Medals for Students from Liceu

On October 28, the ceremony for the presentation of medals to young people who completed The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award – Portugal took place in the Main Hall of Funchal City Hall. The Award is an international non-formal education program focused on personal and social development, aiming to equip young people with life skills to make a difference, not only in their own lives but also in their communities and the world. Founded in 1956 in the United Kingdom by the Duke of Edinburgh and a group of educators, the Award is present in over 120 countries and has, over the years, impacted the lives of millions of young people.

The event, led by Dom Duarte Pio, Duke of Braganza, also featured the presence of Helena Leal, the Councilor for Education of Funchal City Hall, as well as Rubina Leal, Vice President of the Madeira Legislative Assembly. Rubina Leal was responsible for implementing the program in Funchal fifteen years ago when she served as a councilor in the same municipality.

Having fulfilled all the requirements and completed all sections of their respective program levels, four students from Jaime Moniz Secondary School, under the guidance of teacher Alzira Mendes, the Award mentor at the institution, received their respective medals. Two students completed the Silver level, while the other two achieved the Gold level.

At this year’s ceremony, the management of The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award – Portugal decided to present certificates to the mentors responsible for implementing the program in schools, as a recognition of their work over the years in supporting young participants.