Peter Read, Duke of Edinburgh Manager at East Coast College, has received royal recognition for his exceptional dedication to supporting young people to complete their Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE).
Peter has run the DofE at East Coast College for four years, giving young people the chance to take on challenges, discover new skills and passions and develop their confidence, resilience, and self-belief.
He is one of a small group of volunteers who has received a personal letter of commendation from HRH the Earl of Wessex – a DofE Trustee – and a special commemorative coin marking the life and legacy of HRH the Duke of Edinburgh, the DofE’s patron. The coins have been donated by The Royal Mint and were sent to mark International Volunteer Day on Sunday, 5th December.
The 50-coin recipients were selected to reflect some of the different roles, successes, and activities on behalf of more than 45,000 people delivering DofE across the UK. Many have given decades to supporting young people, while others have gone above and beyond to make sure young people can continue their DofE despite personal challenges or the effects of the pandemic.
Over the last four years East Coast College has increased the numbers of learners taking part in the DofE award to around 160 and now offers the award to all learners who attend their Lowestoft and Great Yarmouth campuses as well as Lowestoft Sixth Form.
Peter said: “I was truly surprised to receive this award and am incredibly proud to have been considered for such a prestigious accolade. This recognition has made me very aware of the impact that my delivery of the Duke of Edinburgh Award at East Coast College has on learners and the value to those who achieve the award.
“Enabling our learners to complete the DofE award has improved their employability skills, life skills, overall confidence and given them additional qualifications in fire safety awareness and first aid alongside their college qualifications, providing a better future and enhanced career opportunities.”
The DofE’s CEO Ruth Marvel said: “If young people are the heart of our organisation, volunteers are the lungs, breathing life into our programmes, changing the lives of young people so that they have the confidence and resilience to deal with whatever life might have in store.
“At a time when so many young people are facing unprecedented challenges, DofE volunteers are instrumental in helping them to regain a sense of purpose, possibility and control over their futures. Thank you to everyone in the DofE volunteer family who has helped support so many young people through the most difficult of times.”