Why do the President’s Award?

 

71% of business leaders and 63% of young people asserted that formal education alone is not enough to equip young people to be world ready. According to business leaders surveyed during the 2020 Global Survey; the following skills in the order of importance are considered in helping young people become ready for the world out there:

– Individual skills, such as confidence, resilience and determination.

– Analytical critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

– Social skills, communication, teamwork and leadership skills.

– Humanitarian skills such as empathy, adaptability, intercultural and civic engagement.

– Technical ability, technical knowledge and practical technical skills.

 

 

Achieving The President’s Award will give participants the skills, confidence and an edge over others when they apply for college, university or a job. Beyond their academic achievements, universities want to see evidence of so called ‘soft skills’ that they have developed through extra-curricular activities, such as communication, commitment, leadership and teamwork. The President’s Award is a fantastic way to demonstrate these practical skills.

The President’s Award equips young people for life through the development of universal skills enabling them to become responsible, committed, dedicated citizens. It provides a framework for non-formal education and has set guiding principles, with proven outcomes for young people who complete the Award.

It creates experiential learning opportunities to help young people discover talents that do not necessarily show up in the classroom context.

The programme brings together practical experiences and life skills, building confidence, encouraging physical health and recreation, and motivating young people to engage with their communities.

For the thousands of young people who take part in developing themselves through the President’s Award each year, the benefits of achieving The President’s Award at any level are endless. The Award is about helping you along the path to a productive and prosperous future. Many of our participants say that it’s a life-changing experience. Participants will make a difference to other people’s lives and their community, be fitter and healthier, make new friends and memories to last them a lifetime.

Participants undertake regular activities in four main sections:

– Physical Recreation

– Voluntary Service

– Skills

– Adventurous Journey

The Award is comprised of three levels and four sections. Participants complete all four Sections at each level in order to achieve either their Bronze, Silver or Gold Award. At Gold level, participants also complete a Gold Residential Project.

 

Here follows the requirements of each level:

Bronze level requirements

Older than 14 years old.

Younger than 25 years old.

Minimum completion period of 6 months.

Participants must complete the requirements in each of the sections simultaneously.

Silver level requirements

Older than 15 years old.

Younger than 25 years old.

Minimum completion period of 6 months for Bronze Award holders and 12 months for non-Bronze Award holders.

Participants must complete the requirements in each of the sections simultaneously.

Gold level requirements

Older than 16 years old.

Younger than 25 years old.

Minimum completion period of 12 months for Silver Award holders and 18 months for non-Silver Award holders. Participants must complete the requirements in each of the sections simultaneously.

 

“South Africa’s youth are our future. Developing their potential is a top priority in our country. One practical way is to develop this huge reservoir of talent through their participation in The President’s Award Programme. The young people must take it upon themselves to ensure that they receive the highest education possible so that they can represent us well in the future as future leaders. ”

– The President’s Award Founding Patron-in-Chief, Mr Nelson Mandela.

 

To register for The President’s Award please contact Mr Riaan Vosloo,

email: riaan.vosloo@iesmail.com

 

Riaan Vosloo 

High School Teacher and President’s Award Coordinator