News

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award International Association has, with deep regret, decided not to hold its triennial International Gold Event (IGE) in Kenya this year. The decision was taken by the board of trustees in a meeting last Tuesday. However, it will go ahead on the same dates, and will be hosted by the Award in Mauritius.

Greg Belton, chairman of trustees says, "Whilst the situation in Kenya has improved over recent weeks, we have to take into account the safety of young people attending the event. Given the cautionary nature of current public advisories worldwide about travel to Kenya, we have with reluctance concluded that the time is not right to host this event there. We have had to make an early decision, in what is undoubtedly a changing situation, to allow us enough time to make alternative arrangements.”

The IGE will take place as planned, but the location will move to Mauritius, where it will be hosted by the National Youth Achievement Award. This will enable the event to remain within the Africa Region.

Gilly Shirazi, secretary general of the Association, says, “This was an extremely difficult decision, and one that we have not taken lightly. We are deeply committed to developing the Award in Kenya and will work with our colleagues there to find additional ways of supporting Kenya’s young people during this difficult period.”

Find out more about the IGE on our Events page.