Maragon Private Schools have produced its first Gold Awards holders for The President’s Award (TPA), after three years in the programme.
“Erin Crawford, Esteé Strydom and Charné van der Walt were the pioneers who joined TPA without really having a clear understanding of what it entailed. They took a leap of faith and committed 100 percent to a process which became more relevant to them as time went by,” Maragon Private Schools marketing manager Belinda Espag said.
The President’s Award is a youth empowerment programme affiliated to the Duke of Edinburgh Award and the International Award, Espag informed.
“More than a 130 countries worldwide are involved in the award. His Royal Highness Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh, is the founder of the Award. The Award has been in South Africa since 1983 and since Mr Mandela became president – the President of South Africa is the Patron-in-Chief,” she added.
The programme focuses on self-belief, confidence, a sense of responsibility to others, civic responsibility, personal discovery and growth, self-reliance, perseverance and improvement of essential life skills such as negotiation, research, communication, problem-solving, presentation and planning skills.
“With their Gold Awards, our golden girls have become part of a worldwide network of 800 000 people. Among them, His Royal Highness Prince Edward, the Duke of Wessex, Prince William and Prince Harry – all the royals are involved in the programme.”
Espag said the golden girls are now all eligible to join the South African Gold Holders Association (SAGAHA) and can now become leaders in the field of youth development and empowerment.
If they are actively involved in SAGAHA, then they may also become eligible for international events such as the International Gold Event, a three-yearly worldwide event, Espag informed.
“Congratulations, girls. Thank you for your commitment and the example you have set to your peers. May your future shine as bright as your gold blazer pins,” Espag concluded.
