Patron
Prince Philip, in addition to being the founder of the programme bearing his title, is also its patron on an international level, and nationally, each country chooses significant public figures to represent and support the Award – in Bulgaria this is the President Rumen Radev.
History
The Аward enjoys the support and endorsement of a number of world-renowned leaders. They promote the development of the Award and its role in the field of youth policy and development.
The Award’s unique flexibility makes it easy to adapt and integrate into different cultures and societies and it was soon adopted by schools and youth organisations in other countries outside the UK.
Leading personal development programme
Established in early 2014. The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award Foundation - Bulgaria is the organisation officially licensed to deliver and coordinate the Award in the country. The first patron of the Award in the country is Mr. Rosen Plevneliev, President of the Republic of Bulgaria (2012-2017). Currently the patron is Rumen Radev, President of the Republic of Bulgaria.
The Award in Bulgaria
In 2009 the Award was first introduced in Bulgaria through the People's Community Centre "Future Now - 2006" on the initiative of Teodor Vassilev. After receiving a positive response and the support of a lot of business organizations and institutions, in mid-2013 a decision was made to create a national structure of the Award. Its main task is to multiply the programme and establish it as an effective tool for working with young people, which stimulates and certifies activities, qualities and skills that are developed outside the academic or school environment.
The Beginning
In 1956, three men in the United Kingdom launched one of today's leading international youth programmes, the Duke of Edinburgh's International Award. HRH Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, known as Queen Elizabeth II's husband, Dr Kurt Hahn, a German education specialist and founder of Outward bound and United World Colleges, and Sir John Hunt, leader of the first successful expedition to Mount Everest, created a balanced programme of voluntary personal development. The original aim was to motivate boys between the ages of 15 and 18, helping them to develop their potential and accompanying them through the difficult period between adolescence and adulthood. Later, the programme expanded the age range between 14 and 24 and became available for girls as well.
