Prince Edward meets young people in Crawfordsburn

The Duke of Edinburgh is on a two-day visit to Northern Ireland

The Duke of Edinburgh has met young people in Crawfordsburn in a celebration of youth awards from north and south of the border.

Prince Edward, who has been hearing from participants completing their Duke of Edinburgh Awards (DofE), visited the Scout Centre near the County Down town on Thursday morning.

The two-day trip is to mark the 25th anniversary of the collaboration between the award, Duke of Edinburgh's International Award and Gaisce - The President's Award, Ireland's equivalent.

Since 1999, participants can choose which award to receive after completing a programme of activities including outdoor education and volunteering for a cause.

'Discover new passions'

Kate Thompson said the initiative is about "reaching all communities"

"This is really about reaching all communities," said Kate Thompson, the director of The Duke of Edinburgh's Award (DofE) and the Joint Award Initiative in Northern Ireland.

She says the initiative was set up after the Good Friday Agreement to give all young people in Northern Ireland the opportunity to choose how they are recognised once they have completed the programme.

"We wanted to take the opportunity to celebrate the fact that so many organisations have come onboard, and every young person in Northern Ireland has the opportunity to choose what certificate they have," she added.

One of the organisations involved is Ulster GAA.

Ms Thompson said: "They talked about wanting to demonstrate leadership, and they have been talking about their young leaders’ programme and extending out to clubs to give young people the opportunity to take part.”

'Building your confidence'

Sophie Kerr is a pupil at Our Lady and St Patrick's College, Knock, and is currently completing the Duke of Edinburgh Award.

She says she is taking part in the scheme because it is a good opportunity.

“As part of my award for physical activity I did Gaelic football and for my volunteering I did junior park run," Sophie said.

"It’s really taught me about teamwork and resilience,” she added.

Rebecca Darling said the award helps build confidence

Rebecca Darling, from Strangford College, is also completing her award and met the Duke of Edinburgh at the event.

“He was asking us about what activities we were doing.

"It was really exciting, and he is a really nice, friendly person," Rebecca said.

She is currently completing the gold award.

"I’m doing it through school and my rugby club. You make a lot of new friends, and it’s really good for building your confidence.”