Nile Awards

Association and Commonwealth Youth Programme Affirm Strategic Partnership
3 March 2010

The Commonwealth Youth Programme and the International Award Association (IAA) today affirmed a shared commitment to youth development and empowerment in the Commonwealth. At a ceremony held at Marlborough House, the Commonwealth Secretariat headquarters, Ms Mmasekgoa Masire-Mwamba, Deputy Secretary-General of the Commonwealth and Ms Cristal de Saldanha, Head of Programme at the IAA, signed a Memorandum of Understanding in the presence of HRH The Earl of Wessex, trustee of the IAA and chair of its International Council.

“Young people under 30 now comprise more that 60 per cent of the Commonwealth’s estimated 2 billion citizens. The issues the world is facing are critical – the past 18 months has seen the old economic and financial order collapse. Climate change is happening now. We need our young people to help shape the future for all of us,” said Ms Mmasekgoa Masire-Mwamba. Shared values

Ms Cristal de Saldanha (pictured in red, right) said: “As a youth programme with a presence in over 40 Commonwealth countries, the Commonwealth Youth Programme, which shares our values of investing in and developing young people, is a natural partner for us in our work. By working together we can increase young people’s capacity to bring about social change and build sustainable futures for their communities, nations and the wider world.” Around 650,000 young people in the Commonwealth are currently participating in the International Award for Young People, a self-development programme for 14-25 year olds which began in the UK in 1956 as The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.

Both organisations are already working together on a number of projects around the world. These include an initiative based at the Northern Uganda Youth Development Centre, in Gulu District, where young people affected by civil war are being given the opportunity to develop new skills and livelihoods, and thereby build a more stable future for themselves and their communities. In the Solomon Islands, a country with high youth unemployment, another initiative supports young people in establishing micro-enterprises while undertaking personal development through the framework of the International Award and the Commonwealth Youth Programme.

Media Release Tuesday 9 March, 2010

Uganda Scouts and The International Award: A Journey Through Partnership

Kampala, Uganda: The International Award has appealed to Scouts throughout the world since the Award first began in 1956. The concept of individual challenge is designed to encourage young people to develop into responsible, active citizens who will positively contribute towards society.

Challenging young people everywhere through the International Award has been given a significant boost following the announcement that over 100,000 Scouts in Uganda will take part in the service, expedition (adventure), skills and physical recreation activities as part of a new alliance with the Source of the Nile Award.

The new relationship agreed on Friday 19th February 2010 by the National Director Source of the Nile Award Mr. Rennie .A. Richardson and Uganda Scout Association Chief Commissioner Eng. George Samuel Onep will incorporate the International Award for Young People program in Scouting structures and activities in Uganda.

The Chief Commissioner Uganda Scout Association Eng. George Samuel Onep said that: “The International Award will help Scouts in Uganda (young people) to achieve their personal best. Participating in the Award activities will develop the full potential of the Scouts and help these young people make a real contribution to a better world.”

“The Award adds value to the Scouting experience by enabling young people make a real contribution to a better world; help scouts discover their sense of adventure and develop themselves; and enable the Scouts test their own limits through physical recreation,” The Award’s approach of Self Discovery is in line with the Scout Method which promotes personal development and learning by doing.” Said Eng. Onep.

“The National Director of the Source of the Nile Award Mr. Rennie. A. Richardson commented that; “This partnership creates a new way of delivering the Award to more young people in Uganda. Uganda Scout Association is one of the largest youth organisations in Uganda with a membership of over 100,000 young people. Engaging these young people in the Award will help them to become more committed to Scouting activities while at the same time creating a difference in their lives and that of their community”.

About Source of the Nile Award:

Source of the Nile Award is a member of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award International Association responsible for the management of the International Award for Young People in Uganda. It was established in Uganda in 1995 with the aim of supporting and promoting the interest of young people by encouraging personal discovery, growth, self reliance and perseverance with responsibility to themselves whilst providing service to the community.

For more information, visit www.nileaward.org or contact Mr. Katende Mukiibi, Tel: +256701534141 or +256312265133 email: nileaward@yahoo.com.

About Uganda Scout Association:
The Uganda Scout Association is one of the largest youth organizations in Uganda, being a member of the World Organization of the Scout Movement comprised of more than 30 million Scouts in 216 countries and territories. Uganda Scout Association was founded in 1915 as a Movement of and for young people. Its Mission is to educate young people to play a constructive role in society. It is organised in several age sections from childhood to early adulthood and its method is primarily based on “learning by doing”, “youth involvement” and “peer education”. The Scout Movement considers young people as citizens of today and not only of the future. All over the world, through Scouting, young people are engaged in working for environment, peace education and sustainable development.

For more information visit: www.scouts.or.ug or contact Mr. Okello Richard, Executive Secretary Uganda Scout Association, tel: +256772335422 or +256414236087 email: okelrich@yahoo.co.uk.

Bronze / Silver expedition: 19th - 21st June 2009 Wakiso
These expeditions are intended for participants in the central region. The routes are concentrated in Wakiso District, Gombe and Namayumba Sub county.

Bronze / Silver expedition: 3rd - 5th July 2009 Gulu
These expeditions are intended for participants in the Northern region. The route details will be available soon

Northern Uganda Award ceremony: 5th July 2009
This Award ceremony will be held at Northern Uganda Youth Develoment center, Labora - Gulu District. It is intended for participants who have successfully completed the requirements of their levels of participation in the Award.

General Award ceremony - Kampala: 12th July 2009
This ceremony is to be held at Sharing Youth Center. Over 70 participants at Bronze, Silver and Gold levels will be presented with their badges and certificates. At this ceremony, the Award Holders Association, Award Monthly news letter as well as SONA website will be launched.

Environmental Residential Project: December 2009
This will be held at the Uganda Wildlife Education Center - formely Entebbe zoo. It targets Gold level. Participants from Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania are expected to be part of this event. The event is also intended to enable participants contribute towards the conservation of the Environment and awareness of the diversity of wildlife existing in Uganda.
For one week, participants will be engaged in improving the infrastructure, animal care and basic tour guiding at the center.
Interested participants are encouraged to register before 20th November 2009. Please confirm your intention to participate by email to nileaward@yahoo.com

Ag. Africa Regiona Director to Visit Uganda: September 2009
The Ag. Africa Regional Director of the International Award for Young People, Sister Judith Dean will be visiting Uganda in mid September 2009. She will be acompanied by Mr. Tom Ogol the Petter Crudas Intern. The visit will see them witnes and assess the growth of the Award in Uganda and will see them visit the Open Award Centre at the Northern Uganda Youth Development Centre in Labora, Gulu District.
They will also interact with anumber of program stake holders including administrators , participants, local leaders and supporters. coverage of this trip will be available on this page.

2nd Gulu - Bronze and Slver Expeditions Held:
This exciting Silver and Reonze level Expedition was held over the Weekend of 2nd - 4th October 2009. It attracted over 120 participants took part, covering between 24 and 48 kilo meters over 2 days and one night for Bronze and 3 days and 2 nights for Silver. To many it was an experience of a life time and memories will remain fresh for a long time. The theme was, 'Using The International Award as a tool for Peace building , reconciliation and development among the Young people.' The participants were flaged off at the Office of the Resident District Commissioned in Gulu. Our valued patners - Northern Uganda Youth Development Centre, Common Wealth office, Office of the Prime Minister played a significant role in the Success of the Expedition. We also acknowledge the tireless efforts of Ms. Lillian Tebere, Mr.Otto Julius and all the Award leaders in making it a success. Simillar expeditions will be taking place in Kitgum and Amuru District in December 2009