In 1988, representatives of the Award Programme worldwide founded The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award International Association (also known as The International Award Association or IAA).
The Association was designed to co-ordinate and develop the Award worldwide, and to uphold the principles and standards of the Award Programme. These principles and standards are set out in the International Constitution. All operating authorities, whether at a local or national level, sign up to this constitution.
The International Award is run in more than 130 countries. The Programme, established in the UK in 1956 as the Duke of Edinburgh's Award, is operated under a number of different titles in some countries, for example The President's Award For Youth Empowerment in South Africa or the National Youth Achievement Award in Singapore. More specific national titles are also used, for instance: Premio Infante D. Henrique in Portugal, Avartti in Finland and Gaisce in the Republic of Ireland.
The International Award is an exciting self-development programme available to all 14- to 25-year-olds. Over 7 million young people worldwide have taken up the Award challenge. The International Award Programme framework is the same in every country and is made up of three Levels, Bronze, Silver and Gold, and four sections (participants are also required to complete a Residential Project at Gold Level:
The Award is not an organisation, but a programme – any group working with young people can run the Award. This is the great strength of the Programme, as it means that it can be used in prisons, by Scout and Guide groups, or in youth clubs.
The Award's impact Since its inception in 1956, the Award Programme has grown into an international programme for all young people. Currently offered in more than 130 countries, the Award is a self-development programme that is transforming lives. The Award’s impact can be found right across the globe, from the townships of South Africa to the shores of the Solomon Islands.
Some of the Programme’s participants include young offenders, street kids, youths from indigenous populations and children living in post-conflict situations. For these marginalised groups, the Award can prove a decisive turning point in their lives, and also for the lives of those around them.