UPDATE: The Duke of Edinburgh has praised Welsh students who completed a challenging expedition despite the harsh conditions of Storm Amy. During a visit to the Senedd in Cardiff earlier today, he expressed admiration for the resilience of these young adventurers.
The Duke met with youth ambassadors from DofE Cymru and engaged with pupils from Pen y Dre High School in Merthyr Tydfil. These students persevered with their expedition plans even when severe weather caused other schools to cancel. “We just did (the silver award) in October in the Lake District during Storm Amy,” said Maria Tandy, the DofE lead at the school. “I think he was quite impressed by that.”
During their conversation, Tandy humorously remarked on the challenges they faced, including a flooded campsite, which led to their last-minute change of plans. “They assumed you wouldn’t do it, because every other school has cancelled. I joked, ‘they don’t know where we’re from; we are hardcore.’ He quite enjoyed that,” she added.
The Duke of Edinburgh encouraged the pupils, stating, “It was an adventure that you will remember.” His visit also included interactions with other youth ambassadors, where he explored various volunteering activities and their impacts on personal development.
Approximately 9,700 young people embarked on their DofE journey in Wales last year, contributing over 133,000 hours of volunteering in their communities. Ruth Marvel, chief executive of the DofE Award, highlighted the importance of such opportunities for youth development, stating, “This is a brilliant opportunity to showcase the diversity of young people involved in DofE.”
Elena Velichkova, a DofE youth ambassador, expressed her excitement, stating, “I had a really nice time talking to the duke; it was exciting for him to be interested in our experiences.” Another ambassador, Tabitha Myatt, shared her personal journey from lockdown to outdoor experiences, calling the DofE program extraordinary.
As the Duke’s visit concluded at the Urdd Cardiff Residential Centre, he observed young people mastering skills like first aid and orienteering for their upcoming expeditions. His engagement with the youth underscores the DofE’s commitment to empowering young people through challenging and rewarding experiences.
With the ongoing support of the Duke and initiatives like DofE, the resilience and determination of young people in Wales shine brightly, making a significant impact in their communities. The Duke’s visit serves as a reminder of the value of perseverance in the face of adversity.
Stay tuned for more updates on how DofE continues to inspire and empower the youth of today.
