The Founder

The International Award was founded by HRH The Duke of Edinburgh, in 1956, in conjunction with Kurt Hahn, the German educationalist. Both were concerned that young people’s development was lacking in certain key areas, and they resolved to create a programme that would be a “do-it-yourself kit in the art of civilised living”.

Hahn persuaded The Duke of Edinburgh to chair a committee to oversee the programme’s development. It was this committee that decided the Award should adopt the principle of no competition and no membership requirements. In addition, it would respond to Hahn's concern about the decline of compassion, skills, physical fitness and initiative in young people.

The new programme took the name of its founder and leader: The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. It later became known as ‘The International Award for Young People’ outside the UK. The subsequent spread of the Award across the globe is testament to the universal appeal of the Programme, and the vision of its founder. However, even HRH admits that this took him by surprise. “When the first trial of the Award was launched in 1956, no one had any idea quite what would happen. In the event it was an instant success, and the Award has been growing and expanding worldwide ever since.”

HRH The Duke of Edinburgh has remained committed to the Award since its birth over 50 years ago. He continues to be involved, particularly in recognising the achievements of Award participants and the adults who support them. To find out more about HRH The Duke of Edinburgh, visit the official website of the British Monarchy.