OPR- Friday, 4th March, 2005

The President of Malta, His Excellency Dr. Edward Fenech Adami this evening presented the President’s Awards Malta to more than 80 young people at The Palace, Valletta.

On this occasion President Fenech Adami praised the efforts of these youngsters who have been able to achieve the award by seeking individual improvement and believing in their own capabilities.

The President said that life is full of challenges and thanks to the joint effort of each and every one of us we can overcome these challenges and create a better society.

The President said that these youngsters have been awarded for their willingness to achieve their goals by working together and by being able to develop a sense of responsibility towards themselves and the community, adding that the recipients of today’s awards should also serve as an example to their peers.

The President’s Award is an award programme that includes a set of activities designed for young people from 14 to 25 years of age. It was launched in the UK in 1956 as the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, but it now exists under a number of different names in many countries in the world. It was launched locally in 1961 and changed its name to The President’s Awards in 1985.

Within it the participants are given opportunities to broaden their lives by participating in a wide range of interests related to personal abilities and community skill and which cover:

-         Services to Others: Carrying out tasks in simple first aid or Hospital volunteer work to learn the importance of the value of service to others in an understanding community responsibility

-         Expeditions: To encourage the spirit of Adventure and Discovery

-         Skills: To encourage the discovery and development of personal interests and social and practical skills.

-         Physical Recreation: Participating in various activities meeting different challenges in Physical recreation to encourage improvement of performance.

The Basic philosophy is to encourage young people to improve their own standards, to share the excitement and satisfaction of achievement, and above all to enjoy their efforts.