The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Zambia proudly celebrated a historic milestone as government schools in Western , Southern, North-Western Central and Eastern Province achieved their first-ever Bronze Award completions.

This achievement powerfully demonstrates the inclusive nature of the Award. Many of the young people who completed their Bronze Awards come from marginalised backgrounds and are differently abled. This is a clear reflection that the Award is accessible to all young people, regardless of background or ability.

Following the successful completion of all Award sections, these young people participated in the Adventurous Journey and later graduated. This marked a transformative moment for youth development in public schools across Zambia.

Southern Province

In Southern Province, 13 young people from David Livingstone Secondary School and St. Mary’s Secondary School successfully graduated with their Bronze Awards.

Their achievement further strengthens the Award’s growing national footprint and reflects the increasing participation of government schools in structured youth development programmes.

Western Province

31 Participants from Village of Hope, Kambule STEM Secondary School and Holy Cross Girls Secondary School demonstrated dedication, discipline, and perseverance throughout their Award journey. Their completion represents months of consistent effort, teamwork and personal growth.

For many of these young people, this opportunity provided structured personal development that may not otherwise have been accessible. This reinforces the the Award’s vision that every young person is given a chance to participate in the programme.

Central Province

In Central Province, 27 young people from Raphael Kombe Girls’ Secondary School and Kabwe Secondary School proudly attained their Bronze Awards.

Their achievement reflects resilience, leadership development, teamwork and a commitment to service. These graduates have not simply completed a programme; they have strengthened their confidence, discovered their capabilities and positioned themselves as positive contributors within their schools and communities.

Eastern Province

Eastern Province’s milestone carries a particularly powerful message of inclusion.

18 Participants from Magwero School for the Deaf successfully completed their Bronze Awards, demonstrating that the Award truly creates space for every young person to thrive.

North-Western Province

North-Western Province recorded a remarkable 43 Bronze Award graduates, highlighting both scale and strong regional engagement.

Participants from Rodwell Mwepu Secondary School, Solwezi Day Secondary School and St. Charles Special School successfully completed their Award.

This achievement not only reflects high participation levels but also reinforces the Award’s commitment to inclusion, with learners from a special school actively participating and excelling.

A Stronger, More Inclusive Future for Youths in Zambia

These historic Bronze Award completions represent:

• Increased access to structured youth development in government schools
• Increase in active participation in the Award by learners from different backgrounds and with different abilities
• Expanded provincial reach of the Award
• Empowered and #WorldReady youths

The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Zambia remains committed to ensuring that no young person is left behind. By expanding access across provinces and embracing inclusivity, the Award continues to unlock potential and build character, one young person at a time.