Written by Megan Evans, SSA Youth Influencer GT
As Scouts, we often get the opportunity to participate in initiatives run by partner organisations too. One such initiative is The President’s Award (TPA). TPA is the South African implementation of The Duke of Edinburgh International Award and – much like Scouting – has a structured development programme.
SCOUTS South Africa has an established partnership with The President’s Award so that Scouts, Rovers, and young Scouters can complete the award in conjunction with the Scouting Advancement programmes, and at a reduced cost. Within Scouting, TPA is recognised as a Challenge Award and has its own unique badge.
Upon turning 16, I enrolled directly into the TPA Gold Level, which meant that I was required to complete 72 hours of service over 18 months, participate in a physical recreational activity for 12 months, work on a skill for 12 months, undertake a residential project of 5 days, 4 nights, and undertake an adventurous journey of 4 days, 3 nights which would have to be an 80km hike, 225km cycle, 160km horseback ride, 6 hours of canoeing each day, or 8 hours of sailing each day.
I first learnt about the TPA programme through some Scouting friends. I decided to start the award independently through Scouts. However, when my school launched their own TPA extramural, I completed the award through my high school.
For my physical recreational activity, I consistently participated in my local Parkrun, continued to hike with my Scout Troop, and participated in school sports. For the skills aspect of my award, I took AP maths as an additional subject from grade 10 to grade 12, and attended multiple lessons each week. I was also an active member in my school’s photography club and choir, which I would attend weekly.
As Scouts, community service is engrained in our DNA, but when starting the project the thought of 72 hours of service was daunting, especially considering that only 4 hours per day could be logged. My school organised service projects for the President’s Award students to participate in, in which I accumulated a substantial amount of hours. But I was still not close to achieving the total amount of service hours. My school hosted a seminar where TPA representatives came and explained the programme to seniors, in order for us to assist juniors. It was there that I learnt that being a leader in a youth organisation counted as community service. Bingo! This meant that I was accumulating 2 hours every Friday night from being a Patrol Leader and later a Troop Leader, as well as 4 hours for every day we spent on camp. Furthermore, I staffed 3 PLTUs within the time I was participating in the award, which meant I accumulated a further 4 hours on each day of each course due to me being Assistant Troop Leader and Troop Leader on these courses.
I was also working on my Springbok Award. So, whilst completing my TPA requirement I also planned and led my Springbok community service project. This meant that over 18 months I accumulated 525 service hours between both projects.
The requirement of the Residential Project was “a shared purposeful activity with people who are not your usual colleagues or friends, in an unfamiliar residential setting for at least 4 nights and 5 consecutive days,” in which I “assist as a leader at an annual camp for young people.” So with prior approval, it was agreed that me being Troop Leader on 63rd Gilten PLTU – which is a 10-day Patrol Leadership course that is completed by Scouts aged 14-17 – would suffice as a project. I was able to assist young people to grow as leaders through Scouting, whilst completing my TPA requirement.
I had one more requirement to fulfil, my adventurous journey! One of my favourite events by far during my Scouting journey was the Cederberg Senior Scout Adventure in 2016, in which my Patrol hiked the South Peaks route. I was thrilled to learn that it would qualify as my adventurous journey.
I completed the TPA Gold Level at the beginning of my Matric year. Whilst participating in the 24th World Scout Jamboree in the USA, I was fortunate to attend an international Duke of Edinburgh awards ceremony which was hosted for all Scouts at the jamboree that had completed any of the levels. We were then awarded our certificates by the Duke of Edinburgh’s Secretary-General, John May.
I am a great believer in the value of both the TPA and the Scout Advancement programmes. From experience I would encourage every Scout and youth member within the Scouting Movement to also participate in the President’s Award. As I highlighted earlier, I was completing some of the requirements for TPA within Scouting without even knowing it at the time! Chances are that I am not the only one. The President’s Award offers a challenge to the youth of South Africa to better improve themselves in many aspects of their life; so to any Scout looking for an additional and exciting challenge, here is your opportunity! Fortunately, through the partnership with SCOUTS South Africa you can join TPA at a reduced cost. Find out more here: https://www.scouts.org.za/the-presidents-award/
As a young adult and a Rover I am realising the impact both programmes have had on my life. Non-formal education focuses on developing wider life skills which help us young people ensure we are ready for the world. When paired with formal education, it provides a fantastic foundation for a young person to thrive and succeed in our future professional and personal growth.
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