Gold Encounter - Kenya 2008

International Gold Event - Kenya
12th to 25th October 2008


The International Gold Event (IGE) is a once in a lifetime opportunity that enables all its participants to discuss about the Award, how to improve it, and determine some of its common traits through the world.  There is no better way to discover different facets of the Duke of Edinburgh Award then to discuss it with a group of people from over 20 countries around the world.  

It is also a great way to visit a different part of the world. Kenya, in Africa, will be the host of this conference from 12th to 25th of October, 2008.

To be selected to attend a person must comply with the following:

• Be a Gold Award holder
• Be over 20 years of age and under 30 years of age on 1st October 2008
• Be an active and committed adult volunteer for the Award.
• Speak fluent English
• Not have attended a previous IGE as a delegate
• Have a Canadian perspective and be able to  represent the views of Canadian Award participants and Award holders in the Youth Forum discussions
• Agree to continue involvement with the Award after the event for 2 years with their respective division, as well as maintain direct contact with the national office at least once every 4 months during that period to report on current involvements.
• Agree to meet, in person, or via telephone their Division's Executive directors prior to attending the IGE, to initiate a relationship with the division, as well as plan goals for involvement with the award after the IGE.
• A debrief meeting should also happen afterwards and ensure that the learning outcomes from the IGE are utilised by the delegate, the respective division and possibly the NAA.
• Circulate a report of summary of the goals and action items that came out of the IGE to all divisions and national board, not later then 2 months after end of IGE.
• Have the financial means to take on such an adventure, with no help from any of the Award's divisions.
• Have a valid passport
• Be able to get a Visa to enter Kenya

Selection process:

• Applicants should apply through their division. The divisions will then forward the application to Rick Ashbee.
• Applications should include:
• Up-to-date résumé
• Letter stating why the IGE interest them, what are their goals for attending this international conference and how will they prepare for this.
• If possible - References from Duke of Edinburgh Award colleagues, leaders, field staff or any other award person.

All applicants will undergo a phone interview (via teleconference) to determine which candidates are best to represent Canada.

Currently, Canada has 5 places allocated. The demand has been put to have a few more, to a maximum of 8 participants to represent Canada.

All divisions are strongly encouraged to circulate information about the event as widely as possible through the Award network.

This is a once in a lifetime opportunity that may lead to (but does not have to) becoming part of a division's board, national board, and even a chance to attend the International Council (IC) as a youth representative.

Canada has been a great supporter of this event. Pass the word along and encourage gold awardees to apply for this great opportunity!

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