Gold awards for 59 young people

President Guido de Marco yesterday presented 59 young people with certificates and gold awards after completing the President`s Award Programme.

The President`s Award is a scheme for 14 to 25 year-olds initiated in the UK in 1956 as the Duke of Edinburgh Award. It has been held in Malta since 1961 and is now held in 93 countries.

It is aimed at helping young people to develop their character and to give them non-formal education.

Those undertaking the programme have to give a service to the community, take part in an expedition, have an interest or hobby and participate in sports in a non-competitive manner.

Some 3,000 students are currently undergoing programmes leading them to an award. Around a hundred would be getting silver and bronze awards later this year.

Yesterday`s recipients included Mr Joseph Vella, a blind young man in his early 20s. He was able to achieve the award with the help of students from Maria Regina Secondary School of Hamrun.