The student has achieved many immense things. But faced with the arrival of what some people call a VVIP, she is anxious.
“What will I say?” she asks. “How is he like?”
“Don’t worry,” we tell her. “He is enormously experienced and professional.”
We recently had the privilege to welcome to Turkey His Royal Highness Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex, to support the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award and its work with young people in Turkey.
The Award programme, the world’s leading youth achievement award, began formally in Turkey in 2003. The Award aims to develop new skills, including volunteering, team-work and self confidence in young people aged 14-24. 3,000 young people in Turkey have completed Awards at bronze, silver or gold levels so far, with another 3,000 currently taking part. It operates through a foundation; and now has 60 partnerships with schools in 14 cities. Recognised by the National Ministry of Education, the programme has ambitions to expand across Turkey.
During his visit, The Earl presented Gold Award certificates to 21 participants in a ceremony at the Consulate General. He visited two schools which are partners in the Awards programme; and attended a lunch and dinner which celebrated the development of the Award programme in Turkey. At every step he enthused about the award, noting its benefits for character development, communities and employability. Everyone came away energised and keen to engage.
And not once, having met His Royal Highness, was anyone remotely nervous.
We were immensely grateful to the Earl of Wessex for coming to Turkey to promote and support the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award. If any readers would like to know more about the award, as participants, schools or supporters, please contact Melissa Lara Clissold, National Director of the Award in Turkey, at melissa.clissold@intaward.org.tr
Follow Leigh Turner on Twitter at @leighturnerFCO