Back to Swansea from Marrakech on the awards trail

A group of Swansea youngsters has just returned from a life-changing expedition to North Africa.

The adventure saw a group of 16 travel to Morocco to experience the sights and sounds of Marrakech and trek to the summit of the Atlas Mountains in pursuit of their Duke of Edinburgh's Gold Awards.

The Award is aimed at 14 to 25-year-olds and is split into three levels: Bronze, Silver and Gold.

Participants follow a personal programme of activities according to their aspirations and goals that could lead to a qualification that's internationally recognised as evidence of a young person's willingness to take up a challenge, to persevere and to achieve.

Swansea Council's youth service manages and supports the D of E programme locally.

It welcomes about 700 new enrolments every year across the three award levels that are facilitated by comprehensive schools, colleges, Swansea University, youth clubs and youth groups.

Seb Haley, Swansea Council's Duke of Edinburgh's Award Development Officer, was one of the expedition leaders on the trip to Morocco.

He said: "There were many highlights during the adventure but the ones that stick out are the atmosphere in the Djemaa el Fna square in Marrakech and the screen slopes of Tomball- North Africa's highest mountain at over 4,100 meters.

"These are recollections that will live long in the memory for all those who took part and are experiences that will benefit them in future."

Councillor Alan Robinson, Swansea Council's Cabinet Member for Community Regeneration, said: "The Duke of Edinburgh's Award offers opportunities that some young people may otherwise never have access to.

"Many of the young people who take part will make lifelong friends and learn new skills that will stay with them for years to come.

"It's a terrific scheme that could see participants helping out in the community, getting fitter, developing skills and even going on foreign expeditions. It's a character building experience."

Young people who are interested in finding out more about the Duke of Edinburgh's Award can contact Seb on seb.haley@swansea.gov.uk or take a peek at www.dofe.org for more information.