The President's Award-Kenya (PA-K) has called for support from school administrators to expand the programme's reach and impact.
PA-K acting chief executive officer Maria Birgen noted that in the last four years, award participants invested an estimated 4.5 million hours in community service.
"As young people navigate mental health and other life challenges, access to opportunities for personal development beyond the classroom, like the President's Award, are vital to helping them discover new talents and passions, build their resilience and self-belief, and give them skills employers value,” Birgen said.
She noted that over 500,000 participants have gone through the award programme.
President’s Award is a non-formal education and learning framework through which young people’s achievements outside of academia are recognised and celebrated.
The young people engaged are between the ages of 14 to 24 years. PA-K on Thursday honoured over 2,000 young people from all over the country who have completed their Gold level Awards.
The ceremony was conducted by its patron, President William Ruto, at State House, Nairobi. Birgen stressed that not all learning happens in the classroom.
She also emphasised that the award is open to all young people, whether in an institution or not, describing it as a "life-changing" experience.
Birgen said PA-K’s strategy realignment is to provide enhanced access, expand its reach, and demonstrate the Award's impact on transforming lives and communities.
She revealed that over 120,000 young people are currently participating in the award in over 1,200 schools, universities, middle-level colleges, youth groups, rehabilitation centres, and open award centres across the country.
The President’s Award- Kenya PA-K, which was launched in Kenya in 1966, is a member of The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award.
The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award was founded by His Royal Highness, The Duke of Edinburgh KG, KT in 1956, in conjunction with Kurt Hahn, a German educationalist and Sir John Hunt.
PA-K Award is an exciting self-development programme available to all young people countrywide equipping them with positive life skills to make a difference for themselves, their communities, country and the world.