KATHMANDU, April 11:  The Duke of Edinburgs International Award family in Nepal has announced to celebrate the life of late British Prince Philip, who passed away on Friday at the age of 99. Late Prince Philip founded the prestigious international Award 65 years ago. 

The International Award family in Nepal has encouraged anyone who would like to share a message of condolence, or memories of the Award and what it means to them to visit www.facebook.com/intaward.

"Sixty-five years ago, His Royal Highness established The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award in the UK. Since then, it has been delivered in more than 130 countries and territories, equipping and empowering millions of young people to build the skills, confidence and resilience they need to support their communities and be ready for the world," said a press statement issued by the International Award family in Nepal.  

“HRH The Duke of Edinburgh Prince Phillip’s contributions in community service and as a champion of non formal education and youth empowerment, through the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Programme, is an enduring legacy that will live on”, the statement quoted Chair of the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Nepal Astha Thapa as saying.

From its founding, The Duke has been committed to ensuring the Award is accessible to young people of all backgrounds. Around the world, the Award has provided opportunities to at risk and marginalised young individuals, including post-conflict communities (Cote d`Ivoire; Uganda); disability groups (Indonesia); indigenous peoples (Belize, Australia) and young offenders (Ghana, South Africa). 

The statement said the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award has a deep relationship with Nepal. Sir John Hunt was tasked to set up The Award after his successful expedition to Everest in 1953, by the Duke of Edinburgh Prince Phillip. In 2013, on the 60th anniversary of the first ascent of Everest, The Award was brought back to its spiritual home in Nepal. The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award was formally introduced in Nepal with the aim to develop the Award across multiple sectors by partnering with organization who share the common value of youth empowerment and development. 

Every year, more than a million young people participate in the Award worldwide, supported by around 200,000 volunteers. Whilst it is known by a number of different names globally – from The President’s Award in South Africa, to The International Award for Young People in India, the framework remains the same.  

The Award is delivered around the world by schools, colleges, universities, employers, social clubs, uniformed and non-uniformed youth organisations, young offenders’ institutions, religious organisations, sports clubs, and a whole host of other civic organisations. 

 
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