South Ayrshire young people celebrated at Duke of Edinburgh Awards

Over 360 young people from South Ayrshire received their Duke of Edinburgh Awards at a prizegiving ceremony on Wednesday 6 March.

South Ayrshire Council's Thriving Communities service held the awards ceremony at Troon Town Hall which was attended by parents, carers, school staff, and members of the community.

The Duke of Edinburgh programme offers a fantastic opportunity for young people to have fun, make friends, improve their self-esteem, and build confidence - all while working towards an award that makes a great addition to CVs, personal statements, and applications for university and jobs.

Participants in the programme must complete all four sections to receive their Bronze and Silver Awards: volunteering, a physical activity or sport, learning a skill, and going on an expedition. For the Gold Award they must also complete a residential stay.

These experiences teach essential skills for work and life, such as resilience, problem-solving, teamwork, communication, and ambition.

Stephen Ferry, South Ayrshire Council's portfolio holder for Education said: "Its fantastic to see young people given the opportunity to complete a programme that sets them up with so many valuable skills for life. Recognising this achievement at an awards ceremony will be a further confidence boost. All of those involved should be very proud!"