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Beyond the Award

Beyond the Award

Written by: The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award Foundation
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About this listen

This is a podcast channel by the Duke of Edinburgh's International Award Foundation (the Award).

Here, the Award holders from across the globe will chat about self-development, career paths, leadership, wellbeing, volunteering, and, of course, the role the Award played in these areas of their lives.


About the Award

Delivered anywhere, by anyone who is passionate about helping young people to achieve, The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award is a global Non-formal Education and Learning (NFEL) framework for young people from all backgrounds and circumstances. By engaging them in experiential learning beyond the classroom, the Award provides the opportunity for 14 to 24-year-olds to challenge themselves, and develop the knowledge, skills and capabilities for life and work in a rapidly changing world.

Since its founding in 1956, it has grown to reach nearly 1.2 million young people annually in more than 130 countries and territories. Every day, 1,500 young people begin their Award journey, taking on everything from environmental restoration and campaigning for inclusion, to the discovery of new passions and career pathways. Their stories show that the Award is far more than numbers. It is defining experiences that enable individuals from every context to transform their lives and grow into confident, responsible, reflective, innovative, and engaged young adults that are #WorldReady.

Let's connect!

https://intaward.org/about/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/international_award/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/intaward

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-duke-of-edinburgh's-international-award-foundation

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/intaward

© 2026 Beyond the Award Self-Help Success
Episodes
  • Pilot Podcast Episode: From Passion Projects to Global Impact (Part 2)

    Pilot Podcast Episode: From Passion Projects to Global Impact (Part 2)
    Feb 13 2026

    What happens when you give 1.2 million young people the power to lead their own development? In this pilot episode recorded in Lagos, we unlock the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award. Moving beyond the 'hiking' stereotype, we discuss how the Award's framework fosters essential, transferable life skills—from machine learning in Nigeria to marine conservation in Bermuda. Discover how non-formal education is shaping the leaders of tomorrow.

    Guests:

    Brianna Simmons, International Youth Representative (2022–2025 cohort) from Bermuda.
    Graduated from Roger Williams University with her Bachelor of Arts degree in Marine Biology and Sustainability, Brianna now works as Marine Mammal Specialist at Dolphin Quest Bermuda.
    Brianna grew up around water and loved everything about the ocean and its
    creatures, and for her Silver level of the Award, she sailed on a tall ship to conduct research on microplastics found in the ocean.

    Emerald Akhaumere, International Youth Representative (2025–2028 cohort) from Nigeria.
    Emerald is a trailblazing Nigerian Machine Learning Engineer, educator, and proud holder of both the Gold and Silver Duke of Edinburgh’s International Awards.
    Raised in a community where girls were often discouraged from entering tech, she is now the founder of AfroTechXcel—an initiative that has already empowered over 650 young women across Africa with AI and digital skills

    Hosted by: Oksana Dobrovolska, Communications Officer at the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Foundation

    We continue the conversation about their Award journeys and talk about their experience with the Award sections: Volunteering, Physical Recreation, Skills, and Adventurous Journey.

    Stay in touch with us on Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn

    Find us on Spotify, Amazon Music and Apple Podcasts
    Show More Show Less
    23 mins
  • Pilot Podcast Episode: From Passion Projects to Global Impact (Part 1)

    Pilot Podcast Episode: From Passion Projects to Global Impact (Part 1)
    Jan 29 2026

    What happens when you give 1.2 million young people the power to lead their own development? In this pilot episode recorded in Lagos, we unlock the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award. Recorded in Lagos during the International Gold Event and Forum, the pilot episode goes beyond the 'hiking' stereotype, exploring how the Award's framework fosters essential, transferable life skills — from machine learning in Nigeria to marine conservation in Bermuda. Discover how non-formal education is shaping the leaders of tomorrow.

    Guests:

    • Brianna Simmons, International Youth Representative (2022–2025 cohort) from Bermuda.
      Graduated from Roger Williams University with her Bachelor of Arts degree in Marine Biology and Sustainability, Brianna now works as Marine Mammal Specialist at Dolphin Quest Bermuda.
      Brianna grew up around water and loved everything about the ocean and its
      creatures, and for her Silver level of the Award, she sailed on a tall ship to conduct research on microplastics found in the ocean.
    • Emerald Akhaumere, International Youth Representative (2025–2028 cohort) from Nigeria.
      Emerald is a trailblazing Nigerian Machine Learning Engineer, educator, and proud holder of both the Gold and Silver Duke of Edinburgh’s International Awards.
      Raised in a community where girls were often discouraged from entering tech, she is now the founder of AfroTechXcel—an initiative that has already empowered over 650 young women across Africa with AI and digital skills
    • Martin Houghton-Brown, Secretary General of the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Foundation and a proud holder of Bronze, Silver, and Gold Awards.

    Hosted by: Oksana Dobrovolska, Communications Officer at the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Foundation

    Together, we reflect on their Award journeys and how following personal passions, such as aviation, tech, marine life protection, and music, shaped their experiences within the framework, increased confidence, improved wellbeing, helped find career paths, and strengthened connections with their communities. We discuss the International Youth Representative roles: how they were established and why they are essential for shaping the Award’s future. We also explore the relevance of the Award in a rapidly changing digital world.

    Stay in touch with us on Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn

    Find us on Spotify, Amazon Music and Apple Podcasts
    Show More Show Less
    33 mins
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