Rédaction Africa Links 24 with The Observer
Published on 2024-03-27 11:29:41
Prince Edward, the chair of The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award, recently visited Uganda on a three-day trip to raise awareness of the award and support other causes. His visit began on March 18, when he met with President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni at State House Entebbe. During their meeting, they discussed mutual interests, leading to Museveni agreeing to become the patron of the award in Uganda.
The following day, Prince Edward, accompanied by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Henry Okello Oryem, attended the award’s Africa Regional Conference at Speke Commonwealth Resort Munyonyo. The conference aimed to emphasize the importance of non-formal education and learning in a young person’s development and discuss the sustainability of the initiative in Africa.
Additionally, the Duke of Edinburgh visited Buganda Kingdom and signed a memorandum of understanding with the Katikkiro of Buganda Charles Peter Mayiga. This agreement established a formal collaboration between Buganda Kingdom and The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award to encourage more young people to participate in the program. He also met with students involved in the global Non-Formal Education and Learning program and joined an Award in Action trip at Uganda Wildlife Education Centre.
During his visit to the wildlife center, Prince Edward was welcomed by the state minister for Tourism, Martin Mugarra, who guided him around the zoo to observe various animals and even participate in feeding some of them. The visit concluded with an evening reception at the residence of the British High Commissioner to Uganda, Kate Airey, in Nakasero.
At the reception, the national director of The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award in Uganda, Katende Mukiibi, expressed gratitude for the royal visit and highlighted the program’s ambitious plan to reach young people across the country. The visit underscored the importance of Non-Formal Education and Learning in the holistic development of young individuals.
Furthermore, Prince Edward engaged with Ugandan youth leaders during a youth dialogue on Sustainable Development Goals at Kabojja International School, Buziga. The young leaders shared their positive impacts in areas such as climate, IT, women empowerment, and entrepreneurship.
The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Uganda serves as a non-formal education and learning framework that encourages young people to discover their purpose, passion, and role in the world. Since its launch in 1995 as the Source of the Nile Award Scheme, the program has expanded to reach young individuals in over 20 districts in Central, Eastern, Northern, and Mid-western Uganda, benefiting more than 200,000 youth participants. The award is delivered through partnerships with various youth-focused organizations, including the Scouts, Girl Guides, Red Cross, Boys and Girls Brigades, and school youth groups.
In conclusion, Prince Edward’s visit to Uganda highlighted the significance of non-formal education and learning in empowering young people and fostering their personal development. His interactions with local leaders and youth underscored the importance of initiatives like The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award in shaping the future generation.
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