Blackburn College celebrated 22 students achieving the Duke of Edinburgh Award at an event on Wednesday, November 1.

The students' ‘hard work and dedication’ was commended by the College’s Principal. 

The Duke of Edinburgh Award is a nine month-long, four-stage process, split between enrichment activities, volunteering, skills-building, and an expedition.  

Dr Fazal Dad, Principal and Chief Executive of Blackburn College awarded the students with certificates during the event.

He said: “This is an achievement each of our students should be very proud of, having shown great resilience in overcoming challenges and learning a range of new skills.  

“This is a great attribute and accolade to add to their CVs, and I’d like to thank our staff for their support in making this happen for our students.” 

According to organisers, achieving an award is about setting personal challenges and pushing personal boundaries. 

To earn the first part of their award, the students spent their lunchtimes taking part in enrichment activities, such as sewing, cooking, music, and navigation.  

They also volunteered with local charities, like the British Heart Foundation and the Royal Blackburn Hospital, and litter-picked around Blackburn town centre. 

Their award was culminated with a physical challenge, such as an overnight expedition at Rivington.

It lasted two full days, and the students demonstrated essential skills such as cooking and map reading.  

Caitlin Walsh, aged 17 from Darwen, said that she loved feeling totally independent. 

She said: “The best part of the Duke of Edinburgh expedition was the views when we were walking.

"The award has allowed me to develop my teamwork, communication, and map reading skills, and it has taught me how to be self-sufficient.

"The benefit of doing DofE is the sense of achievement you get after completing it. It’s fun and will look good on my CV."

Lancashire Telegraph: Encouraging students to take part in The Duke of Edinburgh Award is one of the ways Blackburn College aims to encourage young people to reach their full potential and develop job-ready knowledge and skills for future success.