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Helping hand for South Wales students

Students from across South Wales are completing their Duke of Edinburgh Awards (DofE), following support from ourselves.

We have provided a £2,000 bursary which has assisted over 80 students who may have found the cost of expedition equipment or activities a barrier to taking part in the DofE programme.


WPD’s Karen Welch (centre) joined students at Coleg Gwent in Ebbw Vale. Also pictured are DofE Partnerships Manager, Ian Gwilym (right back) Campus Director John Sexton and College Lecturer and DofE Leader David Key. (both left back)

Taking a minimum of six months to complete a bronze award and 18 months to achieve gold, participants take on personal development challenges which can involve a new skill, a volunteering role or a physical activity along with the training and completion of a challenging expedition.

Ian Gwilym, Partnerships Manager, DofE in Wales said: “Currently across Wales, around 11,000 young people start a DofE activity annually.

“The bursary fund is a significant project for the DofE in Wales as our aspiration is to make the programme available to all young people. So we are delighted that WPD has been able to support us and to help break down some of the financial barriers that young people face.

“DofE activity provides participants with a wide range of brilliant employability skills that future employers love.” said Ian

Coleg Gwent at Ebbw Vale is one of a number of DofE centres who have been helped. Three groups from the college are currently completing their bronze and gold awards.
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