Staff member chosen as chair of international review team

Sandra C. Kelly, Minister of Youth Services and Post-Secondary Education, today is pleased to announce that a department staff member has been chosen as chair of a three member international team that will conduct a review of the Duke of Edinburgh�s Award Program in Scotland.

Bill Wilson, director of youth services, will depart the province tomorrow, June 7, and will return on June 14, 2002. He was selected as chair of the National Award Authority (NAA) review team because of his extensive experience and expertise with the Duke of Edinburgh Award Program in Canada and his lifelong association with youth programs. The other teams members are Gillian Shirazi, deputy secretary general of the International Award Association, and Gerry Costigan, council member of the President�s Award, Ireland (Gaisce).

"I sincerely congratulate Bill for this outstanding achievement," said Minister Kelly. "I commend Bill for his continuing commitment and dedication towards the interests of youth in the province and country, and I am honoured to have him as a member of my staff."

As part of the review, the international team will consider all aspects of the operation of the program including: the development to date, current delivery system and associated procedure, penetration into the potential market operating the program, constitutional aspects and organizational structures, recruitment and training of adults, international co-operation and financial matters.

The purpose of NAA Reviews is to provide NAAs with a comprehensive appraisal of their award operation. NAAs will be able to identify their strengths and weaknesses, consolidate their successes and plan for the future. They will provide a means of monitoring standards and promoting good practice throughout the award world. Reviews are conducted on a regular basis in order to ensure NAAs are adhering to the standards of the award internationally and in order for the NAA to learn from the experiences of the review team members.

The Duke of Edinburgh�s Award was founded in the United Kingdom by His Royal Highness, The Duke of Edinburgh (Prince Philip) in 1956 to help young people develop a sense of responsibility to themselves and their communities. The award fosters self-discipline, enterprise, perseverance and community responsibility. The award, entitled The International Award for Young People, operates in 104 countries with over 3.5 million participants to date, including 30,000 Canadians currently participating.

Media contact: Tansy Mundon, Communications, (709) 729-6573.

Photo#1: Bill Wilson, Director of Youth Services

2002 06 06                            3:00 p.m.