The Harrison College Duke of Endinburgh Award Scheme was lauched at Harrison College on November, 1st, 1997 with approximately 60 students and 2 members of staff, Mr. Michael Jules and Mr. Randolph Clarke as leader and assistant leader, respectively.
The Award Scheme is open to persons from ages 14 to 25 years and the participants engage in 4 areas of concentration. That is, skill, services, physical recreation and expedition, leading up to a Bronze Award, a Silver Award and a Gold Award. Participants must engage in these areas of concentration for specified periods based on the award to be attained. For example, Bronze- 6 months, Silver- 1 year and Gold- 1 1/2 years, and must show commitment and dedication.
The Harrison College group has embarked on several activities over their period of exsistence. Group members were officials at the Cable & Wireless BET 10K and CWBET marathon held in December 1998. Others included:
- December 1997- a practice hike to Coles Cave.
- December 12/13, 1997- Cancer Society's Lighted Parade.
- November 24, 1998- Nation Fun Walk (3 awards won).
- February 7, 1998- International Women's bazaar at Governmant House
(group members were ushers).
- March 22, 1998- Group members officiated at the Special Olympics at the
National Stadium.
- March 26, 1998- The Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Philip, visited members at The St. Michael School.
- Members of the Group officiated at several track meets held at National Stadium throughout the year.
By the end of the year participants should be ready to receive the Bronze and Silver Awards and a new group of participants have joined the scheme, including 3 student from the Combermere School.
The Duke of Endinburgh Award Scheme is a worthwhile experience for young people, and the Harrison College group is proud to be one of a few groups still surviving in Barbados.