background, or ability," said Chandrayan Shrestha, the award's founding chair in Nepal. "The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award (DoEIA) in Nepal encourages overall development through personalised, non-competitive activities. It encourages young people to use their free time productively, fostering physical, mental, and spiritual development rather than focusing on material rewards."
Joel Grant, senior operations manager, Growth and Development at The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award Foundation, who is here to support the National Award Operator team in Nepal, showcasing the wonderful achievements of young people through participation in the award framework, told THT, "this award is about developing young people to find their passion, purpose and place in the world through non-formal education, so learning outside of the classroom."
He further said, "For example, young people undertake a challenge to do a skill, to develop a skill. It could be a trade skill, a musical instrument, or learning a new language. They do it for one hour per week. They also participate in volunteer work, giving back to their communities, as well as physical recreation, which keeps them fit and healthy."
He said that it encourages holistic development of participants, and they also embark on what he refers to as an adventurous journey, which involves taking them out of their comfort zone, embarking on a journey, discovering their sense of adventure, and developing leadership skills.
These areas could be a camping trip and expeditions in the mountains, as it's really about giving young people opportunities to develop things outside of the classroom and be the best versions of themselves.
He also mentioned that the programme is available in over 120 countries around the world. And the award operates through our licensed operators.
"National award operators, such as the Nepal office, operate on a social franchise model. Essentially, they are the operator who delivers the award here. So they license schools, youth organisations, and charities to empower their staff and volunteers to deliver the award and serve as adult mentors for the young people taking on the challenge," he told THT.
"It's a very special occasion and opportunity as Duke is here in Nepal. His father shares a very special connection with Nepal."
According to him, the three founders were His Royal Highness Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh; Kurt Hahn; and Lord Hunt, who accompanied Sir Hilary on the first expedition to Mount Everest.
"There is a very spiritual connection between the Duke of Edinburgh's International Award and Nepal, so it's a very special case," he said.
"Overall, one of his main goals for this trip is to recognise the outstanding achievements of the national award operator."
Shrestha also emphasised that the first expedition of Mount Everest also inspired Prince Philip. inspired by the expedition, he later asked Lord Hunt to design a program so it was designed for the youths because Prince Edward is the patron of the award now, and it is among his many causes that he was here with children and us," he told THT.
Students from the Scout stall shared that the Scout has also signed an MoU with the award because their activities overlap. "We receive awards in various categories, which help us achieve better life goals and institutions for education around the world," Saurab Neupane told THT from the Scout stall.
According to the British Embassy in Kathmandu, 21 outstanding young Nepalis received their Gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award today and many more young Nepalis met the Duke.
"The programme challenges young people to learn new skills, discover their passions and talents they never knew they had, and build their self-belief. Fantastic to see the diverse range of participants and celebrate their achievements with them today," reads its Facebook post.