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Sunday 8 April 2012

Helps Dad's Self-Help Programme


Prince Edward
Prince Edward to Visit City
 
Mayor Nutter announced that His Royal Highness Prince Edward, youngest son of Queen Elizabeth, will visit Philadelphia April 26 and 27 to honour Her Majesty’s Diamond Jubilee year and to support the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award programme in the city.

The Prince is Chairman of the International Council of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award International Association, a youth development program which operates in 132 countries. The program was launched in Philadelphia in 2009.

During his visit to Philadelphia, the Prince will meet with Duke of Edinburgh’s Award participants from Girard College, Science Leadership Academy and Valley Forge Military Academy as well as students from suburban high schools participating on an independent basis. Mayor Nutter will join the Prince at Girard College for this event.

At Girard, Prince Edward will plant a tree in honor of Her Majesty’s Diamond Jubilee of 60 years as Queen. His great-great-grandfather, King Edward VII, had planted a tree at Girard during his 1860 visit to Philadelphia. After a visit to Independence National Historic Park, the Prince will attend a private reception to recognize the Commonwealth Societies and an invitation-only dinner at The Restaurant School recognizing the accomplishments of those in the program.

The following morning, Prince Edward will be the guest of honor at a breakfast hosted by the British American Business Council of Greater Philadelphia. The breakfast is also to recognize GlaxoSmithKline, which recently contributed $5 million to the youth of the City of Philadelphia, including a $500,000 designation to The Duke of Edinburgh's Award Philadelphia Program.

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award programme was established in 1956 by H.R.H. Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh. The programme mentors 14- to 25-year-olds through self-selected activities in community service, physical recreation, skill development and an adventurous journey that includes outdoor experiences. As participants progress through the program’s three levels – bronze, silver and gold -- they develop the self-confidence and follow-through that allow them to succeed in life. The programme was brought to Philadelphia through the Queen’s Jubilee Education Foundation. The foundation operates as a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Philadelphia Foundation.

There are 75 Duke of Edinburgh participants currently in Philadelphia, including 30 who have received their bronze medals and 15 who have earned their silver medals. In the fall, the first gold medals are expected to be awarded – a distinction Prince Edward also achieved through his participation in the programme.